Introduction to Ecology

1
Introduction to Ecology

• Chapter 52

2
Climate

• is the average long-term weather of an area
  varies with differing amounts of solar energy
  received by different places on Earth.
• Solar energy input determines temperature,
  precipitation, and air and ocean circulation
  patterns which leads to different climates and
  vegetation patterns.

3
Uneven Heating

• Regions near equator are hot due to more direct
  sun rays, concentrating energy in a smaller area.
• Regions near poles are cold due to the acute
  angle of rays.
• Regions in between have intermediate temps.

4
Seasonal Changes

• The 23.5 degree axis tilt causes regions to
  receive more direct rays during certain times of
  the year.
• Our winter northern hemisphere tilted away from
  sun.
• Our summer northern hemisphere tilted toward
  sun.

5
Hadley Cells

• vertical convection cells that distribute heat
  and moisture over earths surface.
• Warm moist air rises, dropping precip.
• Air moves N or S, then falls as cool dry air.

6
Global air circulation

• Most precip tends to fall at equator
  (rainforests), tapering off towards 30 degrees
  latitude.
• Dry air descends at 30 degrees (deserts).
• Precip falls again at 60 degrees (decid. and
  conif. forests).
• Dry air descends at poles.

7
Coriolis Effect and Winds

• Due to the rotation of the earth, air masses
  dont just move N and S.
• Air masses (winds) in northern hemisphere are
  deflected to the right.
• Winds in southern hemisphere deflected to the
  left.

8
Microclimates

• local climates that differ from the general
  climate of a region due to local topography.
• formed by
• Rain shadow effect more arid conditions on
  leeward sides of mountain ranges.
• Cities buildings block wind, absorb and emit
  heat.
• Land breezes/Sea breezes day to night
  differences in coastal areas.
• Altitude climate colder as elevation increases.

9
Rain Shadow Effect
10
Aquatic Biomes

• Saltwater (marine)
• Oceans
• Estuaries semi-enclosed area saltwater mixes
  with freshwater.
• Coastal wetlands land areas covered with water
  at least part-time.
• Freshwater
• Standing (lentic) lakes, ponds, inland
  wetlands.
• Flowing (lotic) stream and river systems.

11
(No Transcript)
12
Areas of Concern

• Coral reefs
• High diversity and productivity.
• Grow slowly, disrupted easily, need certain temp
  and nutrients.
• Problems warming trends, destruction.

• Inland wetlands
• Marshes, swamps, prairie potholes, floodplains.
• Vital breeding grounds.
• Water purification.
• Flood control.

13
Terrestrial Biomes

• Have characteristic climate and plant life.
• Here is an incomplete list of biomes
• Temperate Forest Coniferous ForestTaiga
  
  TundraTemperate Grassland
  
  SavannasChaparral/Mediterranean Scrub
  DesertTropical Rain Forest

14
(No Transcript)