Discussion 2 Objectives

Integrative Biology 100
Discussion Class, September 3-5
#2 Ecosystems in Space and Time

You should be able to:

Explain why different regions of the globe have different climates, and consequently support different biomes. Describe and explain the effect the following have on the climate (rainfall and temperature) of an area:

latitude

altitude

tilt of the axis of the earth

global air circulation patterns

global ocean currents

proximity to bodies of water

mountain ranges

Describe the characteristics of the following major terrestrial biomes: tundra, desert, prairie (grassland), temperate deciduous forest, temperate rain forest, tropical rain forest.
Describe the effects of disturbance, or lack there of, in (natural and managed) ecosystems and explain its relationship to the process of biological succession.
Distinguish between the terms "primary succession"and "secondary succession" and describe some examples of each.
Distinguish between the terms "soil" and "mineral substrate".
Describe how pioneer species in primary and secondary succession change nonliving components of an ecosystem (temperature, light, moisture, humidity, mineral substrate, etc.) during the early stages of succession.
give an example of disclimax and explain how some ecosystems are maintained in a state of disclimax by natural means or by the intervention of people.