Unit 4: Climate Impacts on the Biosphere

Front

What is an abiotic factor?

Back

An abiotic factor is a nonliving component of an ecosystem, such as water, sunlight, soil, and temperature.

Front

Give an example of an abiotic factor in the Arctic environment.

Back

Ice is an example of an abiotic factor in the Arctic environment.

Front

How do polar bears interact with abiotic factors?

Back

Polar bears interact with abiotic factors by swimming in water and walking on ice.

Front

What is a consumer in a food web?

Back

A consumer is an organism that obtains energy by eating other organisms.

Front

What happens to carbon dioxide levels if plant populations decrease?

Back

If plant populations decrease, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would increase.

Front

What role do estuaries play in the ecosystem?

Back

Estuaries provide breeding grounds for many fish, which are important for human consumption.

Front

Define a producer in an ecosystem.

Back

A producer is an organism that can make its own food through photosynthesis, such as plants.

Front

What is the significance of coral reefs in estuaries?

Back

Coral reefs provide habitat for diverse marine life and are important for snorkeling and diving.

Front

Explain the term 'food web'.

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem.

Front

What is the impact of climate change on the biosphere?

Back

Climate change can alter habitats, affect species distribution, and disrupt ecosystems.