Children: Biogeography
Ecological classification is a systematic method used to categorize and describe the various types of ecosystems and habitats based on their ecological characteristics, such as climate, vegetation, soil type, and the organisms that inhabit them. This classification helps in understanding the distribution and relationships among living organisms and their environments, facilitating better management and conservation strategies.
An ecological niche refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, encompassing its habitat, the resources it utilizes, and its interactions with other organisms. It includes various factors such as: 1. **Habitat:** The specific environment where a species lives, including the physical location and conditions. 2. **Resource Use:** The way a species obtains food, water, shelter, and other resources necessary for its survival and reproduction.
Ecological release refers to the phenomenon where a species expands its niche or exhibits changes in its behavior, morphology, or reproductive strategies when it is introduced to a new environment with reduced competition or predation pressures. This concept often occurs when a species is removed from its natural habitat's biotic constraints — for example, when invasive species establish themselves in new ecosystems with fewer natural predators or competitors.
As of my last update in October 2023, "Ecoprovince" does not refer to a widely recognized concept, organization, or initiative that is commonly known. However, the term could potentially be used in specific contexts related to environmental sustainability, ecological governance, or regional development focused on ecological principles.
An ecoregion is a geographical area that is defined by distinct ecological characteristics, including climate, vegetation, soil types, and wildlife. Ecoregions are used by ecologists and environmental scientists to categorize and analyze the diversity of ecosystems and the relationships between different organisms and their environments. Ecoregions can vary in size and can be classified at different levels, such as global, national, or local.
"Ecosection" typically refers to a subdivision of an ecological region, often used in environmental studies and planning to categorize areas based on their ecological characteristics. The term can vary based on context, but it generally emphasizes aspects like climate, vegetation, wildlife, and landforms. In a more specific context, such as in British Columbia, Canada, for instance, the term "Ecosection" is used in the context of the province's ecological classification system.
An ecotone is a transition area between two different ecological communities or ecosystems. These areas often have a mix of species from both adjacent communities, and they can exhibit unique ecological characteristics and higher biodiversity compared to the surrounding areas. Ecotones can occur at various scales, such as between forests and grasslands, wetlands and uplands, or even between different types of aquatic systems.
An ecozone, also known as a biogeographic realm, is a large geographic region characterized by distinct ecological conditions, including climate, vegetation, and animal communities. The concept of ecozones helps classify areas of the Earth based on their biodiversity and the types of ecosystems they support. Ecozones are often used in ecological studies, conservation planning, and environmental management to understand patterns of distribution of species and the relationships between different ecological communities.
Effective evolutionary time is a concept used in evolutionary biology and phylogenetics to describe the time scale over which evolutionary processes such as mutation, selection, and genetic drift have significantly influenced the genetic differences among populations or species. Unlike "calendrical time," which refers to the actual passage of time measured in years or millennia, effective evolutionary time considers the rates of evolutionary change and the various factors that can affect how quickly or slowly evolutionary processes occur.
The elevational diversity gradient refers to the pattern of biodiversity changes as one moves up or down a mountain or hilly landscape in relation to elevation. Generally, this concept describes how species richness and diversity can vary with altitude. In many cases, biodiversity tends to increase with elevation up to a certain point, often peaking at mid-elevations, and then it may decrease at higher altitudes.
Evolutionary fauna refers to groups of organisms that have significantly influenced the structure of ecosystems and evolutionary processes over geological time scales. The term is often used in paleontology to describe specific assemblages of organisms that emerged during particular intervals of Earth's history, especially in relation to significant evolutionary events like the Cambrian Explosion or the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event.
Extinction debt refers to the phenomenon where a species is at risk of extinction in the future despite currently still existing in a habitat or ecosystem. This can occur when environmental changes or habitat loss have already caused significant declines in population or reproductive success, making it likely that the species will eventually go extinct even if immediate conditions might seem suitable for its survival. The concept of extinction debt is often associated with habitat fragmentation, climate change, or other human-induced pressures that impact ecosystems.
Frontiers of Biogeography is a scientific journal that focuses on the study of biogeography, which is the investigation of the distribution of species and ecosystems across geographical spaces and through geological time. The journal publishes research that addresses various aspects of biogeography, including patterns of species distribution, the effects of climate change and habitat fragmentation, evolutionary processes, and ecological interactions that shape biogeographic patterns.
The future of marine animal populations is influenced by a variety of factors, including climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the implementation of conservation measures. Here’s an overview of what the future may hold for marine life: 1. **Climate Change**: Rising ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, and changing currents are affecting marine ecosystems. Many species are shifting their ranges toward cooler waters, which can disrupt existing ecosystems and lead to competition between species.
Geodispersal refers to the process through which organisms spread or disperse across geographical regions, leading to an increase in their distribution and range. This term is often used in the context of ecology and biogeography to describe how species expand their habitats or populations over time, particularly in relation to physical barriers like mountains, rivers, or oceans.
A glacial refugium refers to an area that remained unglaciated during periods of extensive glaciation in the Earth's history, particularly during ice ages. These refugia provided a microenvironment where plants, animals, and other organisms could survive while the surrounding regions were covered by glaciers. The significance of glacial refugia lies in their role as centers of biodiversity.
A "glacial relict" refers to a plant or animal species, or a specific ecological community, that has survived from an earlier geological epoch, particularly from the last Ice Age or earlier glacial periods. These species are often found in regions that were once covered by glaciers, and they have persisted in isolated refugia or microhabitats, often in colder environments that are similar to those of their original habitats.
Gondwana is a historical supercontinent that existed during the late Precambrian and throughout the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, roughly from about 600 million years ago until it began to break apart around 180 million years ago. It originally formed when several smaller landmasses joined together, encompassing what are now present-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of the Middle East.
The Great American Interchange, also known as the Great American Biotic Interchange, refers to a significant period during the late Cenozoic Era, approximately 3 million years ago, when animals and plants migrated between North America and South America. This exchange was facilitated by the formation of the Isthmus of Panama, which connected the two continents.
The Gulf of St. Lawrence lowland forests are a distinct ecoregion located in eastern Canada, primarily in the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. This area is characterized by a temperate climate and is part of the larger Mixedwood Plains ecozone. ### Key Features of the Gulf of St. Lawrence Lowland Forests: 1. **Geography**: The region encompasses the low-lying areas around the Gulf of St.