Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

48. Ecology

Introduction to Ecology

General Biology

48. Ecology

Introduction to Ecology

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2:28 minutes

Problem 8

Textbook Question

Compare the distribution of the natural terrestrial biomes of eastern North America with the distribution of anthropogenic biomes.

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Identify and define the key terms: 'natural terrestrial biomes' refer to regions defined by their climate, geography, and the types of plants and animals that naturally occur there, while 'anthropogenic biomes' are areas where the natural landscapes have been significantly altered by human activities.

Research and list the major natural terrestrial biomes in eastern North America, such as temperate deciduous forests, coniferous forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

Investigate how human activities have transformed these natural biomes into anthropogenic biomes, focusing on urban areas, croplands, and managed forests.

Compare the original distribution of natural biomes with the current distribution of anthropogenic biomes, noting changes in land use, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

Discuss the ecological implications of these transformations, including impacts on native species, introduction of invasive species, and changes in carbon and water cycles.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Natural Terrestrial Biomes

Natural terrestrial biomes are large ecological areas characterized by distinct climate conditions, flora, and fauna. In eastern North America, these biomes include temperate deciduous forests, grasslands, and wetlands, each supporting unique ecosystems. Understanding these biomes is essential for comparing them to anthropogenic biomes, as they represent the baseline of natural ecological diversity.

Anthropogenic Biomes

Anthropogenic biomes, or human-altered biomes, are regions where human activity has significantly modified the natural environment. Examples include urban areas, agricultural lands, and industrial zones. These biomes often exhibit reduced biodiversity and altered ecosystem functions compared to their natural counterparts, making it crucial to analyze their distribution in relation to natural biomes.

Biome Distribution

Biome distribution refers to the geographical spread of different biomes across a region, influenced by factors such as climate, soil type, and human impact. In eastern North America, the distribution of natural and anthropogenic biomes can reveal patterns of land use, conservation efforts, and ecological health. Analyzing these distributions helps in understanding the balance between natural ecosystems and human development.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Suppose that the number of bird species is determined mainly by the number of vertical strata found in the environment. If so, in which of the following biomes would you find the greatest number of bird species?

a. Tropical rain forest

b. Savanna

c. Desert

d. Temperate broadleaf forest

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Textbook Question

The open ocean and tropical rain forests contribute the most to Earth's net primary production because

a. Both have high rates of net primary production

b. Both cover huge surface areas of Earth

c. Nutrients cycle fastest in these two ecosystems

d. The ocean covers a huge surface area, and the tropical rain-forest has a high rate of production

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Textbook Question

Temperate forest in China and temperate forest in North America are part of the same biome but are distinct ecosystems. Explain.

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Textbook Question

Which statement best describes the desert biome?

a. It is found wherever temperatures are high

b. It contains a larger amount of biomass per unit area than any other biome

c. Its dominant vegetation is adapted to conserve water

d. Most are located at the equator; e. It is not suitable for human habitation

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Textbook Question

Which of the following biomes has a structure made up primarily of the mineral deposits secreted by its dominant organisms

a. Coral reefs

b. Freshwater lakes

c. Rivers

d. Estuaries

e. Oceans

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Textbook Question

Changes in the seasons are caused by

a. The tilt of Earth's axis toward or away from the sun

b. Annual cycles of temperature and rainfall

c. Variation in the distance between Earth and the sun

d. An annual cycle in the sun's energy output

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Textbook Question

Like Earth, Mars has seasons—its Northern Hemisphere experiences winter when its Southern Hemisphere experiences summer. Which statement is the best explanation for seasonality on Mars?

a. Mars is tilted on its axis.

b. Mars has an elliptical orbit that brings it closer to the Sun in summer than in winter.

c. Mars has a circular orbit and maintains a constant distance from the Sun.

d. The Southern Hemisphere of Mars consistently receives direct solar radiation.

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Textbook Question

In an ecosystem, how is the flow of energy similar to that of matter, and how is it different?

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