Temperature

Definition

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules in a substance, indicating how hot or cold that substance is. In the context of terrestrial biomes, temperature plays a crucial role in determining the types of ecosystems that develop in different geographical areas. It influences the distribution of plant and animal species, seasonal changes, and overall biodiversity within each biome.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Temperature varies widely across terrestrial biomes, influencing the types of vegetation that can thrive in each region.
2. In general, tropical biomes tend to have higher average temperatures year-round compared to temperate or polar biomes.
3. Seasonal temperature changes can drive migration patterns in animals and trigger physiological responses in plants.
4. Extreme temperatures can lead to stress in ecosystems, potentially resulting in shifts in species composition and biodiversity loss.
5. Climate change is impacting global temperatures, leading to alterations in biome distributions and affecting species adapted to specific temperature ranges.

Review Questions

• How does temperature influence the distribution of plant and animal species in terrestrial biomes?
  • Temperature significantly affects the distribution of plant and animal species as it dictates which organisms can survive and thrive in certain environments. Different species have specific temperature ranges they can tolerate, leading to distinct ecosystems based on prevailing temperatures. For example, cacti are adapted to hot desert climates, while coniferous trees are suited for colder regions. As temperature changes, it can force species to migrate or adapt, shaping the overall biodiversity within each biome.
• Discuss how seasonal temperature variations impact ecological interactions among species within a biome.
  • Seasonal temperature variations create fluctuations in environmental conditions that influence ecological interactions among species. For instance, during warmer months, some plants may bloom earlier or later based on temperature cues, which can affect pollinator availability and food sources for herbivores. Additionally, temperature changes can dictate breeding seasons for many animals, affecting predator-prey dynamics. These interactions demonstrate the interconnectedness of species and how temperature plays a critical role in ecosystem functioning.
• Evaluate the implications of climate change on temperature patterns and how this affects terrestrial biomes globally.
  • Climate change is altering global temperature patterns, leading to warmer average temperatures and increased frequency of extreme weather events. This shift has profound implications for terrestrial biomes as it affects species distributions, migration patterns, and seasonal behaviors. For example, many temperate species may move poleward or to higher elevations in response to rising temperatures, disrupting established ecosystems. The changing climate not only threatens biodiversity but also challenges ecosystem services that humans rely on, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Related terms

Climate: The long-term pattern of weather conditions in a particular area, including temperature, precipitation, and humidity.

Phenology: The study of periodic biological events in relation to climate and seasonal changes, such as flowering times and animal migrations.

Adaptation: The process by which organisms adjust to their environment over time to improve their chances of survival and reproduction.