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Ch. 52 - An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere
Campbell - Campbell Biology 12th Edition
Urry12th EditionCampbell BiologyISBN: 9785794169850Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 52, Problem 6

When climbing a mountain, we can observe transitions in biological communities that are analogous to the changes
a. In biomes at different latitudes
b. In different depths in the ocean
c. In a community through different seasons
d. In an ecosystem as it evolves over time

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of biological communities: Biological communities are groups of interacting organisms living together in a specific area. These communities can change based on environmental factors such as altitude, latitude, depth, and time.
Consider the analogy of mountain climbing: As you climb a mountain, the environmental conditions change, such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight. These changes can lead to different biological communities at various altitudes.
Compare with latitudinal changes: Similar to climbing a mountain, moving from the equator to the poles involves changes in climate and environmental conditions, leading to different biomes. This is analogous to the transitions observed in mountain biological communities.
Evaluate other options: Consider how changes in ocean depth, seasonal changes, and ecosystem evolution might also lead to transitions in biological communities. Each of these scenarios involves different environmental factors influencing community structure.
Identify the correct analogy: Determine which option best describes the transitions observed when climbing a mountain. The correct analogy involves changes in biomes at different latitudes, as both involve shifts in environmental conditions leading to different biological communities.

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Key Concepts

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

Biomes and Latitude

Biomes are large ecological areas on the Earth's surface, with flora and fauna adapting to their environment. Latitude affects climate, which in turn influences the type of biome present. As latitude changes, so do temperature and precipitation patterns, leading to transitions between biomes such as tundra, forest, and desert.
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Ocean Depths and Biological Communities

The ocean is stratified into different zones based on depth, each hosting distinct biological communities. Light availability, pressure, and temperature vary with depth, influencing the types of organisms that can survive. For example, the photic zone supports photosynthetic life, while the abyssal zone hosts organisms adapted to darkness and high pressure.
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Seasonal Changes in Communities

Biological communities undergo seasonal changes due to variations in temperature, light, and precipitation. These changes affect species behavior, reproduction, and survival strategies. For instance, deciduous forests experience leaf shedding in autumn, while many animals hibernate or migrate to adapt to winter conditions.
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