Organisms and Their Environments

Life Science

Characteristics of Distinct

Environments

Habitats

Swamps Rivers andStreams

Tropicalrainforests

Deserts Polarregions

Temp. Warm-hot Varies Hot Hot-cold Cold

Water Abundant Waterenvironment

Humid Dry Dry/Frozen

Plant Life(examples)

Tall treesCypress

trees, ferns,water lilies

Bushes/treeon banks,

Water plants

AbundantTrees, vines,Lush growth

ScarceCactus

MostlyLichens/mosses

Animal Life(examples)

Alligators,Water birds,

Turtles

Fish,CrayfishSnakesInsects

BirdsVinesTrees

Snakes,Lizards,

Scorpions,Rabbits

SealsPolar bearsPenguins

Swamps• Located in areas with warm temperatures

• Because swamps have thick plant growth such as ferns and reeds, small bushes and small trees do not thrive because of lack of sunlight.

• Surviving trees are very tall, reaching for sunlight.

Swamps• Standing water causes the trunks of trees to

spread out to provide support.

• Ex. of Tree: Cypress has “knees”, or roots that come to the surface for oxygen.

Living Organisms in Swamps

• alligators

• turtles

• ducks

• frogs

• egrets

Rivers and Streams• Moving bodies of water can be found in warm or cold

areas

• Fast moving water prevents trees from growing, so there are few if any large trees in a river or stream.

• The moving water also tends to be full or debris, limiting sunlight and thereby limiting other plant growth.

Rivers and Streams• They can be fast or slow moving water.

– The speed of the water flow determines the types of plants and animals that live in them or use them

• There are many plants along the banks (bushes and trees) as well as water plants.

• Many plants use these plants for food or shelter.– fish, crayfish, snakes, and insects

Living Organisms in Rivers and Streams

•fish

•crayfish

•insects

•bushes

•trees

•snakes

Tropical Rainforest • Are very humid and warm and have an abundance of

rain that leads to lush plant growth– for example: tall trees, vines, ferns, orchids, and other

colorful flowering plants

• Animals that live in the rainforest are usually very colorful to match the variety of plants that live there.

• Many animals are also tree dwellers, moving across the tree canopy, rather than traveling on the ground

Living Organisms in the Tropical Rainforest

• tall trees• vines• ferns• orchids• other colorful flowering plants• birds• monkeys• frogs

Deserts• Are dry with extreme temperature ranges

• Some are covered with sand.

• During the day it is very hot, whereas the nights are very cold.

Deserts• The animals that live in the desert have adapted to

these conditions.

• Examples of specific animal adaptations are…– have ways to conserve moisture– the ability to go long periods without water (ex. cactus)– can withstand extreme temperature changes– thick skin (reptiles) to protect their body from the hot sun– sharp claws to dig burrows to stay warm at night/escape the

sun in the day

Living Organisms in Deserts

• cacti

• lizards

• scorpions

• jackrabbits

Polar Regions• Very cold with little plant life

– Occasionally, there will be a rock with lichens growing on it or possible reindeer moss.

• The amount of daylight varies greatly throughout the year.– Winters are mostly dark with only moon and starlight– In the summers, there is up to 24 hours of daylight

Polar Regions

• Animals have adapted to this environment by having extra fat or thick fur for insulation and waterproof outer coverings

• Include the tundra, the arctic, and Antarctica areas

Living Organisms in Polar Regions

• reindeer

• seals

• polar bears

• arctic foxes

• penguins

• small plants, lichens, or moss