Upload
theodore-boone
View
220
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The Biosphere: An The Biosphere: An Introduction to Introduction to
BiomesBiomes
Earths BiomesEarths Biomes
EcologyEcology
OrganizationOrganization
PopulationPopulation
CommunityCommunity
EcosystemEcosystem
-scientific study of the interactions between living organisms and their physical environmentsNo organism exists alone- each is part of a linked system of living and nonliving elements
- all the members of a species living in a given location - all the interacting populations in a given area-the biotic and abiotic factors functioning together in a given area
BiospherBiospheree
BiomesBiomes
- the part of earth where life exists (the outer surface of earth)
large geographic areas that havesimilar climates and ecosystems
Climate — average weather pattern in an area over a long period of time. Includes: temperature & precipitation
Vegetation (plant types) —depends on climate -affects which animals and other organisms the area can support – a biome is defined by its plants
Location — relates to latitude on earth and elevation
share similar traits
Regional Climate influences distribution of biological communities
Types of Types of biomesbiomes
LimitingLimitingfactorsfactors
2 broad classifications:Terrestrial – land biomesAquatic – water biomes
- the supply of certain abiotic factors will control what types of species can adapt and survive in the area
These abiotic factors include:temperature precipitation soils wind sunlight
Terrestrial Biomes Aquatic Biomes
• Tropical rain forest• Grassland• Desert• Deciduous forest• Boreal (coniferous forest)
• Tundra
Marine (salt water) :• Ocean• EstuariesFreshwater :• Lakes and Ponds• Rivers and Streams
Tropical Tropical RainforestsRainforests
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/world_biomes.htm
Tropical Tropical RainforestRainforest
At or near equatorAt or near equator Greatest diversity of living Greatest diversity of living
organismsorganisms– Large number of different Large number of different
animals, adapted to diverse animals, adapted to diverse nichesniches
– Lush, diverse plant growthLush, diverse plant growth– Different ecosystems within tree Different ecosystems within tree
layers layers The most rainfallThe most rainfall
– Very warm and wet Very warm and wet – Good drainageGood drainage– Rapid decomposition = poor soilRapid decomposition = poor soil
GrasslandGrassland
savanna
Prairie
(North America)
Hagemann, Judy. antelopeislandhillsprairie.jpg. August 1, 2005. Pics4Learning. 24 Jan 2008 http://pics.tech4learning.com http://www.omega.it/p/pa/pampa.html
Pampa (South America)
GrasslandsGrasslands
GrasslandGrassland Unbroken sea of grass Plants adapted to grazing by animals Many herbivores…
…and their predators
Fires are important Not enough water to support trees
– Grazing and fire inhibit other treesGrazing and fire inhibit other trees
DesertsDeserts
DesertsDeserts
DesertDesert
More N & S of equatorMore N & S of equator Climate: dry (duh)Climate: dry (duh) Plants adapted to scarce Plants adapted to scarce
waterwater– Many plants spread seeds Many plants spread seeds
(e.g. annual wildflowers)(e.g. annual wildflowers)– Water conservation (cactus)Water conservation (cactus)
Many types of animals – Many types of animals – very well adaptedvery well adapted– BurrowingBurrowing– Nocturnal Nocturnal – Small Small
Deciduous ForestDeciduous Forest
Deciduous ForestDeciduous Forest
Temperate deciduous forestsTemperate deciduous forests Mostly northern regionsMostly northern regions Deciduous = lose leaves Deciduous = lose leaves
each wintereach winter Plenty of moisturePlenty of moisture Cold winters / warm to Cold winters / warm to
hot summershot summers– Some animals hibernateSome animals hibernate
Diverse animal habitats:Diverse animal habitats:– Foliage to hide inFoliage to hide in– Seed & fruit-eatersSeed & fruit-eaters …… and their predatorsand their predators
Kolk, Melinda. taiga1.jpg. September 2002. Pics4Learning. 24 Jan 2008 http://pics.tech4learning.com
http://users.tellurian.com/teach/biomes/information.html
Coniferous ForestsConiferous Forests Also called:Also called:
– TaigaTaiga– Boreal forestBoreal forest
Coniferous forestsConiferous forests Far north of equator and Far north of equator and
high latitudeshigh latitudes Harsh winters (much Harsh winters (much
snow), short summers, rich snow), short summers, rich soilsoil
Abundant, open waterAbundant, open water Plants adapted to coldPlants adapted to cold Animals adapted for cold:Animals adapted for cold:
– FurFur– HibernateHibernate– MigrateMigrate
http://www.bergoiata.org/fe/national-parks-american/Denali%20Tundra.jpg
TundraTundra
TundraTundra Only in Northern hemisphereOnly in Northern hemisphere Permafrost (frozen soil) Permafrost (frozen soil)
– Small plants because of limited Small plants because of limited soil depth (treeless)soil depth (treeless)
Short growing seasonShort growing season Lichens, small herbs, mossesLichens, small herbs, mosses Birds & cold-adapted Birds & cold-adapted
animalsanimals– Will migrate to avoid coldest Will migrate to avoid coldest
part of winterpart of winter
– large & small herbivoreslarge & small herbivores
… … and their predators and their predators
Aquatic Biomes-represent the largest ecosystem on earth (over 70% of earth)
Marine Biomes:
- Ocean
- Intertidal Zones
- Estuaries
Freshwater Biomes:
- Lakes and Ponds
- Rivers and Streams
Oceans- continuous body of water that provides stable environment for a diverse group of organisms
- absorbs and holds large quantities of solar heat that helps to stabilize the earth’s atmosphere
Marine Biomes
Marine Mammals
Estuaries-found where rivers and streams flow into the
ocean (bays, mud flats, salt marshes)
-organisms must adapt to frequent changes (nutrient and salt concentration, temperature)
Freshwater Biomes:
• Lakes and Ponds
• Rivers and Streams
Lakes and Ponds:
- standing bodies of water that vary in size
-lakes that are rich in organic matter and vegetation tend to be murky
-lakes that contain little organic matter tend to be clear
Rivers and Streams:
- bodies of water that move continuously in one direction
-organisms must adapt to the current
-slower moving rivers contain more nutrients and thus can support a greater diversity of life
BiomesBiomes Heavily modified by human activityHeavily modified by human activity
– US grasslands barely exist US grasslands barely exist Overtaken by farmingOvertaken by farming
– Rainforest destructionRainforest destruction– Deciduous forest destruction for homesDeciduous forest destruction for homes
Biomes are defined by Biomes are defined by potentialpotential, not , not actual plants and animalsactual plants and animals
Biomes defined by climate of regionBiomes defined by climate of region Limiting factorsLimiting factors
– mostly temperaturemostly temperature– rainfallrainfall