World Geo 3200/3202January 2011

Outcomes3.3.1 List the general characteristics of a

given ecosystem. (k) 3.3.2 Analyze patterns in the distribution of

world ecosystems. (a) 3.3.3 Predict which kind of ecosystem is

likely to result from a stated set of climatic conditions (i)

IntroductionAll life forms tend to be specially suited to the

physical characteristics (climate, geology, topography) of the ecosystems in which they are found

Ecosystems – particular geographic regions with their own characteristic life forms & climate

Dominant plant life in the region is most essential for identifying an ecosystem

Climax Vegetationthe natural vegetation in the last possible

stage of vegetation development. is stable and in balance with the climatic

conditions. It should change very little if left

undisturbed. Ecosystems are largely defined by the climax

vegetation that grows in it. The type of vegetation is largely determined by the climate.

Our EcosystemsWe will look now look at the major type of

ecosystems found throughout the worldLook at figure 6.8 on page 102 of your text book

and you will see the variety of ecosystems in the world.

Complete questions 17, 18, 19 (a, b, c, d, e) on pp 102-103.

Q. 17 & 1817. Explain the concept of climax vegetation.

refers to the vegetation that has dominated a particular ecosystem for many years

18. Describe the climax vegetation in the coniferous forest systemConiferous tree – a tree characterized by

needle-like leaves that remain green all year & do not drop every fall. Also thick bark, conical shape, shallow roots(North America, Scandinavia, Russia).

Question 19Analyze the world ecosystems map on p. 102

& complete the following:a). The most widespread ecosystem in the

high latitudesBoreal forests and tundrab). Name the forest ecosystem in the low

latitudes, close to the equator.Tropical rain forests

Question 19c).The most predominant ecosystem in South

AmericaTropical rain forestd). Continents that do not experience a

tundra ecosystemSouth America, Africa, Australiae). The name of the ecosystem in our regionBoreal forest

World Ecosystems High Latitude Ecosystems (Towards the

poles)

Coniferous (Boreal) Forests

Tundra

Polar Ice Caps

World Ecosystems Mid Latitude Ecosystems

Temperate Grasslands

Temperate Deciduous Forests

World Ecosystems Low Latitude Ecosystems (generally close to

the equator)

Tropical Rain ForestsSavanna GrasslandsDeserts

Mountain Ecosystems

World EcosystemsComplete the 3 part assignment on World

Ecosystems. The questions will help to provide you with a brief overview of each ecosystems

The climax vegetation, climate, and adaptations are important to note for each ecosystem

Climate & EcosystemsRegions that are located in different parts of

the world but have similar climates tend to be classified as the same ecosystem

Ecosystems are often defined or classified in terms of specific ranges of annual temperature and precipitation

Check figure 6.9, p.103 as an example.

Climate & EcosystemsThe dominant vegetation is determined largely

by climatic conditions, however, so major ecosystems closely parallel climatic conditions

To help understand the relationship between ecosystems and climate, complete Reproducible Worksheet 6.2 “ Climatic Conditions in the Earth’s Ecosystem”

Use the world climate map in Figure 5.1 on page 75 of your text along with Figure 6.8 on page 102 to complete the worksheet