Communities, Biomes, Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystemsand Ecosystems

Chapter 3Chapter 3

Limiting FactorsLimiting Factors

• Any abiotic or biotic actor that restricts the numbers, reproduction, or distribution of organisms

Examples of Limiting FactorsExamples of Limiting Factors

•Sunlight

•Food

•Water

Range of ToleranceRange of Tolerance

• The range of environmental conditions in which an organism can live and reproduce.

Where will you find the greatest Where will you find the greatest diversity? Least # of organisms?diversity? Least # of organisms?

ComparisonComparison

Limiting Factors

• Are biotic or abiotic factors that LIMIT the growth of a species.

Range of Tolerance

• Determined by the limiting factors that affect a species.

Ecological SuccessionEcological Succession

The process by which an existing ecosystem is gradually and progressively replaced by another ecosystem

Primary SuccessionPrimary Succession

• The development of biotic communities in a previously uninhabited and barren habitat with little or no soil.

• Ex. After lava flow

Pioneer SpeciesPioneer Species

• First organisms to appear in primary succession

• Help to create the soil by secreting acid to break down rock

• Ex. Lichens (fungi/algae combo) & Mosses

Climax CommunityClimax Community

• A relatively stable collection of plants and animals

• These will change due to environmental factors such as fires, floods, winds, tsunamis, hurricanes, droughts, and other natural disasters.

Secondary SuccessionSecondary Succession

• The development of biotic communities in an area where the natural vegetation has been removed or destroyed but where soil is present.

• Ex. After a fire

See figure on See figure on

Page 64Page 64

ComparisonComparison

Primary Succession

• The establishment of a community in an area with no soil.

Secondary Succession

• The establishment of a new community in an existing ecosystem that was disturbed.

Where are the most pioneer species? Where are the most pioneer species? What usually appears last?What usually appears last?

BiomesBiomes

Ecosystems identified by their climax community

ClimateClimate• The average year-after-year

conditions of temperature & precipitation in a particular region

• The variation of climate primarily depends upon the angle of incoming sunlight

Types Terrestrial of BiomesTypes Terrestrial of Biomes

• Tundra

• Boreal Forest

• Temperate Forest

• Temperate Woodlands

• Temperate Grassland

• Desert

Types Terrestrial of BiomesTypes Terrestrial of Biomes

• Tropical Savanna

• Tropical Seasonal Forest

• Tropical Rain Forest

• *Mountains

• *Polar Region

ComparisonComparison

Temperate

• Mild temperatures, temperatures are not extreme.

Tropical

• Hot & Humid

Aquatic BiomesAquatic Biomes

• Fresh Water

–Rivers and Streams• Flowing Water

–Lakes and Ponds• Standing Water

Freshwater ZonesFreshwater Zones

• Littoral

• Limnetic

• Profundal

• Benthic

Freshwater ZonesFreshwater Zones

Aquatic BiomesAquatic Biomes• Marine

–Intertidal Zone–Open Ocean

•Photic Zone• Aphotic Zone• Benthic Zone• Abyssal Zone

–Costal Ocean and Coral Reef

Transitional ZonesTransitional Zones

• Wetlands

• Estuary