Post on 24-Sep-2020
Land BiomesLand Biomes
APES APES –– LCHS LCHS
Dr.EDr.E
IntroductionIntroduction
Biomes are the major regional groupingsBiomes are the major regional groupingsof plants and animals discernible at aof plants and animals discernible at aglobal scaleglobal scale
distribution patterns are correlated withdistribution patterns are correlated withregional climate patterns and identifiedregional climate patterns and identifiedaccording to the climax vegetation typeaccording to the climax vegetation type
a biome is composed not only of the climaxa biome is composed not only of the climaxvegetation, but also of immaturevegetation, but also of immaturecommunitiescommunities
To understand the nature of biomesTo understand the nature of biomes
one needs to learnone needs to learn
Global distribution patternGlobal distribution pattern
Where each biome is found andWhere each biome is found and
how each varies geographicallyhow each varies geographically
A given biome may be composed ofA given biome may be composed of
differentdifferent taxa taxa on different on different
continentscontinents
To understand the nature of biomesTo understand the nature of biomes
one needs to learnone needs to learn
The dominant, characteristic, andThe dominant, characteristic, and
unique growth formsunique growth forms
vertical stratificationvertical stratification
leaf shape, size, and habitleaf shape, size, and habit
special adaptations of thespecial adaptations of the
vegetationvegetation
To understand the nature of biomesTo understand the nature of biomes
one needs to learnone needs to learn
The types of animals (especiallyThe types of animals (especially
vertebrates) characteristic of thevertebrates) characteristic of the
biomebiome
Their typical morphological,Their typical morphological,
physiological, and/or behavioralphysiological, and/or behavioral
adaptations to the environmentadaptations to the environment
Major BiomesMajor Biomes
DesertsDeserts
ForestsForests
GrasslandsGrasslands
TundraTundra
AquaticAquatic
DesertsDesertsDeserts cover about one fifth of the EarthDeserts cover about one fifth of the Earth’’ss
surface and occur where rainfall is less thansurface and occur where rainfall is less than
50 cm/year50 cm/year
Most deserts occur at low latitudesMost deserts occur at low latitudes
Another kind of desert, cold deserts, occur inAnother kind of desert, cold deserts, occur in
the basin and mountain rangesthe basin and mountain ranges
Most deserts have a considerable amount ofMost deserts have a considerable amount of
specialized vegetation, as well as specializedspecialized vegetation, as well as specialized
vertebrate and invertebrate animalsvertebrate and invertebrate animals
DesertsDeserts
Soils often have abundant nutrientsSoils often have abundant nutrients
because they need only water to becomebecause they need only water to become
very productive and have little or no organicvery productive and have little or no organic
mattermatter
Disturbances are common in the form ofDisturbances are common in the form of
occasional fires or cold weather, andoccasional fires or cold weather, and
sudden, infrequent, but intense rains thatsudden, infrequent, but intense rains that
cause floodingcause flooding
Types of DesertsTypes of Deserts
Hot and DryHot and Dry
SemiaridSemiarid
CoastalCoastal
ColdCold
Hot and Dry DesertHot and Dry Desert
Temperature
Desert surfaces receive a little more than twicethe solar radiation received by humid regions andlose almost twice as much heat at night
Many mean annual temperatures range from 20-25° C
The extreme maximum ranges from 43.5-49° C.Minimum temperatures sometimes drop to -18° C
Hot and Dry DesertHot and Dry DesertPrecipitation
Rainfall is usually very low and/or concentrated in shortbursts between long rainless periods
Evaporation rates regularly exceed rainfall rates
Sometimes rain starts falling and evaporates beforereaching the ground
Rainfall is lowest on the Atacama Desert of Chile, whereit averages less than 1.5 cm
Inland Sahara also receives less than 1.5 cm a year
Rainfall in American deserts is higher—almost 28 cm ayear
Hot and Dry DesertHot and Dry Desert
Soils
Soils are course-textured, shallow, rocky or
gravely with good drainage and have no
subsurface water
They are coarse because there is less chemical
weathering
The finer dust and sand particles are blown
elsewhere, leaving heavier pieces behind
Hot and Dry DesertHot and Dry DesertPlants
Canopy in most deserts is very rare
Plants are mainly ground-hugging shrubs and shortwoody trees
Leaves are “replete” (fully supported with nutrients) withwater-conserving characteristics
They tend to be small, thick and covered with a thick cuticle(outer layer)
In the cacti, the leaves are much-reduced (to spines) andphotosynthetic activity is restricted to the stems
Some plants open their stomata (microscopic openings in theepidermis of leaves that allow for gas exchange) only at nightwhen evaporation rates are lowest
Hot and Dry DesertHot and Dry Desert
Yuccas
Ocotillo
Turpentine bush
Prickly Pears
False mesquite
Sotol
Ephedras
Agaves
Brittlebush
Hot and DryHot and Dry
DesertDesertAnimalsAnimals
The animals include small nocturnal (active atThe animals include small nocturnal (active atnight) carnivoresnight) carnivores
The dominant animals are burrowers andThe dominant animals are burrowers andkangaroo ratskangaroo rats
There are also insects, arachnids, reptiles andThere are also insects, arachnids, reptiles andbirdsbirds
The animals stay inactive in protected hideawaysThe animals stay inactive in protected hideawaysduring the hot day and come out to forage atduring the hot day and come out to forage atdusk, dawn or at night, when the desert is coolerdusk, dawn or at night, when the desert is cooler
SnakesSnakes
LizardsLizards
TortoiseTortoise Bighorn SheepBighorn Sheep
CoyoteCoyote AntsAnts
TarantulaTarantula
Tarantula WaspTarantula Wasp
Semiarid DesertSemiarid Desert
TemperatureTemperature
The summers are moderately long and dry,The summers are moderately long and dry,and like hot deserts, the winters normallyand like hot deserts, the winters normallybring low concentrations of rainfallbring low concentrations of rainfall
Summer temperatures usually averageSummer temperatures usually averagebetween 21-27° Cbetween 21-27° C
It normally does not go above 38° C andIt normally does not go above 38° C andevening temperatures are cool, at aroundevening temperatures are cool, at around10° C.10° C.
Semiarid DesertSemiarid Desert
Precipitation
Cool nights help both plants and animals by
reducing moisture loss from transpiration, sweating
and breathing
Condensation of dew caused by night cooling may
equal or exceed the rainfall received by some
deserts
As in the hot desert, rainfall is often very low and/or
concentrated
The average rainfall ranges from 2-4 cm annually.
Semiarid DesertSemiarid Desert
Soils
ranges from sandy and fine-textured to loose
rock fragments, gravel or sand
fairly low salt concentration, compared to
deserts which receive a lot of rain (acquiring
higher salt concentrations as a result)
there is no subsurface water.
Semiarid DesertSemiarid Desert
PlantsThe spiny nature of many plants in semiarid desertsprovides protection in a hazardous environment
The large numbers of spines shade the surfaceenough to significantly reduce transpiration
The same may be true of the hairs on the woollydesert plants
Many plants have silvery or glossy leaves, allowingthem to reflect more radiant energy
These plants often have an unfavorable odor ortaste.
Semiarid DesertSemiarid Desert
Creosote bush
Bur sage
White thorn
Cat claw
Mesquite
Brittle bushes
Lyciums
Jujube
Semiarid DesertSemiarid Desert
AnimalsAnimals
During the day, insects move around twigs toDuring the day, insects move around twigs to
stay on the shady side; jack rabbits follow thestay on the shady side; jack rabbits follow the
moving shadow of a cactus or shrubmoving shadow of a cactus or shrub
Naturally, many animals find protection inNaturally, many animals find protection in
underground burrows where they areunderground burrows where they are
insulated from both heat and aridityinsulated from both heat and aridity
Semiarid DesertSemiarid Desert
Kangaroo rats
Rabbits
Skunks
Side-blotched Lizard
Mountain Lion
Mule Deer
Rattlesnake Burrowing owls
Western Bluebird
Coastal DesertCoastal Desert
TemperatureTemperature
The cool winters of coastal deserts are followedThe cool winters of coastal deserts are followed
by moderately long, warm summersby moderately long, warm summers
The average summer temperature ranges fromThe average summer temperature ranges from
13-24° C; winter temperatures are 5° C or below13-24° C; winter temperatures are 5° C or below
The maximum annual temperature is about 35°The maximum annual temperature is about 35°
C and the minimum is about -4° CC and the minimum is about -4° C
In Chile, the temperature ranges from -2 to 5° CIn Chile, the temperature ranges from -2 to 5° C
in July and 21-25° C in Januaryin July and 21-25° C in January
Coastal DesertCoastal Desert
PrecipitationPrecipitation
The average rainfall measures 8-13 cm inThe average rainfall measures 8-13 cm in
many areasmany areas
The maximum annual precipitation over aThe maximum annual precipitation over a
long period of years has been 37 cm with along period of years has been 37 cm with a
minimum of 5 cmminimum of 5 cm
Coastal DesertCoastal Desert
SoilsSoils
fine-textured with a moderate salt contentfine-textured with a moderate salt content
fairly porous with good drainage.fairly porous with good drainage.
Coastal DesertCoastal DesertPlantsPlants
extensive root systems close to the surface where theyextensive root systems close to the surface where theycan take advantage of any rain showerscan take advantage of any rain showers
thick and fleshy leaves or stems can take in largethick and fleshy leaves or stems can take in largequantities of water when it is available and store it forquantities of water when it is available and store it forfuture usefuture use
some surfaces are corrugated with longitudinal ridgessome surfaces are corrugated with longitudinal ridgesand groovesand grooves
stem swells so that the grooves are shallow and the ridges far stem swells so that the grooves are shallow and the ridges farapartapart
the stem shrinks as water is used so that the grooves are deepthe stem shrinks as water is used so that the grooves are deepand ridges close together.and ridges close together.
Coastal DesertCoastal Desert
Salt bush Salt bush
Buckwheat BushBuckwheat Bush
Black bushBlack bush
Rice grassRice grass
Little Leaf Little Leaf HorsebrushHorsebrush
Black SageBlack Sage
ChrysothamnusChrysothamnus
Coastal DesertCoastal DesertAnimalsAnimals
Some animals have specialized adaptations forSome animals have specialized adaptations fordealing with the desert heat and lack of waterdealing with the desert heat and lack of water
toads seal themselves in burrows with gelatinoustoads seal themselves in burrows with gelatinoussecretions and remain inactive for eight or ninesecretions and remain inactive for eight or ninemonths until a heavy rain occursmonths until a heavy rain occurs
amphibians that pass through larval stages haveamphibians that pass through larval stages haveaccelerated life cycles, which improves their chancesaccelerated life cycles, which improves their chancesof reaching maturity before the waters evaporateof reaching maturity before the waters evaporate
insects lay eggs that remain dormant until theinsects lay eggs that remain dormant until theenvironmental conditions are suitable for hatchingenvironmental conditions are suitable for hatching
fairy shrimps also lay dormant eggs.fairy shrimps also lay dormant eggs.
Coastal DesertCoastal Desert
Chilean Woodstar Chilean Woodstar
CaeciliansCaecilians
VulturesVultures
Mice Mice
FoxFox
Scorpions Scorpions
Cold DesertCold DesertTemperatureTemperature
Cold winters with snowfall and high overallCold winters with snowfall and high overallrainfall throughout the winter and occasionallyrainfall throughout the winter and occasionallyover the summerover the summer
Antarctic, Greenland and the Antarctic, Greenland and the Nearctic Nearctic realm realm
short, moist, and moderately warm summersshort, moist, and moderately warm summerswith fairly long, cold winterswith fairly long, cold winters
mean winter temperature is between -2 to 4° Cmean winter temperature is between -2 to 4° Cand the mean summer temperature is betweenand the mean summer temperature is between21-26° C21-26° C
Cold DesertCold DesertPrecipitationPrecipitation
winters receive quite a bit of snowwinters receive quite a bit of snow
mean annual precipitation ranges from 15-26mean annual precipitation ranges from 15-26
cmcm
annual precipitation has reached a maximum ofannual precipitation has reached a maximum of
46 cm and a minimum of 9 cm46 cm and a minimum of 9 cm
heaviest rainfall of the spring is usually in Aprilheaviest rainfall of the spring is usually in April
or Mayor May
rainfall can be heavy in autumn in some areasrainfall can be heavy in autumn in some areas
Cold DesertCold DesertSoilSoil
heavy, silty, and saltyheavy, silty, and salty
relatively porous and drainage is good sorelatively porous and drainage is good so
that most of the salt has been leached outthat most of the salt has been leached out
Cold DesertCold DesertPlantsPlants
widely scatteredwidely scattered
areas of shad-scale, about 10 percent of theareas of shad-scale, about 10 percent of the
ground is coveredground is covered
some areas ofsome areas of sagebush sagebush it approaches 85 it approaches 85
percentpercent
heights vary between 15 cm and 122 cmheights vary between 15 cm and 122 cm
deciduous, most having spiny leavesdeciduous, most having spiny leaves
Cold DesertCold Desert
LichensLichens
BryophytesBryophytes
Antarctic AlgaeAntarctic Algae
Snow AlgaeSnow Algae
KelpKelp
Cold DesertCold DesertAnimalsAnimals
population density can range from 14-41population density can range from 14-41
individuals per hectareindividuals per hectare
all except the jack rabbits are burrowersall except the jack rabbits are burrowers
also applies to carnivoresalso applies to carnivores
several lizards do some burrowing andseveral lizards do some burrowing and
moving of soilmoving of soil
deer are found only in the winterdeer are found only in the winter
Cold Desert Cold DesertJack RabbitsJack Rabbits Kangaroo RatsKangaroo Rats
Kangaroo MiceKangaroo Mice
Pocket MicePocket Mice Grasshopper MiceGrasshopper Mice
Antelope Ground SquirrelsAntelope Ground Squirrels
BadgerBadger Kit foxKit fox
Coyote Mule deerCoyote Mule deer
GrasslandsGrasslands
characterized as lands dominated bycharacterized as lands dominated by
grasses rather than large shrubs or treesgrasses rather than large shrubs or trees
largest land animals due to hugelargest land animals due to huge
vegetationvegetation
There are two main divisions of There are two main divisions of
grasslandsgrasslands
tropical grasslands called tropical grasslands called savannassavannas
temperate grasslandstemperate grasslands..
SavannaSavannaSavanna is grassland with scattered individualSavanna is grassland with scattered individualtreestrees
Climate is the most important factor in creating aClimate is the most important factor in creating asavannasavanna
fires maintain an area as a savannafires maintain an area as a savanna
Types of SavannasTypes of Savannas
climatic conditions are called climatic conditions are called climatic savannasclimatic savannas
soil conditions not entirely maintained by fire aresoil conditions not entirely maintained by fire arecalledcalled edaphicedaphic savannas savannas
derived savannaderived savanna is the result of people clearing forest is the result of people clearing forestland for cultivationland for cultivation
SavannaSavanna
SavannaSavannaPrecipitationPrecipitation
always found in warm or hot climates where thealways found in warm or hot climates where the
annual rainfall is from about 50.8 to 127 cm (20-50annual rainfall is from about 50.8 to 127 cm (20-50
inches) per yearinches) per year
crucial that the rainfall is concentrated in six orcrucial that the rainfall is concentrated in six or
eight months of the year, followed by a longeight months of the year, followed by a long
period of drought when fires can occurperiod of drought when fires can occur
if the rain were well distributed throughout theif the rain were well distributed throughout the
year, many such areas would become tropicalyear, many such areas would become tropical
forestforest
SavannaSavannaSoilsSoils
porous, with rapid drainage of waterporous, with rapid drainage of water
only a thin layer of humus (the organiconly a thin layer of humus (the organic
portion of the soil created by partialportion of the soil created by partial
decomposition of plant or animal matter),decomposition of plant or animal matter),
which provides vegetation with nutrientswhich provides vegetation with nutrients
SavannaSavannaPlantsPlants
characterized by a continuous cover ofcharacterized by a continuous cover of
perennial grasses, often 3 to 6 feet tall atperennial grasses, often 3 to 6 feet tall at
maturitymaturity
may or may not also have an open canopymay or may not also have an open canopy
of drought-resistant, fire-resistant, orof drought-resistant, fire-resistant, or
browse-resistant trees, or they may have anbrowse-resistant trees, or they may have an
open shrub layeropen shrub layer
SavannaSavannaAnimalsAnimals
When the rains come, savanna bunch grassesWhen the rains come, savanna bunch grasses
grow vigorouslygrow vigorously
larger grasses may grow an inch or more in 24larger grasses may grow an inch or more in 24
hourshours
a surge of new life at this timea surge of new life at this time
for example, many antelope calves are bornfor example, many antelope calves are born
with so much grass to feed on, mothers have plentywith so much grass to feed on, mothers have plenty
of milkof milk
calves die if the rains fail to come.calves die if the rains fail to come.
SavannaSavannaAnimalsAnimals
do not all occur in the same savannado not all occur in the same savanna
giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, kangaroos, mice,giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, kangaroos, mice,
moles, gophers, ground squirrels, snakes,moles, gophers, ground squirrels, snakes,
worms, termites, beetles, lions, leopards,worms, termites, beetles, lions, leopards,
hyenas, and elephantshyenas, and elephants
GiraffesGiraffes ZebrasZebras Water buffaloesWater buffaloes
Cheetah Cheetah Baboon Baboon AntsAnts
CrocodileCrocodile Wild DogWild Dog Termites Termites
MeerkatsMeerkats LionsLions LeopardsLeopards
HyenasHyenas ElephantsElephants RhinocerosRhinoceros
Temperate GrasslandTemperate Grasslandgrasses as the dominant vegetationgrasses as the dominant vegetation
with trees and large shrubs absentwith trees and large shrubs absent
seasonal drought and occasionalseasonal drought and occasional
fires are very important tofires are very important to
biodiversity.biodiversity.
effects areneffects aren’’t as dramatic in temperatet as dramatic in temperate
grasslands as they are in savannasgrasslands as they are in savannas
Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandPrecipitationPrecipitation
usually occurs in the late spring and earlyusually occurs in the late spring and early
summersummer
annual average is about 50.8 to 88.9 cm annual average is about 50.8 to 88.9 cm
(20-35 inches).(20-35 inches).
Temperate GrasslandTemperate Grassland
Temperate GrasslandTemperate Grassland
Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandTemperatureTemperature
range is very large over the course of therange is very large over the course of the
yearyear
summer temperatures can be well over 38° Csummer temperatures can be well over 38° C
(100 degrees Fahrenheit(100 degrees Fahrenheit
winter temperatures can be as low as -40° Cwinter temperatures can be as low as -40° C
(-40 degrees Fahrenheit)(-40 degrees Fahrenheit)
Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandSoilSoil
deep and dark, with fertile upper layersdeep and dark, with fertile upper layers
nutrient-rich from the growth and decay nutrient-rich from the growth and decay
of deep, many-branched grass rootsof deep, many-branched grass roots
rotted roots hold the soil together androtted roots hold the soil together and
provide a food source for living plantsprovide a food source for living plants
Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandPlantsPlants
different species of grass grows best in adifferent species of grass grows best in aparticular grassland environmentparticular grassland environment
seasonal drought, occasional fires, and grazingseasonal drought, occasional fires, and grazingby large mammals all prevent woody shrubsby large mammals all prevent woody shrubsand trees from invading and becomingand trees from invading and becomingestablishedestablished
a few trees, such as cottonwoods, oaks, anda few trees, such as cottonwoods, oaks, andwillows grow in river valleys, and somewillows grow in river valleys, and somenonwoodynonwoody plants, specifically a few hundred plants, specifically a few hundredspecies of flowers, grow among the grassesspecies of flowers, grow among the grasses
Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandPurple Purple needlegrass needlegrass Blue Blue GramaGrama
Buffalo grass Buffalo grass Galleta Galleta
Asters Blazing StarsAsters Blazing Stars
Coneflowers Goldenrods Coneflowers Goldenrods
Sunflowers CloversSunflowers Clovers
Psoraleas Psoraleas Wild IndigosWild Indigos
Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandAnimalsAnimals
gazelles, zebras, rhinoceroses, wildgazelles, zebras, rhinoceroses, wild
horses, lions, wolves, prairie dogs, jackhorses, lions, wolves, prairie dogs, jack
rabbits, deer, mice, coyotes, foxes,rabbits, deer, mice, coyotes, foxes,
skunks, badgers, blackbirds, grouses,skunks, badgers, blackbirds, grouses,
meadowlarks, quails, sparrows, hawks,meadowlarks, quails, sparrows, hawks,
owls, snakes, grasshoppers, leafhoppers,owls, snakes, grasshoppers, leafhoppers,
and spidersand spiders
TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren Land
coldest of all the biomescoldest of all the biomes
comes from the Finnish wordcomes from the Finnish word tunturiatunturia,,meaning treeless plainmeaning treeless plain
frost-molded landscapesfrost-molded landscapes
extremely low temperaturesextremely low temperatures
little precipitationlittle precipitation
poor nutrientspoor nutrients
short growing seasons short growing seasons
TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren Land
TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren Land
TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren Land
TemperatureTemperature
growing season ranges from 50 to 60 daysgrowing season ranges from 50 to 60 days
average winter temperature is -34° C (-30° F)average winter temperature is -34° C (-30° F)
average summer temperature is 3-12° C (37-average summer temperature is 3-12° C (37-
54° F) which enables this biome to sustain54° F) which enables this biome to sustain
lifelife
TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren Land
PrecipitationPrecipitation
may vary in different regions of themay vary in different regions of the
arcticarctic
yearly precipitation, including meltingyearly precipitation, including melting
snow, is 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches)snow, is 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches)
TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren Land
SoilSoilformed slowlyformed slowly
layer of permanently frozen subsoil called permafrostlayer of permanently frozen subsoil called permafrost
exists, consisting mostly of gravel and finer materialexists, consisting mostly of gravel and finer material
when water saturates the upper surface, bogs and pondswhen water saturates the upper surface, bogs and ponds
may form, providing moisture for plantsmay form, providing moisture for plants
no deep root systems in the vegetation of the arcticno deep root systems in the vegetation of the arctic
tundra, however, there are still a wide variety of plantstundra, however, there are still a wide variety of plants
that are able to resist the cold climatethat are able to resist the cold climate
TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren LandThere are about 1,700 kinds of plants in the arcticThere are about 1,700 kinds of plants in the arcticand and subarcticsubarctic
adapted to sweeping winds and disturbances of theadapted to sweeping winds and disturbances of thesoilsoil
short and group together to resist the coldshort and group together to resist the coldtemperatures and are protected by the snow duringtemperatures and are protected by the snow duringthe winterthe winter
carry out photosynthesis at low temperatures andcarry out photosynthesis at low temperatures andlow light intensitieslow light intensities
growing seasons are short and most plantsgrowing seasons are short and most plantsreproduce by budding and division rather thanreproduce by budding and division rather thansexually by floweringsexually by flowering
TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren Land
low shrubs, sedges, reindeer mosses,low shrubs, sedges, reindeer mosses,
liverworts, and grassesliverworts, and grasses
400 varieties of flowers400 varieties of flowers
crustosecrustose and foliose lichen and foliose lichen
TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren Land
AnimalsAnimals
Strategies evolved to withstand theStrategies evolved to withstand the
harsh conditions of the tundra can beharsh conditions of the tundra can be
divided among those species that aredivided among those species that are
resident and those that are migratoryresident and those that are migratory
TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren Land
ResidentResident
small number of bird (e.g., ptarmigan) and mammal (e.g.,small number of bird (e.g., ptarmigan) and mammal (e.g., muskox muskox,,arctic hare, arctic fox, musk ox)arctic hare, arctic fox, musk ox)
Morphological adaptationsMorphological adaptationslarge, compact bodieslarge, compact bodies
a thick insulating cover of feathers or fura thick insulating cover of feathers or fur
pelage and plumage that turns white in winter, brown in summerpelage and plumage that turns white in winter, brown in summer
Physiological adaptationsPhysiological adaptationsability to accumulate thick deposits of fat during the short growing seasonability to accumulate thick deposits of fat during the short growing season
insulation and as a store of energy for use during the winter, when animalinsulation and as a store of energy for use during the winter, when animalspecies remain activespecies remain active
Population adaptationsPopulation adaptationscyclical fluctuations in population size, best seen perhaps in the lemming, acyclical fluctuations in population size, best seen perhaps in the lemming, asmall rodent which is the major herbivore in the tundra's simple food chainsmall rodent which is the major herbivore in the tundra's simple food chain
predator populations and plant populations respond in kind to the peakspredator populations and plant populations respond in kind to the peaksand crashes of the herbivore populationsand crashes of the herbivore populations
TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren Land
MigratoryMigratory
species such as waterfowl, shorebirds andspecies such as waterfowl, shorebirds andcaribou adapt to the tundra by avoiding thecaribou adapt to the tundra by avoiding themost severe conditions of wintermost severe conditions of winter
each year at the end of the short growingeach year at the end of the short growingseason they move southward into theseason they move southward into theboreal forest or beyond, but return to theboreal forest or beyond, but return to thetundra to breed due to the long growingtundra to breed due to the long growingseasonseason
ForestsForestsoccupy approximately one-third of Earthoccupy approximately one-third of Earth’’s land areas land area
account for over two-thirds of the leaf area of landaccount for over two-thirds of the leaf area of land
plantsplants
contain about 70% of carbon present in livingcontain about 70% of carbon present in living
thingsthings
are major casualties of deforestation, pollution, andare major casualties of deforestation, pollution, and
industrial usageindustrial usage
forest biomes are classified according toforest biomes are classified according to
numerous characteristics, with seasonalitynumerous characteristics, with seasonality
being the most widely usedbeing the most widely used
Types of ForestsTypes of Forests
TTropicalropical
TemperateTemperate
Boreal forests (taiga)Boreal forests (taiga)
Tropical ForestsTropical Forests
are characterized by the greatest diversity ofare characterized by the greatest diversity of
speciesspecies
occur near the equator, within the area boundedoccur near the equator, within the area bounded
by latitudes 23.5 degrees N and 23.5 degrees Sby latitudes 23.5 degrees N and 23.5 degrees S
distinct seasonalitydistinct seasonality
winter is absentwinter is absent
only two seasons are present (rainy and dry)only two seasons are present (rainy and dry)
The length of daylight is 12 hours and variesThe length of daylight is 12 hours and varies
little.little.
Tropical ForestsTropical Forests
Tropical ForestsTropical Forests
Tropical ForestsTropical Forests
TemperatureTemperature
average 20-25° C and varies little average 20-25° C and varies little
throughout the yearthroughout the year
the average temperatures of the threethe average temperatures of the three
warmest and three coldest months do notwarmest and three coldest months do not
differ by more than 5 degreesdiffer by more than 5 degrees
Tropical ForestsTropical Forests
PrecipitationPrecipitation
evenly distributed throughout the yearevenly distributed throughout the year
annual rainfall exceeds 2 metersannual rainfall exceeds 2 meters
Tropical ForestsTropical Forests
SoilSoil
nutrient-poor and acidicnutrient-poor and acidic
decomposition is rapiddecomposition is rapid
subject to heavy leachingsubject to heavy leaching
Tropical ForestsTropical Forests
PlantsPlants
CanopyCanopy
multilayered multilayered
ContinuousContinuous
allows little light penetrationallows little light penetration
Flora is highly diverseFlora is highly diverse
one square kilometer may contain as many as 100one square kilometer may contain as many as 100different tree speciesdifferent tree species
Trees are 25-35 m tallTrees are 25-35 m tall
buttressed trunks and shallow roots buttressed trunks and shallow roots
mostly evergreen, with large dark green leaves.mostly evergreen, with large dark green leaves.
Tropical ForestsTropical Forests
Plant AdaptationsPlant Adaptations
ability to tolerate constant shadeability to tolerate constant shade
adapt strategies to reach sunlightadapt strategies to reach sunlight
Fungus is a good example of a plant thatFungus is a good example of a plant that
flourishes in warm, dark places created byflourishes in warm, dark places created by
the forest canopy and understorythe forest canopy and understory
Tropical ForestsTropical Forests Lianas Lianas
Epiphytes Epiphytes (grow on another plant)(grow on another plant)
Ferns Ferns
Moss Moss
Curare Curare
Forest CanopyForest Canopy Palms Palms
Tropical ForestsTropical Forests White-faced Monkey White-faced Monkey
Tree frog Tree frog
Toucan Toucan
Vine SnakeVine Snake
Gecko Gecko
Vested Anteater Vested Anteater
Transparent butterfly Transparent butterfly
JaguarJaguar
Unicorn grasshopper Unicorn grasshopper
Red-eyed tree frog Red-eyed tree frog
Silver-throated Tanager Silver-throated Tanager
Tropical king snakeTropical king snake
Scorpion Scorpion
Temperate ForestTemperate Forest
TemperatureTemperature
Well-defined seasons with a distinct winterWell-defined seasons with a distinct winter
characterize this forest biomecharacterize this forest biome
Moderate climate and a growing season ofModerate climate and a growing season of
140-200 days during 4-6 frost-free months140-200 days during 4-6 frost-free months
distinguish temperate forestsdistinguish temperate forests
Temperature varies from -30° C to 30° C.Temperature varies from -30° C to 30° C.
Temperate ForestTemperate Forest
Temperate ForestTemperate Forest
Temperate ForestTemperate Forest
PrecipitationPrecipitation
(75-150 cm) is distributed evenly throughout(75-150 cm) is distributed evenly throughout
the yearthe year
SoilsSoils
fertile, enriched with decaying litterfertile, enriched with decaying litter
Temperate ForestTemperate ForestPlantsPlants
CanopyCanopy
moderately densemoderately dense
allows light to penetrateallows light to penetrate
resulting in well-developed and richly diversifiedresulting in well-developed and richly diversifiedunderstory vegetation and stratification of animalsunderstory vegetation and stratification of animals
Flora is characterized by 3-4 tree species perFlora is characterized by 3-4 tree species persquare kilometersquare kilometer
Trees are distinguished by broad leaves that areTrees are distinguished by broad leaves that arelost annuallylost annually
Temperate ForestTemperate ForestOakOak
Hickory Hickory
Beech Beech
HemlockHemlock
Maple Maple
Basswood Basswood
CottonwoodCottonwood
Elm Elm
Willow Spring-flowering Willow Spring-floweringherbsherbs
Bank VoleBank Vole
Black Bear Black Bear
GrayGray Squirrel Squirrel
RaccoonRaccoon
White-tailed White-tailed DeerDeer
Wild Boar Wild Boar
CardinalCardinal
Goshawk Goshawk
Turkey Turkey
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Rat Snake Rat Snake
Spring PeeperSpring Peeper
TemperateTemperate
ForestForest
Temperate ForestTemperate ForestFurther subdivisions of this group are determined byFurther subdivisions of this group are determined byseasonal distribution of rainfall:seasonal distribution of rainfall:
moist conifer and evergreen broad-leaved forestsmoist conifer and evergreen broad-leaved forests: wet winters and: wet winters anddry summers (rainfall is concentrated in the winter months anddry summers (rainfall is concentrated in the winter months andwinters are relatively mild)winters are relatively mild)
dry conifer forestsdry conifer forests: dominate higher elevation zones; low: dominate higher elevation zones; lowprecipitation.precipitation.Mediterranean forestsMediterranean forests: precipitation is concentrated in winter, less: precipitation is concentrated in winter, lessthan 1000 mm per yearthan 1000 mm per year
temperate coniferoustemperate coniferous: mild winters, high annual precipitation: mild winters, high annual precipitation(greater than 2000 mm)(greater than 2000 mm)
temperate broad-leaved rainforeststemperate broad-leaved rainforests: mild, frost-free winters, high: mild, frost-free winters, highprecipitation (more than 1500 mm) evenly distributed throughoutprecipitation (more than 1500 mm) evenly distributed throughoutthe yearthe year
Only scattered remnants of original temperate forestsOnly scattered remnants of original temperate forestsii
Boreal forests, or taigaBoreal forests, or taiga
represent the largest terrestrial biomerepresent the largest terrestrial biome
Occurs between 50 and 60 degreesOccurs between 50 and 60 degreesnorth latitudesnorth latitudes
seasons are divided into short, moist,seasons are divided into short, moist,and moderately warm summers andand moderately warm summers andlong, cold, and dry winterslong, cold, and dry winters
length of the growing season in boreallength of the growing season in borealforests is 130 daysforests is 130 days
Boreal forests, or taigaBoreal forests, or taiga
Boreal forests, or taigaBoreal forests, or taiga
Temperatures are very lowTemperatures are very low
Precipitation is primarily in the form ofPrecipitation is primarily in the form of
snow, 40-100 cm annuallysnow, 40-100 cm annually
Soil is thin, nutrient-poor, and acidicSoil is thin, nutrient-poor, and acidic
Canopy permits low light penetration,Canopy permits low light penetration,
and as a result, understory is limitedand as a result, understory is limited
Boreal forests, or taigaBoreal forests, or taigaThe conical or spire-shaped needleleaf trees common to the taigaThe conical or spire-shaped needleleaf trees common to the taiga
are adapted to the cold and the physiological drought of winter andare adapted to the cold and the physiological drought of winter and
to the short-growing season:to the short-growing season:
Conical shape - promotes shedding of snow and prevents loss of branches.Conical shape - promotes shedding of snow and prevents loss of branches.
Needleleaf - narrowness reduces surface area (transpired), especially duringNeedleleaf - narrowness reduces surface area (transpired), especially during
winter when the frozen ground prevents plants from replenishing their waterwinter when the frozen ground prevents plants from replenishing their water
supply. The needles of boreal conifers also have thick waxy coatings--asupply. The needles of boreal conifers also have thick waxy coatings--a
waterproof cuticle--in which stomata are sunken and protected from dryingwaterproof cuticle--in which stomata are sunken and protected from drying
winds.winds.
Evergreen habit - retention of foliage allows plants to photosynthesize asEvergreen habit - retention of foliage allows plants to photosynthesize as
soon as temperatures permit in spring, rather than having to waste time in thesoon as temperatures permit in spring, rather than having to waste time in the
short growing season merely growing leaves.short growing season merely growing leaves.
Dark color - the dark green of spruce and fir needles helps the foliage absorbDark color - the dark green of spruce and fir needles helps the foliage absorb
maximum heat from the sun and begin photosynthesis as early as possiblemaximum heat from the sun and begin photosynthesis as early as possible
Taiga Taiga PlantsPlants
Balsam FirBalsam Fir
Black Spruce Douglas-firBlack Spruce Douglas-fir
Paper Birch Paper Birch Eastern Eastern Red Red CedarCedar Jack PineJack Pine
Siberian Siberian White Fir White PoplarWhite Fir White Poplar
SpruceSpruce
White Spruce White Spruce
Taiga AnimalsTaiga Animals
American Black Bear Bald Eagle American Black Bear Bald Eagle BobcatBobcat
Canadian Lynx Gray Wolf Grizzly BearCanadian Lynx Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear
Long-Eared Owl Red Fox River OtterLong-Eared Owl Red Fox River Otter
Snowshoe Rabbit WolverineSnowshoe Rabbit Wolverine
BorealBoreal
forests,forests,
or taigaor taiga
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http://www.http://www.enchantedlearningenchantedlearning.com/biomes/marsh/fres.com/biomes/marsh/fres
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