Module 021131: Ecology Learning objectives: L11 Biomes · 2003-11-06 · Module 021131: Ecology...
Transcript of Module 021131: Ecology Learning objectives: L11 Biomes · 2003-11-06 · Module 021131: Ecology...
Module 021131: EcologyLearning objectives: L11 Biomes
• Productivity of terrestrial ecosystems is most closely related to evapotranspiration, which in turns controls element cycles
• The biological characteristics of ecosystems (biomes) are determined by the interaction of temperature and precipitation
Global productivity
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
0 500 1000 1500
Evapotranspiration/ mm yr-1
Abo
vegr
ound
pro
duct
ivity
/ g
m-2
yr-1
• Universal relationship with potentialevapotranspiration(PET)
• controls photosynthesis, mineral cycles, etc
tropical rainforest
deciduous forest
coniferous forest
desert
Classification of terrestrial biomes
Biomes:Large-scale ecosystem types
Determined by interaction of temperature and precipitation
Some regions of this diagram do not occur or support no life
Tropical rainforest, Vanuatu & Ecuador
Cloud forest, Ecuador
Eucalyptus forest, SW Australia
Temperate moist forest, British Columbia
Temperate deciduous forest, England: spring
Temperate deciduous forest, England: summer
Temperate dry forest, Texas
Warm temperate woodland, SW Australia
Taiga (boreal forest)
Tallgrass prairie, Michigan
Shortgrass prairie, Alberta
Alpine vegetation: tree-line and above
Scrubland and chaparral (Washington)
Dry desert, IslasGalapagos
Brachycereus cactus
Extreme desert, no life: White Sands, New Mexico