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