Adaptations to ecosystems Flashcards
Freshwater ecosystems
Grebe
Grebe- Special webbed foot with lobes that work like a boat propeller
They can adjust there ability to float by pulling their feathers against their body
Marine ecosystems
Green turtles
Animals that live in this biome adapt to these ecosystems and cannot live anywhere else
Green Turtles They feed on grasses and seaweed
Rainforests
Epiphytes
Epiphytes Take their nutrients from the air , rain, compost on their host tree rather than growing it in the nutrient poor soil
*Don’t need soil live in air
Tundra Biome
Dwarf willow
Dwarf willow have long fuzzy hairs that protect them from the cold
In the summer their leaves turn red to effectively absorb wave lengths of sunlight
Taiga
Siberian spruce
Siberian spruce - Concial shape of the trees allows snow to shed easily, protecting it’s branches from the weight of the snow.
Narrow needles loose less water to the air the needles also have a waxy coating which is waterproof protecting them from drying winds
Photosynthesis and heat absorption is maximized through the dark green color of the needles
Caribou
Tundra
Caribou have thick fur and hooves that support them in the snow and marsh in harsh conditions their metabolism slows putting them in a semi hibernation state
Taiga
Canadian Lynx
The collar of fur around it’s face and fur colored pad on it’s feet help keep it warm in the cold climate of it’s coniferous biome.
The soft feet pads are also silent in the snow and can stalk small prey.
Temperate Deciduous rainforest
Trees
In autumn the leaves of some trees changes colors and than fall off. This helps the trees survive through winter
In the spring new leaves and flowers grow
Grasslands
Grasses
Grasses can survive fire because they grow from the base of the plant and can regrow after the tops have been burned off
Dessert
Kangaroo Rat
Stays in it’s burrow during the hot day and active in early morning
Absorbs water from food it eats
Can store food in its cheek pouch for weeks while searching for shelter
Does not sweat or pant to cool itself and contains little water
This helps conserve the little available water in it’s habitat
Chapparal
Short trees and shurbs
Short trees and shrubs thrive in the drought like conditions by having small needle like leaves that conserve water or a waxy coating that reflects the sunlight
Fire is frequent and helps renew this biomes plant diversity
Temperate Deciduous rainforest
Black Bear
The Black bears claws are short and sharp which help them climb the trees in the biome
Thick shaggy fur that helps protect them from cold winter
Black bears will eat large amounts of food to build up their fat storage before hibernating in the winter. This helps prevent them from having to find food when it’s short in supply
Temperate Deciduous rainforest
Tawny Milkcap Mushrooms
Mushrooms get there nutrients from other sources, they don’t need sunlight.
Grasslands
Buffalo Grass
Drough resistant and the ability to go dormant (physical functions slowed down) during time of extreme drought, heat, or cold.
Grows new shoots after fire
Desert
Sauguaro Cactus
It’s upright branches soak up water and store it in it’s expandable ribs
Downward pointing spines direct water into depressions on the suraface of the cactus and help keep the outer layer cool
The creamy white flowers stay open at night to prevent loss of too much moisture during hot days
