Lesson 5 Flashcards
a group of land ecosystems with similar climates and organisms
biome
is the most important abiotic factor affecting the distribution of terrestrial biomes.
Climate
Climate includes___?___and ___?___, and it determines growing season
temperatureand precipitation
RAINFORESTS, DESERTS, GRASSLANDS, DECIDOUS FORESTS, BOREAL FORESTS, & TUNDRA
LAND
: FRESHWATER & MARINE ECOSYSTEMS
WATER
Types of Ecosystems
- Terrestrial
> Desert
> Grassland
> Forest - Aquatic
> Freshwater
> Marine
More than one-third of the earth’s surface
Average PRECIPITATION is LOW
An area that receives less than 25 cm of rain per year.
The Desert
TYPES OF DESERT
- Tropical Desert
- Temperate Desert (Mid-Latitude Desert)
- Cold Desert (High Latitude Desert)
The scorching ___?___ in Africa cools rapidly after the sun goes down.
Namib desert
in central Asia is cooler and even experiences freezing temperatures in the winter.
Gobi Desert
MODERATE PRECIPITATION
Provide homes and breeding grounds for many wildlife species such as grazing animals
Receive 25 to 75 cm of rain per year.
The Grasslands
TYPES OF GRASSLAND
- Tropical Grassland (Savanna)
- Temperate Grassland (Mid-Latitude)
- Polar Grassland (High-Latitude)
Grassland that is located closer to the equator than prairies.
Savanna
Average PRECIPITATION is HIGH
Consist of various species of trees and smaller woody forms of vegetation.
The Forests
TYPES OF FOREST
- Tropical Rainforest
- Temperate Forest
- Cold Forest
There are 2 main types of rain forests:
Temperate Rain Forests and Tropical Rain Forests.
Found in regions close to the equator
Warm and humid all year long.
Lots of precipitation.
Diverse plant growth.
TROPICAL RAIN FORESTS
A leafy roof formed by the tallest trees.
Canopy
A second layer of shorter trees and vines.
Understory
having moderate temperatures.
Northwestern coast of U.S. is a temperate rain forest.
Receives more than 300 cm of rain per year.
TEMPERATE RAIN FORESTS
Trees that shed their leaves and grow new ones each year (Oaks, Maples…)
Receive enough rain to support the growth of trees and other plants (at least 50 cm per year).
Growing season is 5 to 6 months long.
DECIDUOUS FOREST
Mostly contains coniferous trees (trees that produce their seeds in cones and have leaves shaped like needles). Ex. Fir, Spruce, Hemlock…
Very cold winters (a lot of snow).
Warm and rainy summers.
BOREAL FOREST (taiga)
Extremely cold and dry biome.
Usually receives NO more precipitation than a desert biome.
Most soil is frozen all year long (permafrost)
During summer, the top layer of soil thaws, but the rest remains frozen.
TUNDRA
Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface
Contain approximately 97% of the planet’s water
They are distinguished from freshwater ecosystems by the presence of dissolved compounds, especially salts, in the water
Marine Ecosystems