Ecology UnitLearning Goal #3: Examine factors that result in the different biomes of the world.

Biomes

Levels of OrganizationBiosphere

All of the biomes together.Biome

A group of ecosystems that have the same climate and similar dominant communities

Ecosystem A collection of all the organisms that live in a particular place, together with their nonliving, or physical, environment.

Levels of OrganizationCommunity

Assemblages of different populations that live together in a defined area.

PopulationGroup of individuals that belong to

the same species and live in the same area.

IndividualOne member of a species.

Biome Characteristics

Composed of large regions.

Similar Abiotic Factors (nonliving)

Similar Biotic Factors (living)Have specific climate with similar

plants and animal adaptations.

Species composition is not the same in different areas.

Abiotic Factorso Physical or

NONLIVING component of an ecosystemRocks, Sand, Cliffs

Snow, Rain, HailWind

Sun, Heat, Cold

Factors that Affect ClimateThe Greenhouse

EffectCarbon dioxide,

methane, water vapor, and other atmospheric gases trap heat energy.This allows the

temperature on Earth to remain within a range suitable for life.

Without these gases the Earth would be about 30 degrees colder.

Factors that Affect Climate

Earth’s Tilt The tilt of Earth’s

axis means that solar radiation strikes different parts of the surface at an angle that varies throughout the year.

Latitudes Define Some Biomes

For Example, Tundra is fromarctic circle to 70° N.

Latitude•The sun strikes most directly at the equator. •As latitude increases north and south of the equator, the sun’s rays become less direct.•This results in three major climate zones: tropical, temperate, and polar.

BiomeBiotic

communityodominant plants and animals

Unique climateBiomes of the World

Categories of BiomePrimary Biomes

TundraTaigaGrasslandsDesertsDeciduous ForestsTropical RainforestsOther Biomes: Chaparral, Savanna,

Tropical Deciduous Rain Forest

Permafrost (permanent layer of frost)

Little rain or snowfall

Least diverse biome

Flat terrain

Constant low temperature

Tundra

Coniferous Forest(TAIGA)

Spruce and Fir Trees (Cone Plants)

Mosses, lichens, small shrubs

Winter snowfall

Short, warm summer days

Snow completely thaws

Deciduous Forest Distinct 4 seasons

Trees lose leaves in the Fall

Richest Soil

Oaks, Maple, Hickory, Chestnut

Abundant snow and rainfall

Squirrels, Deer, Birds, Fox, Skunk

Desert

o Extreme temperatureso Little precipitationo Poor, dry conditionso Thorny plants, cactio Rodents, insects, reptiles, camels

GrasslandTall, Mixed or Short grass

Deep, porous soil

Low-medium precipitation

Wolves, grasshoppers, jackrabbits, badgers, rattlesnakes, birds,

Low winter temperatures

Rainforest Most Diverse

Minimal season variation

Rainfall, Humidity, Precipitation High

Vegetation is dense

Broad leafed plants

Insects, fungi, monkeys, birds, frogs