Tundra, Temperate Grassland, Coniferous Forest,

& Temperate BroadleafBy Ross, Ryan, Gwen, & Jamie

E-Block

TundraTundraRoss StanleyRoss Stanley

Basic Facts

• Temperature range:Temperature range:

-Extremely cold in winter, average -Extremely cold in winter, average temperatures range between -90 to -30 degrees temperatures range between -90 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Fahrenheit.

• Summers are far more temperate, with an average Summers are far more temperate, with an average temperature of 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit. temperature of 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit.

More basic facts

• Tundra is located at the latitude of 75-60 degrees Tundra is located at the latitude of 75-60 degrees N.N.

• Annual precipitation is extremely low, only Annual precipitation is extremely low, only around 6-10 inches/year. around 6-10 inches/year.

ImpressionImpression

• Barren, to say the least. Not very favorable for tall Barren, to say the least. Not very favorable for tall plants. While summer images show a relatively plants. While summer images show a relatively green area, all the plants appear to be small, green area, all the plants appear to be small, scrubby bushes, and not large trees. I'd assume scrubby bushes, and not large trees. I'd assume this is due to wind. In most cases, animals appear this is due to wind. In most cases, animals appear to be rather small and scrubby as well. This makes to be rather small and scrubby as well. This makes sense because there are is a relatively low amount sense because there are is a relatively low amount of nutrients available. Carnivorous predators do of nutrients available. Carnivorous predators do appear quite large, however.appear quite large, however.

BearberriesBearberries

• The bearberry has undergone a series of The bearberry has undergone a series of adaptations to permit it to survive the harsh adaptations to permit it to survive the harsh weather of the tundra, explaining why it weather of the tundra, explaining why it cannot be found in other biomes. These cannot be found in other biomes. These adaptations have made it inappropriate for it adaptations have made it inappropriate for it to grow elsewhere.to grow elsewhere.

BearberriesBearberries

• They grow extremely short in order to avoid high They grow extremely short in order to avoid high windswinds

• It has hairy leaves, in order to trap the little heat It has hairy leaves, in order to trap the little heat that is available. that is available.

• A high photosynthetic capability, to capture the A high photosynthetic capability, to capture the abundant sunlight the tundra can offer. abundant sunlight the tundra can offer.

• It can also grow extremely well in poor soil, which It can also grow extremely well in poor soil, which is an advantage on the tundra.is an advantage on the tundra.

Arctic Moss

• Arctic Moss is another example of a plant that Arctic Moss is another example of a plant that lives only in the tundra. It, too, has adaptations lives only in the tundra. It, too, has adaptations that make it suitable for tundra life, and nowhere that make it suitable for tundra life, and nowhere else. else.

• They require a much lower nitrogen level than They require a much lower nitrogen level than other plants, which permit them to grow in Arctic other plants, which permit them to grow in Arctic lakes.lakes.

• As a result of nutrient starvation, the growth time As a result of nutrient starvation, the growth time of these plants are extremely slow, growing at a of these plants are extremely slow, growing at a rate of about 5 cm/yr.rate of about 5 cm/yr.

Polar BearPolar Bear• The polar bear is built for the tundra, and would be quite The polar bear is built for the tundra, and would be quite

uncomfortable anywhere else. uncomfortable anywhere else. • Obviously, they are the top-level predator in a tundra Obviously, they are the top-level predator in a tundra

ecosystem.ecosystem.• Due to their thick fur, a polar bear would not be very happy Due to their thick fur, a polar bear would not be very happy

in warmer climates.in warmer climates.• Their primary sources of food are also tundra-based Their primary sources of food are also tundra-based

animals.animals.• Due to ecological competition, in other biomes, a polar bear Due to ecological competition, in other biomes, a polar bear

would likely have to compete with other top-level predators, would likely have to compete with other top-level predators, a position which they are not accustomed to on the tundra.a position which they are not accustomed to on the tundra.

Musk OxMusk Ox

• Herbivore, suited well to the tundra because of its long Herbivore, suited well to the tundra because of its long coat. It can subsist on the scrubby grasses and lichens coat. It can subsist on the scrubby grasses and lichens common to the tundra.common to the tundra.

• It also does not have very many predators, only the Arctic It also does not have very many predators, only the Arctic Wolf, and in some cases polar bears (however polar bears Wolf, and in some cases polar bears (however polar bears only tend to hunt the sick and elderly)only tend to hunt the sick and elderly)

• In other biomes, its niche is well-filled, as there are plenty In other biomes, its niche is well-filled, as there are plenty of other large herbivores. The musk-ox enjoys a safe niche of other large herbivores. The musk-ox enjoys a safe niche on the tundra.on the tundra.

Abiotic Factors: Wind

• The reason that the tundra has such short, stubbly plants is due to wind. Wind is so intense in the tundra that it would blow most tall trees over. As a result, plants have to adapt to the intense winds by being short, as well as by clumping together, to avoid being blown away.

Abiotic Factors: Permafrost

• Permafrost is a condition in which there is a permanent layer of frozen soil below the earth.

• This adds an added layer of difficulty to survival. • Obviously, this makes it so reptiles and other heat-dependant species

cannot live on the tundra. • Many small mammals will have to deal with this and adapt, as they

cannot burrow to escape winter. • This is evident by their fur, as well as fat storage, which can be used in

hibernation.

Disturbances• The tundra is a relatively calm area. Perhaps the greatest disturbance The tundra is a relatively calm area. Perhaps the greatest disturbance

that could occur would be human change. that could occur would be human change. • Assuming a disturbance would occur, secondary succession is the Assuming a disturbance would occur, secondary succession is the

most likely process the tundra will undergo. most likely process the tundra will undergo. • Campbell states that in many cases, some of the first species to arrive Campbell states that in many cases, some of the first species to arrive

after the lichens would be small, shrub-like plants. This actually does after the lichens would be small, shrub-like plants. This actually does make up the majority of tundra grassland, so it would be safe to say make up the majority of tundra grassland, so it would be safe to say that the tundra would restore to normal, even though it may take some that the tundra would restore to normal, even though it may take some time. time.

Endnote: Information Citations

• http://ths.sps.lane.edu/biomes/tundra4/tundra4c.html• http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/tundra_climate.htmht

tp://www.ri.net/schools/West_Warwick/manateeproject/Tundra/plant.htm

• http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/tundra_plant_page.htm

• http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbUvaUrsi.htm• http://www.arctic.uoguelph.ca/cpl/arcticnews/updates

/slowmoss.htm• http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/polar-bears/f

aq• http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/musk_ox.htm• http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/biomes/tundra.htm

Endnote: Image Citations

• http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/biohires/ecoregions/h51117tundra3302.jpg

• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Tundra_looking_south_toward_Brooks_Range,_Alaska.jpg

• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/Arctostaphylos-uva-ursi.JPG

• http://i.pbase.com/o6/30/33230/1/83009540.XLMTbM6S._MG_0484.jpg• http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41906000/jpg/_41906050_polarbear_416

_ap.jpg• http://www.alaska.net/~moxfarm/muskox1.jpg

Coniferous ForestBiome

Gwendolyn Stoll, Jamie Chan, Ryan Chan, Ross Stanley

Temperature

• Seasonal: cold, dry, winters and warm, mild summers. 

• ranges from 140 C to 20 C • average summer temperature is 10

C

Annual Percipitation

• average of 300 - 900 milliliters of rain per year

• low evapotranspiration rate = mild• Moisture rich soil = fertile

Latitude

• Coniferous forests typically found in “Taiga” -- biome under the tundra extending from Canada to the interior to Alaska, some of north United States, and areas in Southeast Asia

• Ranges between 86 and 98 North

General Description

• The coniferous tree biome is the largest terrestrial biome in the world. With seasonal temperatures and moisture rich soil, this biome is perfect for tall, sturdy, trees to grow. Pine and spruce trees are the most prevalent in these areas, and common species for coniferous tree biomes are the brown bear and the gray wolf. This biome includes lakes, many places for small animals to borrow, and berries, making it a perfect place for omnivores of all kinds. Since the winters are very cold, trees grow in a cone shape to help snow slide off, and have waxy thin needles that wicks away moisture and protects them from other harsh weather conditions. The animals in this biome have

Brown Bear• thick fur coat for cold winters• omnivore (coniferous biome provides

lakes (fish), plants, and smaller animals)

 Is able to hibernate during the winter months to protect itself from the coldeats the species of trees most common in the coniferous tree area

Gray Wolf

• predators to large animal which are common in the coniferous forest biome (elk, moose, deer, bears)

• omnivores• thick coat for cold winters• stay in packs to stay fed and keep

warm during the cold months

Pine Trees• Extremely common in Coniferous

forests• Coniferous = Bearing Cones• Pinecones fall close by and seeds

grow in rows --> avoids competition for sunlight

• Triangular tree shape to avoid being weighted down by snow in the winter

• grows in moist soil

Spruce Tree• waxy needle-leaves to protect

themselves in the winter• grow in a triangle shape so that snow

slides off• grows well in mild climate and fertile

soil• produces cones which spread in

rows so that there is no competition for sunlight

Temperature-- the warm  summer months are perfect for the species of trees that dominate the coniferous tree biome - mild temperature creates a moist soil which also helps tall, study, trees flourish- The cool months are suitable for pack species that work together to stay warm and fed in the wintertime

Sunlight- Enables plants to grow, so trees in this area form in rows to avoid competition for sunlight. - provides shade for animals such as bears and wolves with a thick coat of fur- creates partially sunny and partially shady areas for different species to grow- bushes and trees provide optimal hiding spots for smaller animals of prey

FireIf there was a forest fire in the coniferous tree biome, it would be mainly advantageous to the trees. The fire would release the seeds from the pine cones and therefore induce reproduction among tree species such as spruce or pine. The animals would not benefit from this natural disaster aside from afterwards having more plants to eat. These forest fires and relatively common in the coniferous forest biome and would not be a great devastation to the area. The succession after this disturbance would include new plants emerging and more animals inhabiting the area as a result.

• http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/taiga/taiga.shtml

• http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Experiments/Biome/bioconiferous.php

• http://www.idiotica.com/cranium/encyclopedia/content/coniferous.htm

• http://rrms-biomes.tripod.com/id3.html

• http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/Forsite/ncfbiome.htm

Works Cited

Pictures Cited

- http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Experiments/Biome/bioconiferous.php&docid=VfJVXRJ7Kko5nM&w=350&h=263&ei=iL6ATo2QC-fr0gGysNgW&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=113&vpy=157&dur=18&hovh=195&hovw=259&tx=186&ty=97&page=1&tbnh=151&tbnw=204&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&biw=1207&bih=510  - http://rrms-biomes.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/biometaigamap.gif

Temperate Grasslands

By Ryan Chan

Temperate Grasslands

• temperature range: -40 ｰ to 70 ｰ annual precipitation: 10 to 30 inchesarea: Canada, United States, Russia, China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Argentina, Australia and South Africa

Impression

• impression of biome: This biome is home to vast amounts of open land.  There are a lot of different species of animals and plants.  The climate changes with the seasons, and most rain occurs during two wet seasons.

Plants

• 2 plant species: buffalo grass and crazy weed- These two plants thrive in temperate grasslands because large grazing animals eat trees and shrubs when they are small and young.  Occasional fires and seasonal droughts also prevent larger plants from growing, making it easier for grasses to grow.  Grasses can absorb a lot of sunlight here and can survive fairly harsh winters.

Animals

• 2 animal species: bison and bobcats- The bison graze on the abundant grass and other small shrubs and trees.  The plants and grass remain annually and the large grazing animal can migrate around the area, always finding food.   The bobcats prey on large grazing animals, which occur in large herds.  The bobcat can prey on weaker and smaller members of the herd.

Abiotic Factors

• 2 abiotic factors: seasonal drought and occasional fires-They both prevent shrubs and trees from growing, keeping the area grassy.  Occasional fires clear areas of detritus, allowing new plants to grow.  Seasonal drought helps determine what kind of plants find temperate grasslands hospitable as an environment.

Disturbance• Imagine a fire sweeps across the grassland.  The detritus serves as fuel for the fire.  Within a month after the fire, small vegetation grows back.  Grasses emerge from the land.  Grazing animals can return and eat the grass

Bibliography• "BC Grasslands" http://www.bcgrasslands.org/docs/BCBF29F932C96255.pdf"Blue Planet Biomes" http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/grasslands.htm"National Geographic" http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/grassland-profile/

Temperate Broadleaf Deciduous ForestBy Jamie Chan

Temperature• Temperate broadleaf forests occur in areas

where there are warm summers and cold winters.

• These forests experience a wide range of temperatures, but annual average temperatures range from 3˚C to 15.6 ˚C.

• There is a 6 -month growing season during the spring and summer of warmer temperatures, and a 6-month non-growing season during the fall and winter, due to temperature-induced drought.

• In temperate broadleaf forests, snowfall is more common in the northern regions, but decreases greatly toward the south.

Annual Precipitation• Temperate broadleaf

forests occur in relatively warm and rainy climates.

• The precipitation here is often spread throughout the year.

• Temperate broadleaf forests generally experience 20-60 inches of precipitation annually.

• The dry season in East Asia occurs in the winter, but in the Mediterranean climate zones they occur during the summer.

Latitude• Temperate broadleaf forests are located in 3 major regions: eastern and central Europe, eastern Asia (including Korea and Japan), as well as eastern North America.

• In this forest zone, a decrease in latitude results in the appearance of more broadleaf tree species.

Description• Temperate broadleaf forests are known for

their color-changing leaves; in the autumn their leaves change from green to a variety of reds, oranges, and golds.

• This color change occurs during the short days of fall, when plants withdraw chlorophyll from their leaves. They briefly display other pigments before their leaves fall, and then enter an extended period of dormancy.

• The typical structure of these forests is made up of 4 layers. There are generally 1-2 tree layers, in addition to a shrub layer, and an herb layer.

• The uppermost canopy, composed of tall, full-sized trees ranges from 100 to 200 feet, and below that a shade-tolerant understory of 3 layers, ranges from 30 to 50 feet.

• The top of the understory includes a sub-canopy of smaller sapling trees, below that a shrub layer of low growing woody plants, and at the bottom a ground cover where there is a herbaceous layer.

• The majority of the biodiversity here is concentrated closer to the forest ground, with the highest diversity being outside the tropics.

Plant Species• Temperate deciduous trees shed their

leaves each fall, and grow a new assemblage each spring.

• On each continent, a different variety of trees occur.

• The height of a tree stratum (layer) can range from 60 -100 feet.

• The Quercus (oak), and Acer (maple) are both dominant broadleaf trees.

• Oak trees reside in the temperate broadleaf forest, because they thrive on moist, well-drained soil, and require locations where water does not collect after precipitation.

• Maple trees reside here due to the rich, fertile soil present, and the constant supply of water through precipitation.

• Both of these trees possess broad, thin leaves that grow rapidly.

Maple

Oak

Animal Species• Each major forest supports its own

assemblage of plants as well as animals.

• In temperate broadleaf forests located in North America, herbivorous chipmunks as well as omnivorous raccoons can be found.

• These animals exist in temperate broadleaf forests, because they possess a routine of storing food at low temperatures into trees such as oaks or beeches.

• Manny mammals in this region hibernate during the winter period, when food supply is greatly reduced due to unfavorable climatic conditions.

Abiotic Factors• Sunlight avalibility is one abiotic factor

that affects temperate broadleaf forests, by influencing how long the days last. This triggers the chlorophyll in leaves to disappear, and results in a change of color in the leaves.

• Another abiotic factor that characterizes this biome is the rich, fertile soil that develops at the forest floor.

• Broadleaf trees tend to be nutrient-demanding, so their big leaves secure major nutrient bases.

• When the autumn leaves fall, the leaves contribute to the abundance of rich soil, which decays rapidly in the spring, just before the growing season begins.

• The heavy tree cover during the warm, wet summers allows a maximal buildup of organic materials to form a well-developed layer of soil.

Ecological Disturbances

• Disturbances allow new dominant tree groups to grow from previous tree remains.

• A new generation of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants will grow after a disturbance, based on the seed dispersal ability and the environmental conditions (i.e. A drought will cause a slower development rate).

• After a disaster such as a fire occurs, the dominant “pioneer” trees grow, and enclose the canopy. This reduces light levels, moderates the climate, and increases humidity, which eliminates some shrubs and herbaceous plants.

• Rapid growth of the pioneer trees leads to intense competition among nearby close-knit trees.

• Species diversity may decline due to the shade and absence of sun, reducing the amount of available plant food for herbivores.

• Pioneer trees reach maxiumum height, and the leave the understory to redevelop.

• Gaps develop in the canopy, which creates windows of shade and light areas.

Bibliography-Text"WWF - Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forest Ecoregions." WWF - WWF. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2011. <http://wwf.panda.org/about_o

"Temperate Broadleaf Deciduous Forest." radford.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 1923. <www.radford.edu/~swoodwar/

"Temperate Broadleaf Forest - University of Puget Sound." University of Puget Sound. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2011. <http://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/academic-resources/slater-museum/biodiversity-resources/world-biomes/characteristics-of-bioclimatic/temperate-broadleaf-forest/>.

Bibliography-Photos• Photograph. Web. <http://landscapeswallpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/Landscapeswallpaper/forest-

autumn-colors-1280.jpg>. (forest)• Photograph. Web. 26 Sept. 2011.

<http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4N6Aj13PFo/TZjtFC9E3eI/AAAAAAAABz8/j767DN0gqsg/s1600/1220409177nax3FQw%255Bpixdaus.com%255D.jpg>. (trees)

• Photograph. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4N6Aj13PFo/TZjtFC9E3eI/AAAAAAAABz8/j767DN0gqsg/s1600/1220409177nax3FQw%255Bpixdaus.com%255D.jpg>. (rain)

• Photograph. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26-9nA6a4a8/TeAeOsEh8iI/AAAAAAAAAEg/_uNz0ed9wIc/s1600/red-maple-tree1.jpg>. (maple)

• Photograph. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/374724267_7712e792de.jpg>. (maple)• Photograph. Web. 26 Sept. 2011.

<http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DEVDzUuFZ2E/TQLSGPJcrxI/AAAAAAAAADE/3GF_MdeGbBg/s1600/bacchantes.jpg>. (oak)

• Photograph. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <https://bcsengage.wikispaces.com/file/view/chipmunk.jpg/53468956/chipmunk.jpg>. (chipmunk)

• Photograph. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://www.nativeanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/animal-picture-raccoon-wen-flickr-animalpicture.jpg>. (raccoon)

• Photograph. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://www.itsnature.org/Plant_Life/images/article-pics/maple-leaves.jpg>. (maple leaf)