Ecosystems Chapter 21 Table of Contents Section 1 Terrestrial Biomes Section 2 Aquatic Ecosystems.

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EcosystemsChapter 21Table of Contents

Section 1 Terrestrial Biomes

Section 2 Aquatic Ecosystems

Section 1 Terrestrial BiomesChapter 21

Objectives

Identify the eight major biomes.

Compare tundra with taiga.

Compare the different kinds of forests.

Compare the different kinds of grasslands.

Describe the adaptations of desert organisms.

Large terrestrial ecosystems that contain a number of smaller but related ecosystems.

Similar climate and inhabitants with similar adaptations.

Commonly identified by their dominant plant life.

The Major Biomes

The major types of terrestrial ecosystems, known as biomes, are: Tundra Tropical forest Temperate forest Taiga Temperate grassland Savanna Chaparral Desert

Chapter 21Earth’s Major Biomes

Tundra

Tundra is a cold and largely treeless biome characterized by permafrost under the surface of the ground. Small plants (mosses, grasses) Caribou, musk oxen, snowy owls, arctic,

foxes, lemmings, and snowshoe hares. (Summer: birds, insects).

Chapter 21Tundra

Forests

Tropical Forests Tropical forests receive abundant rainfall

and have stable temperatures. They have a greater species richness than

any other biome. Tropical Rain Forests Tropical Dry Forests

Competition for Light

Canopy: continuous layer of tree tops that shades the for forest floor.

Epiphytes: small plants that live on tree branches (mosses, orchids, bromeliads) Use other organisms for support but make

their own food.

Species Richness

Highest of all biomes- contain about ½ of the worlds species! One hectar of tropical rain forest – 300

species of trees. Monkeys, snakes, lizards, birds, insects

Chapter 21Tropical Rain Forest

Forests, continued

Temperate Forests Distinct seasons and moderate climate. Temperate forests have coniferous trees,

which bear seeds in cones, or deciduous trees, which shed their leaves each year.

Forests, continued

Temperate Deciduous Forests The trees in temperate deciduous

forests shed all of their leaves in the fall. Deciduous trees have broad thin leaves with a

large surface area that permits maximum light absorption.

Birch, beech, maple, oak, hickory, sycamore, elm, willow, and cottonwood.

Bears, wolves, white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons, squirrels.

Timber used for construction.

Chapter 21Temperate Deciduous Forest

Forests, continued

Taiga (boreal forest) Taiga is cold but is warmer than tundra

and receives more precipitation. Taiga is dominated by coniferous forests.

Needle shape of leaves reduces water loss. Moose, bear, wolves, lynxes, hares.

Chapter 21Taiga

Grasslands

Temperate Grasslands Temperate grasslands occur in areas

with cold winters and hot summers. They are dominated by grasses and herds

of grazing animals. (Bison)

Grasslands, continued

Savanna Savannas are tropical grasslands with

alternating wet and dry seasons. Scattered deciduous trees and shrubs. They are dominated by herds of grazing

animals. (herbivores: zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, gazelles, carnivores: lions, leopards, cheetahs)

Chapter 21Savanna

Grasslands, continued

Chaparral Chaparral is found in coastal regions with

warm, dry summers and mild winters. It is dominated by dense, spiny shrubs.

Chapter 21Grassland

Deserts

Deserts receive less than 25 cm (9.9 in.) of precipitation per year.

Desert inhabitants have adaptations for conserving water. Plants

leaves with waxy coating Few stomata (openings in leaves) and open at night Expandable body and needles for protection.

Animals that hide in the shade or burrow one active only at night.

Chapter 21Desert

Ecosystems Chapter 21 Table of Contents Section 1 Terrestrial Biomes Section 2 Aquatic Ecosystems.

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