ecology: the study of the interactions between organisms, and the living and nonliving components of...
DESCRIPTION
Characterized by coniferous, or (needle bearing trees) forest totaling about 30% of the worlds forest coverTRANSCRIPT
ECOLOGY: The study of the interactions between organisms, and the living and nonliving components of their
environment.
“TAIGA” Russian “little sticks”
Also known as a “Boreal Forest”It is the largest biome
in the world.The taiga is located
near the top of the world, just below the tundra biome.
Sunlight, temperature and precipitation determine the plants and animals that can survive in this biome
Characterized by coniferous, or (needle bearing trees) forest totaling about 30% of the worlds forest cover
Alaska’s Boreal forests
Subarctic climate with wide variations in
temperature ranges,(86°F to -65°F) and daylight
On average; 108 frost free days in the growing
season
Average 19in/year precipitation,but low evaporation due to indirect sunlight means enough water to
support lush growth
Soils are thin due to cold (permafrost in areas) roots are shallow
nutrient uptake is slowfallen leaves and moss can remain for a long time which
limits their organic contribution
Needles from spruce create acidic soil called
“Podzol” Al & Fe are leached out to lower horizons as well as clays and other minerals
Fires in 2004
Anchorage
Smoke
Brick red– fires pink—flames green--vegetation
SUCCESSION IN THE BOREAL FOREST
HERB STAGEGrasses and Flowering Plants
1-8 years after impact
Annual plants that grow, produce seeds and die in 1 year.
Sunlight penetrates to the ground
SHRUB STAGESitka Alder & Bebb Willow
6-25 years after impact
Shade intolerant perennial shrubs like Willow and Alder.
Provide good cover for animals.
Willow is primary moose browse
Direct sunlight available
Young Forest StageWhite Paper Birch
26-50 Years Deciduous trees (leaf
bearing)Birch, Aspen, & Poplar dominate
Shade intolerant shrubs begin to disappear except where direct sunlight is available
Shade tolerant plants dominate as ground cover (mosses, dwarf dogwood, low bush cranberry, wood fern)
Mature ForestWhite/Black
Sprucevs
Birch 51-150 years Spruce & Birch are
equal in abundance Lots of ground cover
diversity w/ shade tolerant plants
Small open areas at preceding stages
Climax Forest 150-300 plus years White Spruce is the
dominate tree Canopy more open
This stage will not change; only a disturbance will cause succession to repeat.
Energy through the ecosystems Ecology
ENERGY PRODUCTIVITY FOOD CHAINS
Is the source of biological energy for living
things. Is light energy that is changed to chemical
energy(sugar) by plants. 1 of 3 major components that determine the
plants, thus animals that can live in an ecosystem. Temperature & precipitation are the others
The SUN ..
Plants (producers) 1. Produce chemical
energy(sugar) from light energy by photosynthesis: thus they are “producers”
2. Are considered autotrophs or “self feeders”
3.Create biomass or stored energy for all other living organisms
Net primary productivity The rate at which plants
capture energy NPP varies depending on
seasons & locations. Winter=low to none Spring&summer= high
productivity Results in migration
patterns of animals seeking energy(in the form of food)
Biomass 1. The organic
material found in an ecosystem.
2. Represents stored energy available to other organisms
3. The rate biomass accumulates is net primary productivity
Consumersall heterotrophs
1. Any organism that gets its energy by “eating” biomass
2. Do not photosynthesize
3. Can be categorized by their diet as herbivore, omnivore, carnivore,detritivore. decomposer
Herbivores1. Consumers that rely
on eating plants to gain energy.
2. Are typically prey species for carnivores.
3. Often referred to as 1st order consumers orPrimary consumers
Omnivores 1. Animals that eat
both plants and other animals as part of their diet.
2. Maybe considered 1st order or 2nd order consumers
Carnivores1. Organisms that eat
other animals.(prey)2. Are considered
predators, & 3rd order or greater consumers.
3. Their populations are controlled by the number of prey species
Trophic levels
1.A trophic level is a feeding level where energy is passed from one level to the next; ie herbivore to carnivore
2. 90% of captured energy is lost in the transfer from one level to the next
3. Detritivores and decomposers are found in all trophic levels and are considerd the FINAL energy acceptors in
A pyramid is used to show relationships between organisms,Energy, and biomass. There is a 10% transfer(or 90% loss) from one level to the next. (going up the pyramid)
Detritivoresheterotroph
1. Detritivores are found in all trophic levels.
2. Detritivores(bugs, worms, millipedes) feed on dead;decaying matter, breaking it down but leaving behind some nutrients
Decomposers:heterotroph
1. Bacteria, molds, rusts2. Found in all trophic
levels3. They are considered
the FINAL energy acceptors: leaving only nutrients and molecules that are available for plants to take up again.
Bugs and bacteria
Food webs1. The relationship
many plants and animals have with each other.
2. These relationships are dependent on one another
3. The loss of one affects the survival of the others.