CHAPTER 7

Major Ecosystems of the World

Your Responsibility:All Terrestrial Biomes (p.131-142)

BIOME POSTCARD PROJECT

Pay attention toEnvirobriefs & Case-in-Points

NO UNIT HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

WHAT IS A BIOME?BIOME: BIOME: A large, relatively distinct terrestrial

region characterized by similar climate, soil, plants and animals, regardless of where it occurs in the world.

Key ABIOTIC Factors: Temperature & Precipitation

Other important abiotic factors include: Rapid temp changes Fires

Floods Droughts Strong winds

TERRESTRIAL BIOME DISTRIBUTION

CLIMATOGRAMSShows the average temperature & precipitation

in an area over one year.

GUESS THE BIOME….

ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT CLIMATOGRAMS?

IBIB Climatogram Lab Climatogram LabYou will graph temperature and

precipitation trends of six major biomes on a climatograph.

Then, determine the biome represented and explain your reasoning in a DEC lab.

DUE DATE: Thursday 3/11DUE DATE: Thursday 3/11

Grading:IBO will only look at your DEC. (6pts)

You will get a 30-pt lab grade from me…*15 pts for your graphs**15 pts for your DEC lab*

IBIB TERRESTRIAL BIOME TERRESTRIAL BIOME PROJECTPROJECTYou will create 9 biome “postcards” to

represent the characteristics of the terrestrial biomes.

Your 10th card will be a recipe of your Bounty of the Biomes Food item.

 9 biomesTundra (Arctic Tundra) Taiga (Boreal Forest)Temperate Deciduous Forest Temperate RainforestDeserts (hot & cold) GrasslandsSavanna Tropical RainforestChaparral

BIOME DUE DATES: BIOME DUE DATES: Terrestrial Biome Cards: Mon 3/15Terrestrial Biome Cards: Mon 3/15 (9 Biome Cards)(9 Biome Cards)

BIOME TEST : Wed 3/17BIOME TEST : Wed 3/17 (Terrestrial & Aquatic)(Terrestrial & Aquatic)

Bounty of the Biomes: Fri 3/19Bounty of the Biomes: Fri 3/19 (Biome Card & Food Item)(Biome Card & Food Item)

APAP TERRESTRIAL BIOME TERRESTRIAL BIOME PROJECTPROJECTYou will create 9 biome “postcards” to

represent the characteristics of the terrestrial biomes.

Your 10th card will be a recipe of your Bounty of the Biomes Food item.

 9 biomesTundra (Arctic Tundra) Taiga (Boreal Forest)Temperate Deciduous Forest Temperate RainforestDeserts (hot & cold) GrasslandsSavanna Tropical RainforestChaparral

BIOME DUE DATES: BIOME DUE DATES: Bounty of the Biomes: 1/24 & 1/22Bounty of the Biomes: 1/24 & 1/22 (Biome Card & Food Item)(Biome Card & Food Item)

Terrestrial Biome Cards: 1/26 & 1/27Terrestrial Biome Cards: 1/26 & 1/27 (9 Biome Cards)(9 Biome Cards)

BIOME TEST :1/26 & 1/27BIOME TEST :1/26 & 1/27 (Terrestrial & Aquatic)(Terrestrial & Aquatic)

Postcard Requirements – must be on 5”X 7” cards

FRONT:– Collage of Pictures (or hand-drawn pictures) of the

Flora/Fauna/Landscape in your biome – IN COLOR!!– World Distribution (cut out the world maps on your

sheet and shade the area covered in your biome)– Climatograph for your biome (as the postcard’s stamp)

– should be about the same size as the world map

BACK:– Name of Biome– Relative Productivity (Low, Medium, or High? Explain

why!)– Climate Info

• Average Annual Temperature (°F)• Average Precipitation (cm)• Relative Insolation (Low, Medium, or High? Explain why!)

– Limiting Factors

An example of what I expect will be available to look at

soon!

LATITUDINAL ZONATION

…a spatial pattern…

Hiking up a mountain is similar to traveling towards the North Pole with respect

to the major ecosystems encountered.

WHY??As you climb up a

mountain, the temperature drops

& the types of organisms that

live there changes.

ALTITUDINAL / VERTICAL ZONATION

…a spatial pattern…

ALTITUDINAL & LATITUDINAL ZONATION are spatial patterns…

SUCCESSION is a stage of development.

HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM SUCCESSION?????

AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS…Overview…

• Basics• Freshwater Ecosystems

– Flowing-water ecosystems– Standing-water ecosystems– Freshwater wetlands

• Estuaries• Marine Ecosystems

~Basics~Important Env. Limiting

Factors• In Terrestrial environments:

– Temperature & Precipitation are limiting factors

– Light is plentiful

• In Aquatic environments:– Temperature less important– Salinity– Dissolved Oxygen (DO)– Low light– Low levels of essential nutrient minerals– Temperature, pH, presence/absence of

waves/currents

• “Free-floating” – Carried by currents• Usually small or microscopic • Can migrate vertically daily or seasonally• Two categories:

– Phytoplankton (plant-like)• Photosynthetic cyanobacteria & algae • Producers: base of most aquatic ecosystems

– Zooplankton (animal-like)• Non-photosynthetic organisms (protozoa, tiny

crustaceans, larval stages of animals)• Feed on algae & eaten by small aquatic organisms

Aquatic Ecosystem Organisms ~Plankton~

• Larger, stronger-swimming organisms

• Fish, turtles, whales

Aquatic Ecosystem Organisms~Nekton~

• Bottom-dwelling organisms

• Fix themselves to one spot – sponges, barnacles, or oysters

• Burrow into sand– Worms, clams, echinoderms

• Walk around on the bottom– Crawfish, aquatic insect larvae, brittle stars

Aquatic Ecosystem Organisms~Benthos~

FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS

2% of Earth’s surface

Recycle precipitation that flows as surface runoff to the ocean

Large bodies help moderate daily/seasonal temperature fluctuations on land

Provide habitats

Three Types:Flowing-Water, Standing-Water, & Freshwater

Wetlands

Visualizing Aquatic Ecosystems

Using the textbook, define the terms in your chart.

Draw a diagram in the large box tovisually illustrate each of the terms.

Flowing-Water EcosystemsRivers & Streams

Flowing-water Ecosystems

• Source vs. Mouth• Headwater Streams

– Shallow, cold, swiftly flowing, high DO• Downstream Rivers

– Wider, deeper, cloudy, warmer, slowly flowing, lower DO

• Groundwater can well up through sediments– This local input can moderate water

temperature during summer & winter• Organisms present:

– Faster currents (headwaters or sloped land)• adaptations w/ suckers or streamlined & muscular

bodies– Slower currents (downstream or flat land)

• organisms similar to those in ponds

Flowing-water Ecosystems~Energy~

• Where does the energy come from?

– Headwater Streams• 99% comes from detritus

(leaves carried in by runoff)

– Downstream Rivers• More producers, therefore lower

dependence on detritus

Flowing-water Ecosystems

~Human Influence~• Pollution

– Alters physical environment– Changes biotic component downstream

from the pollution source

• Dams– Cause water backup & flooding– Create reservoirs (alters/destroys

habitat)– Downstream river is reduced (alters

habitat)

Standing-Water Ecosystems

Lakes & Ponds

Zonation in a Large Lake

• Littoral Zone: shallow-water area along the shore.• Limnetic Zone: open water beyond the littoral

zone, away from shore, extends down as far as sunlight penetrates.

• Profundal Zone: beneath the limnetic zone.

TRY TO DESCRIBE THESE WITH A

PARTNER!!!

Standing-water Ecosystems~Zonation: Littoral Zone~

• Most productive zone – Photosynthesis is greatest here– Many nutrients from surrounding land

• Plant Life:– Emergent vegetation (cattails)– Deeper-dwelling aquatic plants & algae

• Animal Life:– Tadpoles, turtles, worms, crayfish, insect

larvae, many fishes (perch, carp, bass)– Surface dwellers (water striders) in calm

areas

Standing-water Ecosystems

~Zonation: Limnetic Zone~• Main organisms = phytoplankton &

zooplankton

• Larger fishes

• Less vegetation than Littoral Zone due to its depth

Standing-water Ecosystems

~Zonation: Profundal Zone~• Typically absent in smaller lakes & ponds

• Light cannot penetrate this deep– No plants & algae

• Food drifts down from other zones• Bacteria decompose dead organisms

here, using up O2 & liberating nutrient minerals in the organic material– Nutrients are not recycled well because there

are no producers to absorb them

• Mineral-rich & anaerobic

Standing-water Ecosystems~Thermal Stratification~

• Caused by light penetrating to different depths

• Temperature changes sharply with depth

Standing-water Ecosystems~Thermal Stratification~

Read about this in your book…

Then summarize how it works in your notes in

the space provided.

4°C, Thermocline, Density, Fall & Spring Turnover

Standing-water Ecosystems

~Thermal Stratification~• How it works: SUMMER

• Sun warms surface waters, making them less dense.– Density of water is greatest at 4°C– Less dense above & below 4°C

• Cooler, denser water remains at bottom

• Thermocline: abrupt temp change

~Summer Thermal Stratification~

Thermocline: abrupt temp change

Standing-water Ecosystems

~Thermal Stratification~• How it works: FALL

• Falling temps cause layers to mix.– Called the Fall Turnover

• Surface water cools (density increases) & displaces the less-dense, warmer, mineral-rich water below.

• Warm water rises, where it again cools & sinks.

• Cycling continues until the lake has a uniform temperature throughout.

Standing-water Ecosystems

~Thermal Stratification~• How it works: WINTER

• Surface water cools below 4°C– 4°C has greatest density!

• As it cools below 4°C, it becomes less dense, and can even form ice, which will form on the surface.

• Water on the lake bottom is warmer than the ice on the surface.

Standing-water Ecosystems

~Thermal Stratification~• How it works: SPRING

• Ice melts, warming surface to 4°C– Surface water, now denser, sinks.– Bottom water, now less dense, rises.

• Layers mix again– Called Spring Turnover.

• Thermal stratification occurs again in the summer, continuing the cycle.

Standing-water Ecosystems~Effects of Fall & Spring

Turnover~• Turnovers bring:

– Essential nutrients to the surface– Oxygenated water to the bottom

• These nutrients encourage the growth of large algal & cyanobacteria blooms!– Causes Eutrophication, red tides, etc.

Standing-water Ecosystems

~Thermal Stratification~• Where are the fish all this

time?

• There is varying seasonal distribution of temperature & O2

– We know how temps change.

– How does O2 change?• Cooler water holds more DO

• Fish follow these distributions according to their individual tolerance levels!

Freshwater Wetlands

Marshes & Swamps

Freshwater Wetlands• Covered by shallow water for at least

part of the year.• Have characteristic soil and water-

tolerant vegetation.• Anaerobic & therefore low

decomposition.• Types:

– Marshes (grasslike plants)– Swamps (woody trees or shrubs)– Hardwood bottomland forests (along streams

& rivers that periodically flood)– Prairie potholes (shallow ponds)– Peat moss bogs (acidic, mossy wetland)

Remember…Anerobic!

Freshwater Wetlands

• Highly productive

• Ecosystem Services:– Food sources– Habitat for migratory birds– Control flooding

•act as water holding areas, then release water slowly back

– Groundwater recharge areas– Cleanse and purify water

Freshwater Wetlands

• Problems protecting wetlands:– Formerly considered wastelands

•Filled in or drained to create real estate, farms, or industrial sites.

– Breeding grounds for mosquitoes•Seen as a nuisance to public health.

• Importance is now widely recognized.– Some legal protection– Still threatened by development &

pollution

Estuaries

Where freshwater meets saltwater

Estuaries

• Where a freshwater stream or river meets the salty ocean water.

• Creates BRACKISH water.

• Water level rises & falls with tides.• Salinity level changes with tidal

cycles, time of year, and precipitation.– Organisms must tolerate these changes!!

Estuaries

• Among the most fertile & most productive ecosystems in the world.

• High productivity created by:1. Nutrients are transported from the land into rivers/creeks that flow into the estuary.2. Tides promote rapid nutrient circulation & helps remove waste products.3. High light penetration.4. Many plants provide an extensive photosynthetic base for the food chain.

Estuaries• Usually contain salt marshes or

mangroves.

• Salt Marsh = shallow wetlands dominated by salt-tolerant grasses.– Often seen as worthless, and experience

similar problems as other wetlands.– Also acts as a storm buffer.

• Mangrove Forest = tropical equivalent of salt marsh.– Cover 70% of tropical coastlines.– Ecosystem services:

• Breeding & nesting grounds• Roots stabilize submerged soil (prevent erosion)• Storm buffer: actually stronger than concrete seawalls

in dissipating wave energy during tropical storms.

Mangrove Distribution

Mangrove Forest

Mangrove Forest

Watershed & Airshed of the Chesapeake Bay

Marine EcosystemsMarine Ecosystems

Marine EcosystemsMarine EcosystemsOceans differ from streams/lakes inOceans differ from streams/lakes in

several ways:several ways:

1. Depth 1. Depth (up to 6 km or 3.6 miles)(up to 6 km or 3.6 miles)

Titanic is Titanic is 12,000 ft down12,000 ft down

2. Tides2. Tides (gravitational pull of the moon)(gravitational pull of the moon)

Ocean Motion (hyperlink)(hyperlink)

2. Tides2. Tides (gravitational pull of the moon)(gravitational pull of the moon)

Ocean Motion (hyperlink)(hyperlink)

3. Currents (surface & density)3. Currents (surface & density)

Marine Ecosystems are Marine Ecosystems are

divided into 3 main zones:divided into 3 main zones:

1. Intertidal 1. Intertidal

2. Benthic2. Benthic

3. Pelagic3. PelagicDivided into 2 zones based on distance from shoreDivided into 2 zones based on distance from shore

1.1. NeriticNeritic

2.2. OceanicOceanic

Continental shelf

Contin

enta

l

Slo

pe

Continental Rise

Abyssal Plain

Inter-Tidal Zone Area of

shoreline between high and low tides

Euphotic Zone: upper part of pelagic- light penetrates for photosynthesis. Up to 150m (488ft)

Benthic Environment:

Ocean bottom or floor (composed of benthic, abyssal, and hadal)

Abyssal Zone: 4000-6000m

Continental Margin (shelf, slope, rise)

~200m

4000 m

Hadal Zone

Pelagic(Consists of the neritic and oceanic provences)

High Tide

Low Tide

Neritic- surface to

200 mOceanic: open ocean overlying ocean floor at depths greater than 200 m

>6000m

MAJOR OCEANIC ZONES

Zones:Zones:

1. 1. IntertidalIntertidal: between high & low tide: between high & low tide• Biologically productive habitatBiologically productive habitat• Stressful for organismsStressful for organisms

• The The Sandy BeachSandy Beach is constantly changing. Organisms must is constantly changing. Organisms must continuously burrow and follow the tides up and down on continuously burrow and follow the tides up and down on the beach (must avoid drying out- no adaptations)the beach (must avoid drying out- no adaptations)

• The The Rocky ShoreRocky Shore is exposed to wave action (at high tide) is exposed to wave action (at high tide) and drying out/temp changes (exposed to air at low tides)and drying out/temp changes (exposed to air at low tides)

• Organism adaptions to seal in moisture Organism adaptions to seal in moisture • closing shell, thick skin , special glands, gummy closing shell, thick skin , special glands, gummy

coating, burrowing, etccoating, burrowing, etc

2. 2. Benthic ZoneBenthic Zone– Ocean FloorOcean Floor– Consists of mostly sediment (sand/mud)Consists of mostly sediment (sand/mud)– Bacteria are commonBacteria are common

Two kinds of benthic zonesTwo kinds of benthic zonesA. Shallow WaterA. Shallow Water

1. Sea grass1. Sea grass2. Kelp2. Kelp3. Coral3. Coral

B. Deep WaterB. Deep Water1. Abyssal1. Abyssal2. Hadal2. Hadal

– Productive with sea grass beds, kelp forests and coral reefsProductive with sea grass beds, kelp forests and coral reefs

1.1. SEAGRASS BEDS SEAGRASS BEDSProvide habitat/food for organismsProvide habitat/food for organismsRoots stabilize sedimentsRoots stabilize sediments

(warm, tropical waters)(warm, tropical waters)

A. Shallow water Benthic Zone

Shallow Benthic continued…Shallow Benthic continued…

2. 2. Kelp BedsKelp Beds

vital primary food producer for the Kelp vital primary food producer for the Kelp forest ecosystem (cold waters)forest ecosystem (cold waters)

Remember Sea Otters? Importance???Remember Sea Otters? Importance???

Tunicate

Marine spongeKelp Bed

Shallow Benthic continued…Shallow Benthic continued…

3. 3. Coral ReefsCoral Reefs– Built from accumulated layers of CaCOBuilt from accumulated layers of CaCO33

– Found in warm (>21C) shallow waterFound in warm (>21C) shallow water– Most diverse marine environmentMost diverse marine environment– Protect shorelines from erosionProtect shorelines from erosion– Grow very slowly Grow very slowly

- - build on the remains of organisms before thembuild on the remains of organisms before them

Note: 2 types of coral!Note: 2 types of coral!– Without Zooxanthellae (do not build reefs)Without Zooxanthellae (do not build reefs)– With Zooxanthellae (do build reefs)With Zooxanthellae (do build reefs)

ZooxanthellaeZooxanthellae = Symbiotic relationship between = Symbiotic relationship between coral polyp and algae coral polyp and algae (commensalism)(commensalism)

– Daytime: Zooxanthellae photosynthesize for the coralDaytime: Zooxanthellae photosynthesize for the coral– Nighttime: Coral polyps feed with tentacles & stingersNighttime: Coral polyps feed with tentacles & stingers– BLEACHINGBLEACHING: :

Zooxanthellae leave the polyp Zooxanthellae leave the polyp (they give coral its color)(they give coral its color) because: because:– Water is too cloudy for photosynthesisWater is too cloudy for photosynthesis

– Water temperature is too highWater temperature is too high

Coral BleachingCoral Bleaching

The coral reef's The coral reef's zooxanthellae, or symbiotic zooxanthellae, or symbiotic

algae, give it its color. algae, give it its color.

When coral is stressed, it When coral is stressed, it expels the algae and loses expels the algae and loses

its color in a processits color in a processcalled bleaching.called bleaching.

Coral Coral BleachingBleaching

Bleaching is not the fatal blow once believed.Bleaching is not the fatal blow once believed.

– Natural Variation in zooxanthellae density may Natural Variation in zooxanthellae density may explain bleaching episodesexplain bleaching episodes

– Corals can lose 75% of zooxanthellae seasonally Corals can lose 75% of zooxanthellae seasonally without harming the reefwithout harming the reef

– Corals may hold a “secret reserve” of zooxanthellae Corals may hold a “secret reserve” of zooxanthellae that allows them to recover when bleachedthat allows them to recover when bleached

– Corals can use any of several zooxanthella species Corals can use any of several zooxanthella species May be “rescued” by one species when abandoned by May be “rescued” by one species when abandoned by another.another.

Coral Reef Global DistributionCoral Reef Global Distribution

Types of Coral Reefs & Their FormationTypes of Coral Reefs & Their FormationFRINGING BARRIER ATOLL

Reef begins attached to land, then as the land subsides below the surface, the coral continues

to grow vertically.

Lagoon

Largest Barrier Reef????? (1200mi long, 62mi wide)

Great Barrier Reef!

FRINGING REEFFRINGING REEF

BARRIER REEFBARRIER REEF

ATOLL REEFATOLL REEF

Cross Section of Fringing ReefCross Section of Fringing Reef

Cross Section of Barrier ReefCross Section of Barrier Reef

(Papua New Guinea)

Eniwetok Atoll, Bora Bora

Cross Section of Atoll ReefCross Section of Atoll Reef

Human Impact to ReefsHuman Impact to ReefsThreats Threats – 27% of the world’s coral reefs are in danger 27% of the world’s coral reefs are in danger (UN)(UN)

– Of 109 countries with coral reefs, 90 are Of 109 countries with coral reefs, 90 are damaging them.damaging them.

Asian reefs contain the most diversity and are also Asian reefs contain the most diversity and are also the most endangered reefs in the world.the most endangered reefs in the world.

Coral Damage is caused by…..

SILT WASHING DOWNSTREAMThe Ganges River forms an extensive delta where it empties into the Bay of Bengal. The delta is largely

covered with a swamp forest known as the Sunderbans, which is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

High Salinity due to fresh water diversion

Overfishing

Sewage Discharge

& Agricultural Runoff

Boat Grounding

Oil Spills

Fishing with

Dynamite &

Cyanide

Hurricane DamageTourism

Underwater Mining(for Land Reclamation & Building Materials)(causes sediment pollution & cloudy water)

Just a bit of humor…

Silt washing downstreamSilt washing downstream

High salinity due to fresh water diversionHigh salinity due to fresh water diversion

OverfishingOverfishing

Sewage Discharge/Agricultural RunoffSewage Discharge/Agricultural Runoff

Boat GroundingBoat Grounding

Oil SpillsOil Spills

Fishing w/ Dynamite/CyanideFishing w/ Dynamite/Cyanide

Hurricane DamageHurricane Damage

Land ReclamationLand Reclamation

TourismTourism

Mining for Building MaterialsMining for Building Materials

Coral Damage is caused by…..

B. Deep Sea Benthic ZonesB. Deep Sea Benthic Zones1. 1. Abyssal Benthic ZoneAbyssal Benthic Zone: 4,000-6,000m: 4,000-6,000m

2. 2. Hadal Benthic ZoneHadal Benthic Zone: > 6,000m to bottom : > 6,000m to bottom ((deepdeep sea trenches) sea trenches)

3. 3. Pelagic ZonePelagic Zone A. Neritic Province: A. Neritic Province: shallow watersshallow waters

Open ocean: shoreline Open ocean: shoreline depth of 200m depth of 200m

Organisms are floaters or swimmersOrganisms are floaters or swimmers

Large numbers of phytoplankton Large numbers of phytoplankton – produce foodproduce food– are the base of the food webare the base of the food web

diatoms & dinoflagellatesdiatoms & dinoflagellates

Zooplankton Zooplankton (and jellyfish, barnacles, urchins & crabs) (and jellyfish, barnacles, urchins & crabs)

feed on phytoplankton and then are feed on phytoplankton and then are consumed by plankton-eating nekton consumed by plankton-eating nekton (sardines, squid, baleen whales, manta rays)(sardines, squid, baleen whales, manta rays)

B. Oceanic ProvinceB. Oceanic ProvincePart of the pelagic zone Part of the pelagic zone Overlies ocean floor at depths >200mOverlies ocean floor at depths >200m

Largest marine environment (75% of ocean)Largest marine environment (75% of ocean)

Cold temps, high hydrostatic pressure, Cold temps, high hydrostatic pressure, absence of sunlightabsence of sunlightOrganisms depend on marine snow Organisms depend on marine snow

(organic debris that drifts down (organic debris that drifts down

from the lighted regions)from the lighted regions)– Filter feeders, Scavengers & Predators Filter feeders, Scavengers & Predators – Unique adaptations (bioluminescence, Unique adaptations (bioluminescence, reduced bone/muscle mass) reduced bone/muscle mass)

Impact of Human Activities on the OceanImpact of Human Activities on the Ocean

Coastal developmentCoastal development– Damages mangrove forests, salt marshes, Damages mangrove forests, salt marshes,

sea grass beds, coral reefssea grass beds, coral reefs

Pollution from land Pollution from land – (enters via runoff)(enters via runoff)

Pollution from atmosphere Pollution from atmosphere – (enters via precipitation(enters via precipitation

Human sewage contaminates seafoodHuman sewage contaminates seafood

Trash Trash (plastics, fishing nets, packing materials)(plastics, fishing nets, packing materials)

Offshore Mining & oil drilling Offshore Mining & oil drilling (oily ballast)(oily ballast)

Mechanized fishing/Dredging Mechanized fishing/Dredging (scallops/shrimp)(scallops/shrimp)

REMEMBER…..REMEMBER….. READ YOUR CASE READ YOUR CASE

IN POINT ON THE IN POINT ON THE EVERGLADES EVERGLADES

Pages 155-157Pages 155-157

Florida Everglades