Ecosystems or Landscapes

Ecosystems Rainforest (Equatorial Climate) The Savannah (Tropical Climate) Desert Landscapes (Hot deserts and Cold

deserts) Mediterranean Landscape

(Mediterranean Climate) Continental Landscape (Continental

Climate) Oceanic Landscape (Oceanic Climate) Polar Landscape (Polar Climate) Mountain Landscape (Mountain Climate)

Desert LandscapesThe lack of water makes vegetation and

animal life scarceSome species have adapted to dry

conditions:CactiCamels

In oasis grow date palmsDeserts are almost uninhabited. Only

some nomads live in deserts (Tuaregs, Mongols, Berbers…)

The Sahara in Africa

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Mediterranean LandscapeRivers have an irregular flow.

They carry very little water in summerAt other times there are floods

There are trees such as “holm oaks”, “corn oaks” and “pine trees”

There are also shrubs and plants like lavender, thyme, rosemary.

Human activity has changed these ecosystems:Forests have been cut down and have been

replaced by:Wheat fields, olive trees, vineyards, pastures...Irrigated agriculture (fruit and vegetables)Tourism activities

Oceanic LandscapesVegetation is abundant due to regular

rainfallThe landscape is mainly green.There are extensive meadowsDeciduous forests are found in the highlandsTrees are: ash (fresno), oak (roble), beech

(haya)In areas of poor soil there are moors with

shrubs and grass.These landscapes are densely populated and

changed considerably

Polar LandscapesPolar landscapes are characterized by ice

and snow.Vegetation is unable to grow because the

subsoil is almost always frozen.Only animals like seals and penguins can live

near the Poles.Near the temperate zone we can locate the

Tundra landscapes, with:Moss, lichens and small trees.Animals: reindeer, foxes, wolves, moose.

ice and snow

tundra

taiga

Mountain ClimateVegetation changes with altitude because of

the changes in temperature and precipitation. It is called:

Altitudinal Zonation (Cliserie)The vegetation on sunny slopes is different

from the vegetation on shady slopesVegetation is more abundant windward, than

leeward.The levels are:

Local treesDeciduous treesEvergreen treesShrubs or bushesGrass or meadowsMoss and lichens