ecosystems of the world
DESCRIPTION
Ecosystems of the World. Climax Vegetation - the natural vegetation in the last possible stage of vegetation development. . Climax vegetation is in balance with the climatic conditions . It should change very little if left undisturbed. Climax vegetation in boreal (coniferous) forest:. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Ecosystems of the World
Climax Vegetation - the natural vegetation in the last possible stage of vegetation development.
• Climax vegetation is in balance with the climatic conditions.
• It should change very little if left undisturbed.
Climax vegetation in boreal (coniferous) forest:
* Evergreen trees* Needle like leaves* Thick bark* Conical shape* Drooping branches
* needle leaves reduce surface area meaning less water loss. * thick bark reduces water loss. * drooping branches and conical shape allow heavy snow to fall off relieving the pressure.
Climate is temperate cold winter – these trees are hardy enough to endure long winters with limited water.
Complete # 19 on pages 102 – 103.a. Boreal Forest & Tundra
are wide spread in high latitudes.
b. Tropical Rain Forests occur in low latitudes.
c. Tropical Rain Forest is most predominant in South America.
d. South America, Africa, Australia and Antarctica do not have tundra.
e. Boreal Forest is our ecosystem.
Elevation and Latitude Affect Ecosystems
• The changes in ecosystems from the equator to the poles is very similar to the changes in ecosystems from the base of a tropical mountain to the summit.
Complete # 23 on page 105.A = Temperate Deciduous ForestB = Tropical Rain ForestC = GrasslandsD = Savanna
E = TundraF = Coniferous ForestG = Desert
Complete # 24 on pages 105 – 106.
Ecosystem A = Savanna
Ecosystem B = Boreal Forest
Ecosystem C = Temperate Forest
Ecosystem D = Temperate Grassland
Ecosystem E = Tropical Rainforest
Ecosystem F = Tundra
Ecosystem G = Desert
Complete # 25 on page 107.
Tropical Rain Forest
Answer
Answer
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Ecosystems and Climatic Regions
Ecosystems of the world are largely defined by their climax vegetation.
Example: tropical rain forest, grasslands, boreal forests, cacti, etc.
Climax vegetation is determined by climate.
Therefore, ecosystems parallel climate zones.
Arid gives Desert
Semi-Arid gives Grassland
Tropical Wet gives Tropical Rain Forest
Temperate cold winter gives Boreal Forest
Temp. mild winter gives Temp. deciduous Forest
Ecosystems and Climatic Regions
ECOSYSTEM CLIMATIC CONDITIONS CLIMAX VEGETATION
Tundra
Polar to subarctic climate- short summers- temperature always below 100 C- very cold long winters- light precipitation
Grasses and shrubs with shallow roots that reproduce quickly
BorealForest
Temperate cold winter climate- warm summers- moderate precipitation
Evergreen trees with needle leaves & thick bark that reduce moisture loss
Temperate Forest
Temperate mild winter climate- mild winters- quite warm to hot summers- moderate to heavy precipitation
Deciduous trees like oak & birch that lose their leaves in fall to reduce moisture loss
TemperateGrassland
Steppe to semi-arid climate ORTemperate cold winter (in some cases)- light precipitation usually in summer- warm to hot summer temperatures- cold winters
Grass with shallow roots that require little water
ECOSYSTEM CLIMATIC CONDITIONS CLIMAX VEGETATION
Savanna
Tropical wet/dry to semi-arid climate- high temperatures most of year- light to moderate precipitation usually during one season
Grass with shallow roots that require little water
Desert Arid climate- high temperatures all year- very light precipitation
Plants that are thick, have needles, long roots, and can store water.
TropicalRain Forest
Tropical wet climate- high temperatures all year- heavy precipitation most of year
Tall evergreen broadleaf trees that have broad roots in thin soil to support height
Mountain
Varied climate but usually cold due to high elevations- Conditions depend on where mountains are- Quite similar to tundra ecosystem at highest elevations
Vegetation varies with elevation and temperature