Ss Chapter 18.1
- 1. Chapter 18 Ecosystems & Populations GEE Science Summer Remediation Mr. Nash Donnie Bickham Middle School Room 204
- 2. Major Ecological Systems An ecological system is also called an ecosystem. Ecosystems contain biotic and abiotic factors. Biotic factors are the living organisms. Example: Plant and Animals Abiotic factors are nonliving, physical components. `Example: soil and nutrients Six major terrestrial and three major aquatic ecosystems. Pg. 311
- 3. Terrestrial Ecosystems Large land areas characterized by a dominant form of plant life and climate type that make up large ecosystems are called biomes. Boundaries between biomes are not apparent and gradually fade into each other. Pg. 311
- 4. Terrestrial Ecosystems There are six major terrestrial biomes: Tundra Coniferous Forest Deciduous Forest Grassland Desert Rain Forest Pg. 311
- 5. Tundra Biome Located near the north and south poles. Rainfall is light and summer temperature averages around 1 0 C. Subsoil is permanently frozen. Plant life consists of mosses, lichens, and reindeer moss. Animals are reindeer caribou, polar bears, arctic wolves, foxes, hares, lemmings, birds and insects. Pg. 311
- 6. Coniferous Forest Found above 60 0 N latitude. Rainfall is medium and the summer temperature averages 12 0 C. Subsoil thaws for a few weeks in the summer. Trees are mostly coniferous. Example: Spruce, Fir, and Pine Animals are moose, black bear, wolves, lynx, wolverines, martens, porcupines, and birds. Pg.312
- 7. Deciduous Forest Found in the middle latitudes between 20 0 and 60 0 . Rainfall is medium and the average summer temperature is around 24 0 C. Trees are broad leaved with foliage that changes color in autumn. Animals include mostly squirrels, deer, foxes and bears. Louisiana falls in this biome. Pg.312
- 8. Grassland Biome Located in mid-continental areas of middle latitudes. Rainfall is low and average summer temperature is 20 0 C. Plants are variegated grasses. Large herbivores such as bison, antelope, zebras, as well as smaller burrowing rodents. Pg. 312
- 9. Tropical Rain Forest Biome Located near the equator and near mountain ranges. Abundant rainfall with high humidity. Average summer temperature is 25 0 C. Large variety of plants and animals. Pg. 312
- 10. Desert Biome Located on either side of the equator between 0 0 and 20 0 . Little rain with extreme temperature fluctuations. Average summer temperature is 30 0 C. Plants include sage brush, mesquite, and cacti. Animals include the kangaroo rat, snakes, lizards, spiders, and insects. Pg.312
- 11. Aquatic Ecosystems Precipitation and temperature are NOT the major determinant of plant and animal life. The amount of light and oxygen are important for photosynthesis. Salinity (salt content) is the most important determinant. Pg.312
- 12. Freshwater Biomes No salinity. Important to the Earth’s water cycle. Found in many areas and support a wide variety of plant and animal life. Pg. 312
- 13. Estuary Biome Mixed salinity. This is where fresh water and salt water meet. Contain salt marshes and swampy areas. Some of the most biologically diverse locations on earth. Pg. 313
- 14. Marine Biome High salinity. Largest ecosystems on earth. Three different zones depending on depth. Intertidal Zone Pelagic Zone Benthic Zone Pg.313
- 15. Intertidal Zone An area of shore between low and high tides. Most biologically active area of the marine ecosystem. Pg.313
- 16. Pelagic Zone Largest ocean area. Divided into two zones: Shallow Deep Shallow allows light for photosynthesis to occur in plants and organisms. Most marine mammals and fish live in this zone. Deep zone does not allow light, but comprises most of the earth’s oceans. Pg. 313
- 17. Benthic Zone Located on the ocean floor. Burrowing animals like clams and worms are abundant. In shallow benthic areas, coral reefs are commonly found. Pg. 313