Forest, Grassland, and Desert Ecosystems CHAPTER 3 Environmental Studies, 2e

Chapter Objectives After studying this chapter, the reader should be able to: Recall the factors that give rise to different kinds of biomes in different regions Describe the main characteristics and importance of tropical rain forests List the main features of temperate and coniferous forests as well as the arctic tundra

Chapter Objectives (contd) Give an account of the forest cover in India based on the Forest Survey. Appreciate the tremendous impact of human activities and natural forces on the forests of the world Describe the main characteristics of grasslands and deserts Recall the ecological services provided by mountain ecosystems

Terrestrial Ecosystems: Tropical Rain-Forests Temperature Forests Tropical Seasonal Forests Temperate Deciduous Forest Woodland and Shrub Land Boreal Forest Temperate Grassland Tundra Cultivated Land Extreme desert, Rock, Sand and Ice Desert/Semi-desert Shrub

Aquatic ecosystems: Open Oceans Lakes and Streams Continental Shelf Estuaries and Brackish Waters Swamp and Marsh Upwelling Zones Algal beds and Reefs

The story of the Nilgiris: Blue mountains in peril

Tribals Todas, (Badagas), Kotas, Kurumbas and Irulas

The Story of the Nilgiris Massive mountain range at the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) established in 1986 Diverse flora and fauna Destruction: Forests destroyed, replaced by plantations Frequent landslides Traditional ways of local tribals destroyed

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Fauna includes over 100 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, 80 species of reptiles, about 39 species of fish, 31 amphibians and 316 species of butterflies. It includes the tiger, Asian elephant, Lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr. It has largest population of two endangered species Lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is very rich in plant diversity. About 3,300 species of flowering plants can be seen here.

The reserve encompasses 5,520 km² in the states of Tamil Nadu (2537 The reserve encompasses 5,520 km² in the states of Tamil Nadu (2537.6 km²), Karnataka (1527.4 km²) and Kerala (1455.4 km²)

Biomes A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g. forest or tundra

Characteristics of biomes Defined by abiotic factors such as climate, relief, geology, soils and vegetation. A biome is NOT an ecosystem, can look like a massive ecosystem. Plants or animals in any of the biomes have special adaptations that make it possible for them to exist in that area. Many units of ecosystems within one biome.

Characteristics contd…. Biomes play a crucial role in sustaining life on earth. 1. Aquatic biome is - home to millions of fish species and the source of the water cycle. - plays an important role in climate formation. 2. The terrestrial biomes provide foods, - enrich the air with oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and other bad gases from the air. - help regulate climate and so on.

Types of Biomes tropical rain forests: 2000-4500 mm rainfall pa, S. Ameica, S. Asia, W. Asia, Abundant biodiversity temperate forests: Cold in winter, warm in summer, 750-2000 mm rainfall pa, e.g. Oak, Maples W.C. Europe, E Asia, N. america coniferous forests: No rainfall in summer, N. America, Europe and Asia, e.g. Spruce and Fir, Pine Tundra: Arctic desert, Grasslands; Hot and dry, 250-1500 mm rainfall, Savannahs in Africa, large animals Deserts: 25-50 mm rain, plants and animals adapted mountains

Forests in India State of Forest Report 2013: Forest and tree cover about 78.92 million ha (24.21% of the geographical area) Net increase of 5871 ha in the forest and tree cover between 2011 and 2013. The seven north-eastern States of India have nearly one-fourth of the country’s forest cover.

Impact of Human Activities on Forests The clearing and burning of the forests result in: loss of biodiversity extinction of species soil erosion disturbance of the carbon cycle leading to global warming. landslides and floods increased siltation of rivers. Many forests affected by acid deposition originating from industries. Harvesting of old growth forests destroys habitat for endangered species.

Acid Rain Emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide react with water in atmosphere to produce acids that drop down during rain, snowfall, fog, dew etc. Harmful for plant and animal life. It affects infrastructure – corrossion of steel structures, erode statues and peeling of paint. Acid rain can also affect the soil chemistry.

Effects of Acid Rain on the forest of Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic.

Human activities have a very adverse impact on forests

Even deserts are affected by human activities

Impact of Human Activities on Forests (contd) Pesticide spraying in forest plantations leads to poisoning of the food chain and loss of species Dams built in forest areas drown huge areas, destroying species and depriving people of their lands In wilderness areas like the Arctic, oil exploration and military activities disrupt the ecosystem, contaminate areas, and lead to the decline of species.

Mountain ecosystems provide vital ecosystem services, but they are facing severe degradation

Keywords & Phrases of Chap.3 biosphere reserve coniferous forest grassland precipitation rain forest savanna temperate forest tundra

Key Points of Chap.3 Terrestrial biomes are determined by temperature and precipitation. Forest ecosystems still cover a large area on land. Human beings have interfered in about 73% of land Tropical forests store the world’s biodiversity; they are being destroyed rapidly. Forest ecosystems are experiencing serious ecological and social problems. Deserts can be damaged easily and take very long to recover from any disturbance. Mountains are unique ecosystems providing valuable services.