Terrestrial Flora and Fauna Chapter 11 Terrestrial Flora and Fauna

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna Natural Distributions Terrestrial Flora Terrestrial Fauna Major Biomes Human Modification of Natural Distribution Patterns

Natural Distributions Natural distribution is determined by four conditions: Evolutionary Development Migration/Dispersal Reproductive Success Extinction

Evolutionary Development Darwin’s theory of natural selection – survival of the fittest Originate – modify Location of origin

Migration/Dispersal Organisms have always moved around Active Migration: animals and humans possess mechanism for motion i.e., legs, wings, fins, etc. Passive Migration: plants by wind, water and animal dispersion Ex: Cattle Egrets

Migration/Dispersal Ex: Coconut Palm Dispersal occurred because coconuts can float in ocean for long periods of time Wash up on beaches and colonize Also, human transport

Reproductive Success Problems: Predation, climatic change, food supply Benefits: Climate change can favor one species over another i.e., cod (warming waters), mosquitoes (lots of moisture, humidity)

Extinction Evolution is a continuing process We were not always here There have always been die-offs of plant and animal species Ex: Neanderthals and dinosaurs Extinction means a complete world wide die-off of a species – gone forever Extinctions have happened many times

Terrestrial Flora Environmental Adaptations Competition Floristic Terminology Spatial Groupings of Plants Terrestrial Flora is important for three reasons: Visibility Indicator Influence on human settlement & activity

Environmental Adaptations Tolerance Limits: Govern survival, distribution, dispersal Two adaptations to environmental stress: Xerophytic Hygrophytic

Xerophytes Structurally adapted to withstand very dry conditions Four general types: Modified roots Modified stems Modified leaves Adaptive reproductive cycle

Hygrophytes Suited to wet terrestrial environment Two type distinctions: Hydrophytes: more or less permanently immersed i.e. water lilies Hygrophytes: moisture loving plants – require frequent and lots of water

Critical Role of Competition Plants are just as competitive as humans Plant cover is always subject to change: slow and orderly – trends with climate change abrupt and chaotic - wildfire They draw their energy from the same place – the soil and the sun

Vertical Zonation Due to effect of elevation on temperature Think of it as counterpart to latitudinal change

Local Variations Caused by local environmental conditions Two examples are: Sunlight - adret slope Lack of sunlight – ubac slope

Terrestrial Fauna (animals) More fauna (animals) than flora (plants) Fauna is less prominent than flora in the landscape Fauna tends to avoid attention – flora is evident to the eye wherever it is Definition fauna: all animal life in a region

Environmental Adaptations The color and/or patterns of animal fur adapt to local conditions, thus providing protection from predators.

Human Modification of Natural Distribution Patterns Humans exert extraordinary influence on the environment – the distribution of plants and animals Not only the magnitude of change, but the speed Three types of influence on biotic distribution are: Removing Organisms Modifying Habitat Introducing Species to New Habitats