Ecosystems

Terms to Know Ecosystem- interaction of plant life, animal life, and their environment. Biome- term used to describe major types of ecosystems that can be found in various regions. Deciduous forest is a biome; same climate, plants, and animals even in different parts of the world.

Tropical Rainforests At or near the equator Lots of rain Hot all year 6% of the earth’s land, but more than 50% of the earth’s plant and animal life.

Mid Latitude Deciduous Forest Deciduous trees shed their leaves during one season (usually autumn) of the year. Found in the middle latitudes of the earth.

Coniferous Forests Survive long, cold winters Have needles or small leaves Have cones to protect its seeds Stay green all year round

Mixed Forest Both deciduous and coniferous forests Found in mid to upper latitudes

Chaparral Forest with small evergreen trees and low bushes called scrub. Lots of short trees and bushes

Tropical Grassland Savannas Near equator Lots of animals including herbivores and carnivores

Temperate Grasslands Prairies of North America Steppes of Eurasia Tall grass that can survive colder winters

Desert Scrub Dry regions Does have some vegetation that has adapted to limited water Cactus is common sight in these areas

Desert Very dry Scarce vegetation Very limited wildlife Mostly sand

Tundra Always cold Permafrost- layers of frozen soil Lots of vegetation that grows in lower temperatures

Ice Cap Frozen most of the year. Ice on top layers of the surface. Scarce vegetation Limited wildlife

Highlands Vegetation, wildlife, and climate all depend on elevation.