Estuaries & Mountains Add to your biome notes!

Estuary: Where Waters Meet Freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the ocean mix in the estuary. “Brackish” is the term used for this water mixture that is not completely fresh or completely salty. This water mixture allows for many freshwater and saltwater species of animals and plants to survive.

Diversity Estuaries are the most diverse water habitat, often referred to as “ nature’s nursery”. Transitional area found between forested land and sand dunes.

Estuary diversity, cont’d Rich in Nutrients- primary producers such as algae, Spartina grass, sea lavender, sea grapes, mangroves. Offers protection for developing and young species of animals, such as fish fry, “candy cane” larvae (lobster), and shellfish (mussels, oysters). The variety of estuarine habitats provide a wonderful abundance of wildlife. Shore birds, marine worms, sea birds, and reptiles are some of the other animals that make their homes in and around estuaries.

Mountain Biome

Mountain Biomes Plants: Different at each elevation. Animals: Different at each elevation. Important Characteristics: Located worldwide; N. America includes Appalachian, Rocky, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Mountain ranges; Mountain ranges are also physical barriers that limit spreading of species

Changes in Elevation Climate = precipitation and temperature Climate changes from the base of a mountain to the summit (top). We can compare the changes of elevation on a mountain to the changes as we increase in latitude toward the north pole.

Effects on Plants and Animals Changes in climate often provide a barrier for dispersal (spreading) of plant and animal species from one elevation area of a mountain to another. EX: Rainfall / temperature differences Usually more evident on the cooler north slope of a mountain.