Comparing Ecosystem AQUATIC TERRESTRIAL

Two Main Categories for Aquatic Ecosystems Freshwater Ecosystems consist of moving bodies of water such as rivers and streams These bodies of water are classified based on their nutrient levels: Oligotrophic: A body of water that is LOW in nutrients Eutrophic: A body of water that is RICH in nutrients Marine Ecosystems are mainly oceans (coral reefs) and make up more than 70% of the Earths surface. Most of the water that evaporates in the air (water cycle) is from the oceans

The main factor which determines a terrestrial ecosystem is… CLIMATE These regions are a collection of ecosystems that are similar or related and are called… BIOMES Canada is dominated by four main Biomes TUNDRA BOREAL GRASSLAND TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FOREST

TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FOREST Comparison Chart TUNDRA Northern most Biome Cold, desert Poor soil quality Supports a small # of species Example: Caribou BOREAL South of the Tundra Largest Biome (~80%) Coniferous (needles)Trees Much diversity Found across every province GRASSLAND Next to deciduous Many types of grasses Some diversity Rich fertile soil Mice, snakes, hawks TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FOREST Much diversity Fertile soil Deciduous (leaves) trees Many Insects

Within both aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial ecosystems you have: Artificial Ecosystems : -An ecosystem planned and maintained by humans Examples: parks, backyard, garden, farms etc… Natural Ecosystems : -An ecosystem not planned and maintained by humans, but Not necessarily untouched Examples: lake, river, forest etc… Ecosystems naturally undergo change, they evolve through A process called… SUCCESSION