Communities and Biomes Biology Mr. Solis

Life In A Community A community is alive, and each population or factor in it contributes something important to the life of the community. Various combinations of abiotic and biotic factors interact in different places around the world.

Biomes A biome is large group of ecosystems that share the same type of climax community.

Characteristics of Aquatic Biomes Marine Biomes- Ocean based biomes that is divided into two areas. Photic zones- Portion of earth that is shallow enough to allow sunlight to penetrate. These consist of coastal ecosystems. Examples are bays, rocky shores, sandy beaches, mudflats, and estuaries, and coral reefs.

Aquatic Biomes Aphotic Zones- Includes the deepest and least explored areas of the ocean.

Aquatic Biomes Estuaries- a coastal body of water, partially surrounded by land, in which freshwater and saltwater mix. These areas are thick in grasses which trap lots of food and become fish nurseries. Example: The Arroyo

The Effects of Tides Intertidal Zones- The portion of the shoreline that lies between the high and low tides. These areas have high levels of sunlight, nutrients, and oxygen.

Freshwater Biomes Ponds- lots of plant life due to its shallow water which allows plenty of sunlight t penetrate to the bottom of the pond. Lakes- Lots of plant life along the edge of the lake. This is due to shallow water and plenty of sunlight. Rivers and Streams- Contains lots of nutrients because of run offs, but very difficult for plant life to grow due to its constant flow.

Terrestrial Biomes These Land Biomes are based on Latitude Climate Rainfall Temperature

Tundra A treeless land with long summer days and short periods of winter sunlight. Conditions Never rises above freezing Permanently frozen layer Topsoil so thin it can’t support life Life Grasses, short shrubs and cushion plants Small mammal Caribou, Musk oxen, reindeer

Taiga A continuous belt of coniferous forest. Conditions Are somewhat warmer and wetter Long severe winter and short mild summers Life Abundance of trees ( more food and shelter for life) Lynx, snowshoe hare, caribou, moose and migratory birds.

Desert The driest biome, a region with sparse to nonexistent plant life. Conditions Less than 25 cm of rain Hot during day cold during night. Life Drought resistant trees, shrubs and grass Annual plants that germinate during sporadic rainfalls. Nocturnal animals Hawks, coyotes and owls.

Grasslands Large communities covered with rich soil, grasses and similar plants. Conditions 25-75 cm of precipitation Experience dry seasons Summers hot and winter cold Life Grasses Some trees found near streams. Grazing animals Prairie dogs, foxes, insects, birds, reptiles.

Temperate Forest Are dominated by broad leaved hardwood trees that lose their foliage annually. Conditions 75-150 cm precipitation per year Temperate weather Life Deciduous trees Bears, rabbits, migratory birds.

Rain Forests Have warm temperatures, wet weather, and lush plant growth. Located near the Equator. Conditions Average temp: 25ºC Average rainfall: 400 cm per year Life Diverse Group of species due to an abundance of habitats. Three major stories Canopy- tree tops Understory- below canopy and above ground Ground- forest floor

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