Unit 3 Part 3 Ecosystems of the world

Define “climax vegetation” p. 102 Climax vegetation is stable/dominant vegetation in balance with the climatic AND soil conditions It should change very little if left undisturbed. Best suited!!! Each ecosystem has its own climax vegetation.

Example: The “climax vegetation” in boreal / coniferous forest. P. 102 Evergreen trees Needle like leaves Thick bark Conical shape Dense growing which blocks sun Coniferous forests

Different Climate (Temp. & Precip.) World Ecosystems Different Animals Different Vegetation Ecosystems Different Soil Different Climate (Temp. & Precip.) Climate Zones Different Locations

Ecosystems Climate zones

Ecosystems AND climatic regions p.104 Ecosystems of the world are largely defined by their climax vegetation. Examples!!! tropical rain forest, grasslands, boreal forests, cacti, etc. Climax Vegetation is determined by climate (and soils). Therefore, ecosystems match-up with climate zones… Ecosystem zones Climate zones

Altitudinal succession vs. latitudinal succession p. 104

Altitudinal succession vs. latitudinal succession The changes in ecosystems & vegetation that occur as one moves from the equator to the poles

Altitudinal succession vs. latitudinal succession The changes in ecosystems & vegetation that occur as one moves from the base of an tropical mountain to the summit.

Altitudinal succession vs. latitudinal succession The changes in ecosystems & vegetation that occur as one moves from the equator to the poles is very similar to the changes in ecosystems & vegetation seen moving from the base of an tropical mountain to the summit.

Different Climate (Temp. & Precip.) World Ecosystems Different Animals ADAPTATIONS Different Vegetation Different Soil Different Climate (Temp. & Precip.) Different Locations

Ecosystems & Adaptation A specific or unique feature that enables an organism to become better suited to its habitat/environment. The change in an organism that allows it to live successfully/survive in its environment.

Grasses, Shrubs and low plants Shallow roots Fast reproduction / flowering cycle 1-3 meters below the surface the ground is completely frozen growing season is very short, 1-2 months

Animals Sleep right though the cold months under a thick blanket of snow and not freeze. Move further south to warmer climates to avoid the cold and obtain food. Some animals have extra fur or fat to help hold in heat so they don’t freeze. Hibernation (Bears) Migration (Birds) Insulating features

Animals Camouflage (snowshoe hare, ptarmigan, bear) Feet (ptarmigan) Feet (snowshoe hare / polar bear) Hides from prey or protects from predators. Feet enlarge in the fall for walking on snow Snow shoe hare develop a covering of hair. Polar bear – bristles.

Trees – Conifers (Evergreens) Needle-like leaves Thick bark Conical shape Less surface area on the leaves means less transpiration (Winter all water is frozen). The thicker the bark the less water that will escape. Heavy snow during the winter will fall off reliving the pressure on the branches.

Trees – Deciduous Shed their leaves when winter comes. (Birch, maple, aspen Since the water is frozen during winter they shed their leaves so no water is lost via transpiration.

Grasses Shallow roots Small water requirement Little rain falls, doesn’t seep far in the ground, roots near the surface will catch all the water. Little water, they have little need for water, only once in a while. Also small in size, so they don’t need a lot of water. .

Analyze world ecosystem map. P. 102 Boreal Forest & tundra are wide spread in high latitudes Tropical Rain Forests occur in low latitudes Tropical Rain forest is most predominant in South America. South America, Africa, Australia and Antarctica do not have tundra. Coniferous/Boreal forest is our ecosystem