Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems Chapter 3

Limiting Factors Any abiotic or biotic actor that restricts the numbers, reproduction, or distribution of organisms

Examples of Limiting Factors Sunlight Food Water

Range of Tolerance The range of environmental conditions in which an organism can live and reproduce.

Where will you find the greatest diversity? Least # of organisms?

Are biotic or abiotic factors that LIMIT the growth of a species. Comparison Limiting Factors Range of Tolerance Are biotic or abiotic factors that LIMIT the growth of a species. Determined by the limiting factors that affect a species.

Ecological Succession The process by which an existing ecosystem is gradually and progressively replaced by another ecosystem

Primary Succession The development of biotic communities in a previously uninhabited and barren habitat with little or no soil. Ex. After lava flow

Pioneer Species First organisms to appear in primary succession Help to create the soil by secreting acid to break down rock Ex. Lichens (fungi/algae combo) & Mosses

Climax Community A relatively stable collection of plants and animals These will change due to environmental factors such as fires, floods, winds, tsunamis, hurricanes, droughts, and other natural disasters.

Secondary Succession The development of biotic communities in an area where the natural vegetation has been removed or destroyed but where soil is present. Ex. After a fire

See figure on Page 64

The establishment of a community in an area with no soil. Comparison Primary Succession Secondary Succession The establishment of a community in an area with no soil. The establishment of a new community in an existing ecosystem that was disturbed.

Where are the most pioneer species? What usually appears last?

Biomes Ecosystems identified by their climax community

Climate The average year-after-year conditions of temperature & precipitation in a particular region The variation of climate primarily depends upon the angle of incoming sunlight

Types Terrestrial of Biomes Tundra Boreal Forest Temperate Forest Temperate Woodlands Temperate Grassland Desert

Types Terrestrial of Biomes Tropical Savanna Tropical Seasonal Forest Tropical Rain Forest *Mountains *Polar Region

Comparison Temperate Tropical Mild temperatures, temperatures are not extreme. Hot & Humid

Aquatic Biomes Fresh Water Rivers and Streams Lakes and Ponds Flowing Water Lakes and Ponds Standing Water

Freshwater Zones Littoral Limnetic Profundal Benthic

Freshwater Zones

Aquatic Biomes Marine Photic Zone Costal Ocean and Coral Reef Intertidal Zone Open Ocean Photic Zone Aphotic Zone Benthic Zone Abyssal Zone Costal Ocean and Coral Reef

Transitional Zones Wetlands Estuary