1. Forest, Grassland, and Desert Ecosystems
CHAPTER 3
Environmental Studies, 2e

2. Chapter Objectives
After studying this chapter, the reader should be able to:
Recall the factors that give rise to different kinds of biomes in different regions
Describe the main characteristics and importance of tropical rain forests
List the main features of temperate and coniferous forests as well as the arctic tundra

3. Chapter Objectives (contd)
Give an account of the forest cover in India based on the Forest Survey.
Appreciate the tremendous impact of human activities and natural forces on the forests of the world
Describe the main characteristics of grasslands and deserts
Recall the ecological services provided by mountain ecosystems

5. Terrestrial Ecosystems:
Tropical Rain-Forests
Temperature Forests
Tropical Seasonal Forests
Temperate Deciduous Forest
Woodland and Shrub Land
Boreal Forest
Temperate Grassland
Tundra
Cultivated Land
Extreme desert, Rock, Sand and Ice
Desert/Semi-desert Shrub

6. Aquatic ecosystems:
Open Oceans
Lakes and Streams
Continental Shelf
Estuaries and Brackish Waters
Swamp and Marsh
Upwelling Zones
Algal beds and Reefs

7. The story of the Nilgiris: Blue mountains in peril

18. Tribals
Todas, (Badagas), Kotas, Kurumbas and Irulas

19. The Story of the Nilgiris
Massive mountain range at the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) established in 1986
Diverse flora and fauna
Destruction:
Forests destroyed, replaced by plantations
Frequent landslides
Traditional ways of local tribals destroyed

20. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Fauna includes over 100 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, 80 species of reptiles, about 39 species of fish, 31 amphibians and 316 species of butterflies. It includes the tiger, Asian elephant, Lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr. It has largest population of two endangered species Lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is very rich in plant diversity. About 3,300 species of flowering plants can be seen here.

21. The reserve encompasses 5,520 km² in the states of Tamil Nadu (2537
The reserve encompasses 5,520 km² in the states of Tamil Nadu (2537.6 km²), Karnataka (1527.4 km²) and Kerala (1455.4 km²)

22. Biomes
A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g. forest or tundra

23. Characteristics of biomes
Defined by abiotic factors such as climate, relief, geology, soils and vegetation. A biome is NOT an ecosystem, can look like a massive ecosystem. Plants or animals in any of the biomes have special adaptations that make it possible for them to exist in that area. Many units of ecosystems within one biome.

24. Characteristics contd….
Biomes play a crucial role in sustaining life on earth. 1. Aquatic biome is - home to millions of fish species and the source of the water cycle. - plays an important role in climate formation. 2. The terrestrial biomes provide foods, - enrich the air with oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and other bad gases from the air. - help regulate climate and so on.

25. Types of Biomes
tropical rain forests: mm rainfall pa, S. Ameica, S. Asia, W. Asia, Abundant biodiversity
temperate forests: Cold in winter, warm in summer, mm rainfall pa, e.g. Oak, Maples W.C. Europe, E Asia, N. america
coniferous forests: No rainfall in summer, N. America, Europe and Asia, e.g. Spruce and Fir, Pine
Tundra: Arctic desert,
Grasslands; Hot and dry, mm rainfall, Savannahs in Africa, large animals
Deserts: mm rain, plants and animals adapted
mountains

28. Forests in India State of Forest Report 2013:
Forest and tree cover about million ha (24.21% of the geographical area)
Net increase of 5871 ha in the forest and tree cover between 2011 and 2013.
The seven north-eastern States of India have nearly one-fourth of the country’s forest cover.

29. Impact of Human Activities on Forests
The clearing and burning of the forests result in:
loss of biodiversity
extinction of species
soil erosion
disturbance of the carbon cycle leading to global warming.
landslides and floods
increased siltation of rivers.
Many forests affected by acid deposition originating from industries.
Harvesting of old growth forests destroys habitat for endangered species.

30. Acid Rain
Emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide react with water in atmosphere to produce acids that drop down during rain, snowfall, fog, dew etc.
Harmful for plant and animal life.
It affects infrastructure – corrossion of steel structures, erode statues and peeling of paint.
Acid rain can also affect the soil chemistry.

31. Effects of Acid Rain on the forest of Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic.

32. Human activities have a very adverse impact on forests

33. Even deserts are affected by human activities

34. Impact of Human Activities on Forests (contd)
Pesticide spraying in forest plantations leads to poisoning of the food chain and loss of species
Dams built in forest areas drown huge areas, destroying species and depriving people of their lands
In wilderness areas like the Arctic, oil exploration and military activities disrupt the ecosystem, contaminate areas, and lead to the decline of species.

35. Mountain ecosystems provide vital ecosystem services, but they are facing severe degradation

36. Keywords & Phrases of Chap.3
biosphere reserve
coniferous forest
grassland
precipitation
rain forest
savanna
temperate forest
tundra

37. Key Points of Chap.3
Terrestrial biomes are determined by temperature and precipitation.
Forest ecosystems still cover a large area on land.
Human beings have interfered in about 73% of land
Tropical forests store the world’s biodiversity; they are being destroyed rapidly.
Forest ecosystems are experiencing serious ecological and social problems.
Deserts can be damaged easily and take very long to recover from any disturbance.
Mountains are unique ecosystems providing valuable services.