1. CH 15 The Biosphere 15.1 Life in the Ecosystem
Earth’s Systems:
Biosphere-all ecosystems, biota (living things)
hydrosphere—water, ice, and water vapor
atmosphere—air blanketing Earth’s solid and liquid surface
geosphere—geologic features above and below Earth’s surface

2. Biotic and abiotic factors interact in the biosphere
All four Earth systems are interconnected.
The Gaia hypothesis considers Earth as a kind of living organism.
Earth systems interact to yield a biosphere capable of supporting life.
It was developed by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis.

3. 15.2 Climate Climate is an abiotic factor
Climate is the long-term pattern of weather conditions.
average temperature
precipitation
relative humidity
Key factors shape an area’s climate.
temperature
sunlight
water
Wind
A microclimate is the climate of a small specific place within a larger area.

4. The angle of the Sun’s rays help determine an area’s climate.
The three main zones are the polar, tropical, and temperate climates.
polar climate: the far northern and southern regions of Earth
tropical zone: surrounds the equator
temperate zone: the wide area in between the polar and tropical zones
temperate
polar
tropical
90 N

5. Effects on climate:
Earth’s tilt on its axis plays a role in seasonal change.
Earth’s rotation effects the winds and currents.
Solar heating causes movements in both water and air  wind and ocean currents.
Landmasses shape inland climates.
larger changes in temperatures
less precipitation
Oceans shape coastal climates.
smaller changes in temperatures
higher humidity
more precipitation

6. Mountains have an effect on climate.
Precipitation occurs on the side of the mountain facing the wind.
On the downwind side, drier and cooler air produce a rain shadow.
A rain shadow is an area of decreased precipitation.
western slope
eastern slope

7. 15.3 Biomes Biomes- are land-based global communities
There are 6 major biomes on Earth

8. Tropical rain forest biomes produce lush forests.
Source: World Meteorological Organization
warm temperature
abundant precipitation all year

9. Grassland biomes are where the primary plant life is grass.
Rapid City, South Dakota
Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

10. Grassland biomes are where the primary plant life is grass.
Temperate grasslands are dry and warm during the summer; most precipitation falls as snow.
Tropical grasslands are warm through the year, with definite dry and rainy seasons.

11. Desert biomes are characterized by a very arid climate.
Tucson, Arizona
Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
very low amount of precipitation
four types: hot, semi-arid, coastal, and cold

12. Temperate forest biomes include deciduous forests and rain forests.
Temperate deciduous forests have hot summers and cold winters.
Deciduous trees are the dominant plant species.
Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
Burlington, Vermont

13. Temperate forest biomes include deciduous forests and rain forests.
Temperate deciduous forests have hot summers and cold winters.
Deciduous trees are the dominant plant species.
The temperate rain forests have a long wet season and relatively dry summer.
Ferns and moss cover the forest floor. 

14. The taiga biome is located in cooler northern climates.
Source: Environment Canada
Banff, Canada
boreal forest
long winters and short summers
small amount of precipitation

15. The tundra biome is found in the far northern latitudes with long winters.
Barrow, Alaska
Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
winter lasts 10 months
limited precipitation
permafrost

16. Polar ice caps and mountains are not considered biomes.
Polar ice caps have no soil, therefore no plant community.
The climate and organisms found on mountains change as the elevation changes.

17. 15.4 Marine Ecosystems
Ocean zones can be determined by their distance from shoreline and water depths.
intertidal zone—between low and high tide
neritic zone—from intertidal zone to continental shelf; the neritic zone harbors more biomass than any other zone.
bathyal zone—from neritic zone to base of continental shelf
abyssal zone –lies below 2000 m
intertidal zone
neritic zone
bathmat zone
abyssal zone

18. Plankton make up most of the biomass.
zooplankton
phytoplankton
Coral reefs are found in warm waters.
tropical climate zone
great amount of biomass
Kelp forests are found in cold, nutrient-rich waters.
large communities of seaweed

19. 15.5 Estuaries and Freshwater Ecosystems
An estuary is a partially enclosed body of water.
mixture of fresh water with salt water
Chesapeake Bay
Louisiana bayous
Estuaries are highly productive ecosystems.
Estuaries provide a protected refuge for many species.
birds migration
spawning grounds
Estuaries are primarily threatened by land development.

20. Freshwater can be moving or standing
A watershed is a region of land that drains into a body of water.
Ecosystems may be different along a river’s course.
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems.
provide a home for many species
filter dirty water
renew underground water supply
Some animals have adaptations suited to the freshwater they inhabit.

21. Freshwater bodies are divided into three zones.
Lakes and Ponds:
Freshwater bodies are divided into three zones.
littoral zone- high to low tide zone
limnetic zone (pelagic)- open water
benthic zone- bottom
All lakes “turn over” periodically.
Turn over happens due to changes in density.
In both autumn and spring, surface water flows downward and bottom water flows upward.
The upwelling brings up nutrients.