1. ecosystems

2. Biomes (Terrestrial)
Terrestrial ecosystems that contain a number of smaller but related ecosystems
Distinguished by presence of characteristic plants and animals
Commonly identified by dominant plant life

3. Tundra
Permafrost
Treeless
Long winters
Largest and northernmost biome

4. Tropical Forest Stable temperature Wet and dry seasons
Most plant life is trees because of competition for light
Highest species richness biome

5. Temperate Forest Coniferous or deciduous Distinct seasons
Moderate climate

6. Taiga Boreal forest Mostly coniferous trees
Long winters, short summers
Nutrient-poor soil

7. Temperate Grassland Rainfall patterns too dry for trees
Rich, fertile soil
Farmland

8. savanna
Some deciduous trees
Short wet season, long periods of drought

9. chaparral Dense, spiny shrubs Some coniferous trees
Mild, rainy winters
Hot, dry summers

10. desert Average rainfall <25cm
Most animals and plants conserve water and avoid heat

11. Aquatic Ecosystems

12. Ocean Zones Photic Aphotic Portion of the ocean that receives sunlight
Portion of the ocean that does not receive sunlight

13. Ocean zones
Intertidal
Neritic
Oceanic
Deep water

14. Intertidal Zone
Area of the shoreline that is covered by water during high tide and exposed to air during low tide

15. Neritic Zone
Extends from Intertidal zone over continental shelf and to relatively shallow depths

16. Oceanic Zone
Deep water
Pelagic Zone
Benthic Zone

17. estuary Occur where freshwater rivers and streams run into the ocean
Species rich
Examples
Bays
Salt marshes
Mangrove swamp forests

18. Freshwater zones
Lakes and Ponds
Rivers and Streams
Wetlands

19. Lakes and Ponds
Eutrophic vs. Oligotrophic

20. Rivers and Streams
Flows down gradient
Can be slow moving

21. Wetlands Land covered by freshwater at least part of the year
Most productive of all Freshwater Zones
Marsh vs. Swamp vs. Bog