ECOLOGY. The study of living things and how they interact with each other and the environment.

Transcription

1 ECOLOGY The study of living things and how they interact with each other and the environment.

2 Levels of Organization: Organism one member of a species Population group of organisms that belong to the same species in an area Community group of different populations in an area Ecosystem living and non-living things that interact in an area Biosphere part of Earth that has life

3 Organism Population Community -

4 Habitat where an organism lives and gets its needs (example: food, air, shelter, etc.) Environment all living/non-living things that an organism could interact with Biome group of ecosystems with same climate, same dominate plants/animals

5 Figure3-2 (page 64)

6 Ecosystems and Communities There are MANY different kinds of ecosystems found throughout the world.

7 Biome: Large geographical area that has a climate distinct and certain species of plants and animals. Identified by the dominant plant life. There are terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) ecosystems.

8 Climate: Determined by: Absorption of sun and energy (temperature). Movement of air and water currents. Latitude Polar Land Masses Equator Ocean currents cold and dry warm and wet Cold on West Coast, warm on East Coasts

9 Soil: Organized mixture of organic, water, air, and organisms Fragmentation -physical break-up of rock (Ex Weathering and Chemical) humus decomposed organic matter in the soil. texture water holding capacity High in the forests, low in the deserts

10 Terrestrial Biomes

11 Tropical Rainforest

12 Tropical Rainforest: equator Found along the Temperature, rainfall (250cm/yr), humidity Little humus and organic litter, poor soil. biodiversity Very high Animal Adaptations Specialization among organisms biodiversity Threats Deforestation - was 20% of Earth s surface, now ONLY 7% Agriculture

13 Temperate Rainforest

14 Temperate Rainforests: 50º 60º N Latitude rainfall, moderate temperature Pacific NW Plant life redwoods, spruces

15 Temperate Deciduous Forest

16 Temperate Deciduous Forests: 30º 50º N Latitude leaves Trees drop in the fall to save energy Seasons Rich layer of humus Fertile soil N. America, Europe, Asia Forests of maples, beeches, oaks.. Plant Adaptations Broad, thin leaves with large surface areas for maximum light absorption Seeds and underground stems survive winters Animal Adaptations High Biodiversity Most birds migrate to warmer climates Some mammals drastically reduce their metabolic rate in the winter (hibernation)

17 Taiga

18 Taiga: Northern coniferous forests just south of the Arctic Circle Long cold winter 6-10 months Short growing seasons enhanced by constant sunlight. Snow precipitation Plant Adaptations Conifer leaves are thin and waxy to retain water Cones protect seeds Animal Adaptations High Biodiversity in the summer Birds migrate south in winter Animal fur is thick and insulated

19 Tropical Savannas

20 Tropical Savannas: Around the equator Main vegetation Low precipitation and moisture Frequent fires, and herbivores grasses Plant Adaptations Large underground root systems to survive the dry season AND fires Thorns and sharp leaves to protect from herbivores Animal Adaptations Large herbivores specialized for different levels of vegetation Migratory High number of carnivores

21 Temperate Grasslands (Prairies, Steppes, Pampas)

22 Temperate Grasslands (prairies, steppes Pampas): inland part of continent Main vegetation grasses Very fertile soil, little rainfall Was 42% of Earth s surface now only 12% fires common Plant Adaptations Grasses are perennials survive year to year Few trees can survive Root system is dense to protect from droughts Animal Adaptations Few large herbivores Underground Burrows Threats Agriculture (wheat, corn, rice) Overgrazing soil erosion

23 Deserts

24 Deserts: There are many kinds of deserts. < 25 cm rainfall per year Soil is rich in minerals BUT little organic matter Some produced by Rain falls on the winward side of Dry air is swept over the leeward side Plant Adaptations Thick, fleshy stems with wax covering Spines to protect against predators Sudden growth spurts Animal Adaptations Threats Estivation Nocturnal Absorb water from food. summer sleep Increasing residential areas Recreational vehicles Rainshadow effect mountains

25 Tundra

26 Tundra: Permafrost below the surface Dotted with pools of water lots of insects Treeless permanently frozen layer of ground 6 in Plant Adaptations Mosses and lichen covered rocks Short and woody plants Reproduce quickly in brief summer Animal Adaptations Migratory birds Reindeer and caribou move to find food Small rodents burrow underground Threats Oil removal and transportation Land easily damaged and slow to recover