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Topic 4 - The distribution and characteristics of ecosystems. - Coggle…
Topic 4 - The distribution and characteristics of ecosystems.
Global distribution of the major biomes
Eight major biomes in the world.
Biome - large-scale ecosystems, spread across continents, plants and animals unique to them.
Mostly terrestrial (land), some are marine (seas).
Each biome, has unique climate conditions, distinct environments for plants and animals.
Types of biomes
Polar regions (Arctic, North)
Arctic is on the North Pole - islands - Greenland and the northern parts of countries - Russia & Canada.
Coral reefs
Coral reefs cover less than 1% of worlds oceans. 109 countries have coral reefs.
Polar regions (Antarctica, South)
Antarctica is a continents in the South Pole region covered by an ice sheet.
Tropical rainforests
Around the equator, within the tropics - e.g. Amazon River Basin, South America, South East Asia, Queensland Australia.
Characteristics of major biomes
Temperate grasslands
Climate
Average rainfall varies from 250 mm to 750 mm, 75% rain in summer.
Melting snow helps start of growing season.
Summer is very hot, temp 38°C but winter is very cold, temp -40°C
Flora & fauna
Tussock grass grow to 2m but buffalo and feather grow to 50cm.
Burrowing animals, gophers & rabbits, large herbivores, kangaroos & bison.
Trees & shrubs struggle to grow, willow and oak grow in river vallys.
Carnivores, coyotes & wolves, & eagles.
Temperate forests
Climate
Summer is warm, winter is mild.
Rainfall occurs through out the year, ranges from 750mm to 1500mm. Annual temp 10°C.
4 distinct seasons
Flora & fauna
Grass and bracken grow on forest floor
Some animals hibernate in winter; black bears in North America.
Tree species, oak, ash, birch & hawthorn.
Common species; squirrels, owls, pigeons, rabbits, deer & foxes.
Deciduous trees shed leaves in winter.
Characteristics of major biomes
Polar regions (Antarctica, South)
Flora & Fauna
Penguins e.g. Gentoo, emperor
Fur seals & elephant seals
100 species of moss & 300-400 species of lichen.
Killer whales & minke whales
1% of continent is ice free, so not much plant life.
Both poles have rich seas cause of lots of plankton.
Climate
Long, cold winters. short, cool summers. Covered with snow and ice. Half the year in darkness.
South Pole winter temp, -62°C to -55°C
Weather in Antarctica is within the continent because of circumpolar winds.
Had an average height of 2300 meters - (temp decrease with altitude)
Polar regions (Arctic, North)
Climate
North Pole winter temp, -46°C to -26°C
Long, cold winters. short, cool summers. Covered with snow and ice. Half the year in darkness.
Sea in Artic does not go below -2°C - Arctic warmer than Antarctica.
Warm weather from south travels north by Gulf stream.
Flora & fauna
Low shrubs, height 2 meters.
Treeless.
Mosses, grasses alpine flowering plants.
Polar bears, wolves, foxes, reindeer.
1700 species of plant
Walruses.
Some animals migrate south in winter.
Types of biomes
Hot desserts
30° north and south of equator - west coast of continents around the tropics. Sahara, northern Africa. Mojave in North America.
Temperate grasslands
40° to 60° north and south of the Equator, central parts of continents. Plains, North America. Veldts, Africa. Steppes, Eurasia.
Tropical Grasslands (savanna)
Northern Australia, Brazilian highlands
Most of central Africa, surrounding Congo Basin
5° to 30° north and south of the equator, central parts of continents.
Temperate forests
40° to 60° north and south of Equator. Eastern North America, Western Europe, UK & New Zealand.
Characteristics of major biomes
Tropical rainforests
Climate
High monthly temp, 26°C to 28°C
Annual rainfall, 2000 mm
Hot, wet, no seasons
Flora & fauna
Vegetation in distinct layers, from highest emergent to canopy, under canopy and shrub layer.
Buttress roots support tall trees and vines-like plants grow between trees (lianas)
15 million plant and animal species.
Species; toucans, monkeys, chameleons & frogs.
Coral reefs
Climate
They need warm water, temp of water 18°C; water needs to be clear and shallow, making sure there is sunlight for photosynthesis.
Flora & fauna
Sea grasses, turtle grasses, found in Caribbean sea. Provide shelter and habitat for reef animals and food for herbivores.
Reefs are made up of coral polyps, animal, feeds on plankton, can make their own mineral skeleton from calcium carbonate.
Other species parrot fish, starfish, clams, eels, dugongs, crustaceans, sponges.
Characteristics of major biomes
Tropical grasslands (savanna)
Climate
Dry season, rainfall is 10 mm.
80% rain falls in 4-5 months of wet season.
Temp high throughout year, greater range than rainforest; daily temp 25°C
Long dry season & shorter wet season.
Flora & fauna
40 species of hoofed animals e.g. antelope.
Grazing species; elephant, giraffe, wildebeest.
Baobab trees, large swollen stems to store water. Not many leaves so not much water loss to transpiration.
Carnivores, loins & hyenas, stalk herds.
Tall & spikey pampas grass grow quick.
Hot deserts
Climate
Day temp of 36°C but night temp can fall to -12°C.
Annual precipitation 40 mm.
Flora & fauna
Cacti & yucca absorb water and have roots near the surface.
Camels have hums to store water & fat, long eyelashes to keep land out.
Most plants are xerophytic.
Meerkats and sidewinder snakes also adapt.
hums haha
fat eyelashes
to keep the land out
Key words
Deciduous - trees that shed leaves in winter to retain moisture.
Xerophytic - type of plant that survives on little water
Circumpolar winds - flows of air round the earth poles