Ecosystems & Organisms

Organisms live and survive by interacting with the living and non-living elements of their ecosystem. Ecosystems have different physical characteristics that support many different populations and communities.

Organisms An organism is a living thing. Organisms include:  Plants  Animals  Bacteria  Fungi

Environment Environments are the surroundings in which organisms live. There are many different environments around the world. Each different environment has specific characteristics.

Habitat The environment where an organism lives is its habitat.

Ecological Levels Individual An individual organism is one, by itself.

Population Ecological Levels Individual A population is all the organisms that live in the same place at the same time.

Community Population Ecological Levels Individual Populations that live in the same place at the same time make up a community.

Ecosystem Community Population Ecological Levels Individual An ecosystem is all the living and nonliving elements that interact with each other in an environment.

Biome Ecosystem Community Population Ecological Levels Individual A biome is a very large area with a certain kind of climate and certain kinds of organisms living there.

Biome: A large-scale ecosystem (many similar ecosystems and climates)

Dry woodlands and shrublands (chaparral) Temperate grassland Temperate deciduous forest Boreal forest (taiga), evergreen coniferous forest (e.g., montane coniferous forest) Arctic tundra (polar grasslands) Tropical savanna, thorn forest Tropical scrub forest Tropical deciduous forest Tropical rain forest, tropical evergreen forest Desert Ice Mountains (complex zonation) Semidesert, arid grassland Tropic of Capricorn Equator Tropic of Cancer Biomes

A Biome is a large-scale ecosystem To understand a world biome, you need to know: Where each biome is found (how far from the equator) What the climate of the region is like. What its geography (landforms) is like. The special adaptations of plants. The special adaptations of animals

Major World Biomes Desert Tropical Rain Forest Deciduous Forest Grasslands Taiga Tundra

Desert Biome

Desert Extremely dry Sparse grasses Cactus Plants store water in thick leaves. Reptiles have tough, scaly skin that prevents water loss. Plants require little water.

Desert:  Hot during the day and cold at night  Very little rain  Cactus  Animals include reptiles, jack rabbits, insects, camels, mice, desert fox

Tropical Rain Forest

Tropical Rainforest Heavy rainfall Climbing vines Colorful birds, monkeys, snakes Tree frogs have long toes with sticky tips to help them climb wet trees Near equator Ferns and palms

Tropical Rain Forest:  200 cm of rain each year  Many varieties of plants  Animals include monkeys, birds, insects, reptiles, panda bear

Deciduous Forest

Cold winters; warm, wet summers Broadleaf trees like maple and oak Trees lose their leaves in the fall Deer, raccoons, small birds Many animals have small bodies so they can move easily through the brush Brown soil

Deciduous Forest:  Trees include oak, maple, fruit  Have all 4 seasons  In the fall, leaves change colors  Animals include deer, bears, eagles, squirrels, reptiles

Grasslands Biome

Grassland Temperate climate Grasses, both annual and perennial Antelope, bison, elephants, prairie dogs and jack rabbits Roots grow just below the surface of the soil and spread out to take in as much rain as possible.

Grasslands: Plants include wheat, corn, and other grains Animals include buffalo, antelope, prairie dogs, gazelle

Taiga Forest

Taiga Cold winters; short growing season Evergreen trees Bears, moose, ducks A waxy covering protects tree needles from the cold and limits water loss. Rains in the summer Acidic soil

Taiga Forest:  Trees are green all year-round  Many insects  Animals include eagles, owls, bobcats, bears, deer, moose

Tundra Biome

Tundra Extremely cold, dry Arctic foxes, polar bears, migratory birds Low shrubs, lichens, no trees Arctic foxes and other animals grow thick white coats to blend into the snowy landscape. Means “marshy”

Tundra:  Only 2 seasons– light and dark  Permafrost layer all year-round  Very little plants  Animals include arctic fox, snowshoe hare, polar bears, wolves, penguins