Ecosystems and Biomes ESE 2010

I. Biomes A. climatically and geographically defined areas of ecologically similar climatic conditions, organisms, and land B. have very different climates 1. temperature and precipitation

II. Major Biomes A. Tropical Rainforest 1. high precipitation 2. little or no change in seasons 3. highest biodiversity B. Desert 1. low precipitation 2. small plants and animals C. Savannas 1. Dry climate 2. grassland

D. Temperate deciduous forest 1. mild climate 2. seasons present E. Temperate grassland 1. Moderate Climates 2. Small plants and animals F. Taiga 1. Cold and wet climate 2. Large animals G. Tundra 1. permanent ice 2. small plants

H. Freshwater Community 1. littoral zone a. Shallow zone near shore 2. limnetic zone a. farther away from shore but close to the surface 3. profundal zone a. deep water zone

I. Marine Community A. Shallow ocean waters 1. Coral reef 2. Smallest area B. Surface of open sea 1. Plankton and diatoms common 2. Many invertebrates live here. C. Depth of the ocean 1. Coldest 2. “bizarre” animals

II. Changes in Ecosystems A. Pioneer Species- the first species to live in a new habitat B. Succession – species replacement 1. Primary Succession- plants that grow in an area where there has not been previous growth 2. Secondary Sucession- plants that grow in an area where there has been previous growth a. abandoned field b. forest clearing