Notes on Biomes

Biomes Biomes: A large group of ecosystems that share the same type of climax community

A.) Aquatic Marine or Salt Water: Fresh Water: Photoic zone- area under that sunlight can pass through Aphotic zone- area under water that sunlight cannot pass through Fresh Water: Temparature variations within a lake are abiotic factors which limit the kinds of organisms that can survive in deep lakes. Population density is lower in deeper waters Decay takes place in the bottom of lakes and leads to succession Estuary or fresh/salty water: Very few organisms live in this mixed environment.

B.) Terrestrial Tundra: Land with long summer days and short periods of winter sunlight Temperatures never rise above freezing for long Topsoil is so thin it can only support shallow rooted grasses and other small plants Process of decay is slow Short growing season is a limiting factor.

B.) Terrestrial 2. Taiga Also known as boreal forest and northern coniferous forest Just south of the Tundra A little warmer/wetter than Tundra but still harsh Abundance of trees allows more shelter for animals

B.) Terrestrial 3. Desert Driest biome Arid region with almost non-existent plant life Precipitation usually less than 25 cm annually Vegetation depends on amount of rainfall a particular desert gets Plants have spines, thorns, or poisons to discourage The cactus has a thick waxy layer that prevents water loss Most mammals are small herbivores that stay under cover during heat of the day and come out at night to eat plants (nocturnal)

B.) Terrestrial 4. Grassland Also known as parries or savannas Large areas covered with grasses and small plants Summers are hot and rainfall is often Gets 25-75 cm of precipitation Occupies more area that any terrestrial biome Higher biological diversity than deserts Ideal to grow cereal grains (wheat, barley, oats) Large herds of grazing animals

B.) Terrestrial 5. Forest Consist mostly of broad leafed hand wood trees that lose their foliage annually Precipitation ranges from 70-150 cm annually Topsoil rich in humans and a deeper layer of clay Diverse plant and animal life North Carolina is made up mainly of this biome

B.) Terrestrial 6. Tropical Rain Forest Home to more species than any other biome Year round growing conditions with many habitats Warm temperatures, wet weather, lush plant growth Warmer because they are near the equator Precipitation ranges from 200-600 cm annually Most of the nutrients are tied up in living material, not in the soil.