World Geo 3200/3202 January 2011

Outcomes List the general characteristics of a given ecosystem. (k) Analyze patterns in the distribution of world ecosystems. (a) Predict which kind of ecosystem is likely to result from a stated set of climatic conditions (i)

Introduction All life forms tend to be specially suited to the physical characteristics (climate, geology, topography) of the ecosystems in which they are found Ecosystems – particular geographic regions with their own characteristic life forms & climate Dominant plant life in the region is most essential for identifying an ecosystem

Climax Vegetation the natural vegetation in the last possible stage of vegetation development. is stable and in balance with the climatic conditions. It should change very little if left undisturbed. Ecosystems are largely defined by the climax vegetation that grows in it. The type of vegetation is largely determined by the climate.

Our Ecosystems We will look now look at the major type of ecosystems found throughout the world Look at figure 6.8 on page 102 of your text book and you will see the variety of ecosystems in the world. Complete questions 17, 18, 19 (a, b, c, d, e) on pp

Q. 17 & Explain the concept of climax vegetation. refers to the vegetation that has dominated a particular ecosystem for many years 18. Describe the climax vegetation in the coniferous forest system Coniferous tree – a tree characterized by needle-like leaves that remain green all year & do not drop every fall. Also thick bark, conical shape, shallow roots(North America, Scandinavia, Russia).

Question 19 Analyze the world ecosystems map on p. 102 & complete the following: a). The most widespread ecosystem in the high latitudes Boreal forests and tundra b). Name the forest ecosystem in the low latitudes, close to the equator. Tropical rain forests

Question 19 c).The most predominant ecosystem in South America Tropical rain forest d). Continents that do not experience a tundra ecosystem South America, Africa, Australia e). The name of the ecosystem in our region Boreal forest

World Ecosystems High Latitude Ecosystems (Towards the poles) Coniferous (Boreal) Forests Tundra Polar Ice Caps

World Ecosystems Mid Latitude Ecosystems Temperate Grasslands Temperate Deciduous Forests

World Ecosystems Low Latitude Ecosystems (generally close to the equator) Tropical Rain Forests Savanna Grasslands Deserts Mountain Ecosystems

World Ecosystems Complete the 3 part assignment on World Ecosystems. The questions will help to provide you with a brief overview of each ecosystems The climax vegetation, climate, and adaptations are important to note for each ecosystem

Climate & Ecosystems Regions that are located in different parts of the world but have similar climates tend to be classified as the same ecosystem Ecosystems are often defined or classified in terms of specific ranges of annual temperature and precipitation Check figure 6.9, p.103 as an example.

Climate & Ecosystems The dominant vegetation is determined largely by climatic conditions, however, so major ecosystems closely parallel climatic conditions To help understand the relationship between ecosystems and climate, complete Reproducible Worksheet 6.2 “ Climatic Conditions in the Earth’s Ecosystem” Use the world climate map in Figure 5.1 on page 75 of your text along with Figure 6.8 on page 102 to complete the worksheet