VI. Ecosystems

Ecosystem – a group of plants and animals that depend on each other and their environment for survival. They can be very large or extremely small can change over time due to physical processes or human activities. for example, lack of rainfall in a temperate forest or the building of a city.

A. Types of Ecosystems

Tropical or Subtropical Forest Steady hot temperatures and moist air vast, thick areas of trees rainfall is common

Temperate Forest Moist temperate climates support thick forests of deciduous trees. Deciduous Trees – trees that lose their leaves in the fall. Some temperate forests include a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees.

Subarctic Forest Coniferous Trees – trees that produce cones to carry seeds. These trees contain needles needles protect trees from the cold dry winters of subarctic climates.

Tropical or Subtropical Grassland or Savanna Savanna – is a park-like landscape of grasslands with scattered trees that can survive dry spells. Savannas are found in tropical areas that have dry seasons.

Temperate Grassland and Brush Vast grasslands cover most of the region contains more rainfall than desert ecosystems. However, not enough rain to support forests.

Mediterranean Brush Shrubs and other low plants in Mediterranean climates hold in water. This is to help plants survive hot, dry summers.

Desert and Desert Brush Dry semiarid areas and deserts with some rain. support animals and low-lying desert plants. plants need little water and can live in extreme temperatures. driest of desert areas have little or no plant life.

Mountain Grassland and Brush Vegetation depends on elevation. temperatures drop as altitude increases. the higher the elevation, the fewer plant and animals there are.

Tundra The tundra is an area of cold climate and low- lying plants. grasses grow and low shrubs bloom during brief, cool summers. animals survive in cold temperatures with little food.

Ice Cap Thick ice caps form around the poles year round climate of extremely cold temperatures. no plant life exists on this ice.

Global Warming?