Unit 3.3. Adaptations and Ecosystems Adaptations p

Adaptations in the Tundra (High Latitude Ecosystems) Animal adaptations to cold: 1.Insulating qualities of thick fur 2.Limited blood circulation to extremities! 3.Fat insulation: stored to burn when heat needed 4.White fur acts as a camouflage 5.Hibernation and migration (birds and caribou) Animal adaptations to walking on snow & ice: 1.Ptarmigan feet have feather for walking on soft snow, so will not sink. 2.Snow shoe hare develop a covering of hair to protect soles, warm feet. Plants adapt to very short growing season: 1.Shallow roots. Permafrost 1-3 metres deep 2.Fast flowering and reproductive cycle. Growing season 1-2 months Climax vegetation in the tundra includes grasses, shrubs and low growing plants!

Adaptations in the Boreal Forest (High Latitude Ecosystems) Coniferous trees are well adapted to lack of water in winter (it is all frozen). Adaptations include: 1.Needle leaves reduce surface area for transpiration (water loss) 2.Drooping branches allow heavy snow to fall off relieving the pressure 3.Thick bark reduces water loss Climax vegetation in the boreal forest are evergreen or coniferous trees

Adaptations in the Temperate Grasslands (Mid Latitude Ecosystems) The climax vegetation in the Temperate Grasslands is grass. Adaptations include: 1.Grass with shallow roots 2.A small water requirement

Adaptations in the Temperate Deciduous Forest (Mid Latitude Ecosystems) The climax vegetation is temperate forests is deciduous trees like oak, birch and maple. Their adaptation is that they lose leaves in the winter. This helps them reduce water loss as most water is lost from leaves.

Adaptations in the Tropical Rain Forest (Low Latitude Ecosystems) Plants here have to reach high into the canopy to get sunlight while at the same time reaching water from the ground. Adaptations: 1.Long vines so leaves can be at top of canopy while roots can be on forest floor 2.Epiphytes (mosses and lichens) have specialized roots that allow them to absorb water from the air so they do not have to touch soil 3.Tall trees develop buttress roots to support their height. Climax vegetation in the tropical forest is tall evergreen broadleaf trees

Adaptations in the Desert (Low Latitude Ecosystems) Plants (cactus or xerophytes) have to adapt to lack of water. Adaptations: 1.Some plants (succulents) store water in roots and leaves 2.Some plants prevent water loss with needle leaves and thick skins 3.Some plants have deep root systems to get water. Climax vegetation in the desert is cacti, and fleshy plants with long roots, water storage capability and leaves modified as needles

Adaptations in the Desert (Low Latitude Ecosystems) Animals have to adapt to lack of water & extreme heat. Adaptations: 1.Some animals are only active at night when it is cooler (nocturnal) 2.Some animals conserve water so well they do not need to drink. Water is obtained from food they eat. 3.Some animals have large extremities with high blood circulation to help with heat loss. 4.Toads hibernate during the driest seasons 5.Some reptiles secrete solid uric acid crystals instead of water containing urine

Adaptations to the Polar Ice Cap The climax vegetation in the Polar Ice Cap is phytoplankton beneath the ice. It is found in both hemispheres and is located only in the extremely high latitudes (See fig. 6.8 pg. 102 for location). The adaptation of producers to this ecosystem is extreme. There is no land for the producers to grow in so there are only small phytoplankton to form the base of the food chain.

Adaptations to the Polar Ice Cap Animals have a variety of adaptations to the harsh polar ice cap climate. Migration in for the summer season and out for the winter season is a common strategy for birds and caribou Development of insulating features like thick fur & fat insulation is common among polar bears and other mammals White fur/feathers to help with camouflage