3.  Constant warmth and rainfall provides the home to most of the species on Earth.  > 70% of all terrestrial species  Question:  How does the structure of a rainforest allow so many species to coexist?

5.  Top soil is thin and poor due to rapid nutrient recycling.  Adaptations to soil conditions  Tree trunks widen their bases for support  Shallow roots to absorb nutrients.

6.  Vines and Epiphytes grow on the sides of tree trunks and limbs.  Why would this be an advantage?

7.  Plant life is adapted to fluctuating temperatures.

8.  Growing Season  Spring through Summer  Plants and trees produce and store large amounts of food  Autumn  Trees shed leaves to preserve water and energy over the winter  Photosynthesis stops  Winter  Trees consume food storages.

9.  Decay of leaf litter is slowed by the winter months.  This provides a deep, rich layer of soil.  More sunlight penetration results in a thicker understory and more plant life on the forest floor.

11.  Leaves are needles  Long, thin, and covered in a thick and waxy resin.  What advantage would this serve?

12.  Many conifers are shaped like a cone.  What advantage would this provide?  Snow  Insulates the roots of trees over the winter.

13.  Plants tend to be small and grow close to the warmer ground.

14.  Precipitation is mainly snow and ice.  Majority of soil is frozen year round.

15.  Only thin layer of soil thaws in summer.  How could plants adapt to a thin layer of soil?  Wide, shallow roots.  Mosses and Lichen can grow on bare rock.

16.  Main challenge facing plants.  Limited water

17.  Absorbing water efficiently  have very shallow roots that grow over a wide area.  Preventing water loss.  Succulent tissues  Spines

18.  Important abiotic factors  Limited rainfall  Fires  wind

19.  Limited water  Heavy cycles of rain followed by long droughts.  Trees and shrubs grow near ponds, streams, and springs.

20.  Fires  Destroy most trees and shrubs  The majority of the biomass for grass is belowground in the form of roots.  Why is this an advantage for grasses?  Convert organic matter into valuable nutrients, providing a deep, fertile soil for grasses.  Heat assists in germination of grass seeds.

21.  Wind  Carries seeds and pollen long distances  Dispersal mechanism.

22.  Which biome would you find me?