1. Abiotic Factors Ecological Succession and Biomes

2. What is Climate? In the atmospheric conditions, temperature, precipitation, and other environmental factors combine to produce weather and climate. In the atmospheric conditions, temperature, precipitation, and other environmental factors combine to produce weather and climate. Weather is the day-to-day condition of Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place. Weather is the day-to-day condition of Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place. Climate refers to the average year-to-year conditions of temperature and precipitation in a particular region. Climate refers to the average year-to-year conditions of temperature and precipitation in a particular region.

3. What abiotic factors shape ecosystems? Two important factors are: Climate Climate Average temperatureAverage temperature PrecipitationPrecipitation Geologic Formations Geologic Formations Create topographyCreate topography Mineral Composition dictates soilMineral Composition dictates soil

4. What causes climate? Climate is caused by many factors including: Climate is caused by many factors including: 1.Amount of incoming solar radiation absorbed by earth’s surfaces 2.Variations in the intensity of insolation 3.Transfer of heat by winds and ocean currents 4.Topography - Shape and elevation of land masses

5. The Effect of Latitude Earth is tilted on its axis, so solar radiation hits Earth’s surface at an angle that changes throughout the year. Earth is tilted on its axis, so solar radiation hits Earth’s surface at an angle that changes throughout the year. At the equator, the sun is almost directly overhead all year. At the equator, the sun is almost directly overhead all year. At the poles, the sun is much lower in the sky. At the poles, the sun is much lower in the sky. Because of the differences in latitude and the angle of heating by the sun, the Earth has three main climate zones: Because of the differences in latitude and the angle of heating by the sun, the Earth has three main climate zones: PolarPolar TemperateTemperate TropicalTropical

6. Sunlight Most direct sunlight Sunlight 90°N North Pole 66.5°N 23.5°N 0° 23.5°S 66.5°S 90°S South Pole Arctic circle Tropic of Cancer Equator Tropic of Capricorn Arctic circle Figure 4.2: Variation in Solar Intensity with Latitude

7. Biomes Ecologists group Earth's diverse environments into biomes Ecologists group Earth's diverse environments into biomes A biome is a complex of terrestrial communities that covers a large area and is characterized by: A biome is a complex of terrestrial communities that covers a large area and is characterized by: flora & faunaflora & fauna soilsoil climateclimate

8. Biomes Change over time

9. Ecological Succession Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area The gradual replacement of one plant community by another through natural processes over time The gradual replacement of one plant community by another through natural processes over time can be primary or secondary succession can be primary or secondary succession

10. Primary Succession Begins in a place without any soil Begins in a place without any soil Sides of volcanoesSides of volcanoes LandslidesLandslides FloodingFlooding Starts with the arrival of living things such as lichens that do not need soil to survive Starts with the arrival of living things such as lichens that do not need soil to survive Called PIONEER SPECIES Called PIONEER SPECIES

11. Primary Succession Soil starts to form as lichens and the forces of weather and erosion help break down rocks into smaller pieces Soil starts to form as lichens and the forces of weather and erosion help break down rocks into smaller pieces When lichens die, they decompose, adding small amounts of organic matter to the rock to make soil When lichens die, they decompose, adding small amounts of organic matter to the rock to make soil

12. Primary Succession Simple plants like mosses and ferns can grow in the new soil Simple plants like mosses and ferns can grow in the new soil http://uisstc.georgetow n.edu http://www.uncw.edu

13. Primary Succession The simple plants die, adding more organic material The simple plants die, adding more organic material The soil layer thickens, and grasses, wildflowers, and other plants begin to take over The soil layer thickens, and grasses, wildflowers, and other plants begin to take over http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu

14. Primary Succession These plants die, and they add more nutrients to the soil These plants die, and they add more nutrients to the soil Shrubs and trees can survive now Shrubs and trees can survive now http://www.rowan.edu

15. Primary Succession Insects, small birds, and mammals have begun to move in Insects, small birds, and mammals have begun to move in What was once bare rock now supports a variety of life What was once bare rock now supports a variety of life http://p2-raw.greenpeace.org

16. Secondary Succession Begins in a place that already has soil and was once the home of living organisms Begins in a place that already has soil and was once the home of living organisms Occurs faster and has different pioneer species than primary succession Occurs faster and has different pioneer species than primary succession Example: Example: after forest fires after forest fires Severe weather, Ex. tornado, hurricaneSevere weather, Ex. tornado, hurricane Human activity, Ex.- Clear cutting of a fieldHuman activity, Ex.- Clear cutting of a field

17. http://www.ux1.eiu.edu

18. Climax Community A stable group of plants and animals that is the end result of the succession process A stable group of plants and animals that is the end result of the succession process Does not always mean big trees Does not always mean big trees Grasses in prairiesGrasses in prairies Cacti in desertsCacti in deserts

19. Biomes and Climate Two main components of climate—temperature and precipitation—can be summarized in a graph called a climate diagram Two main components of climate—temperature and precipitation—can be summarized in a graph called a climate diagram

20. Terrestrial Biomes

21. Tropical Rain Forest Abiotic factors: hot and wet year-round; thin, nutrient-poor soils Abiotic factors: hot and wet year-round; thin, nutrient-poor soils Dominant plants: broad-leaved evergreen trees; ferns; large woody vines and climbing plants; orchids and bromeliads Dominant plants: broad-leaved evergreen trees; ferns; large woody vines and climbing plants; orchids and bromeliads Dominant wildlife: herbivores such as sloths, tapirs, and capybaras; predators such as jaguars; anteaters; monkeys; birds such as toucans, parrots, and parakeets; insects such as butterflies, ants, and beetles; piranhas and other freshwater fishes; reptiles such as caymans, boa constrictors, and anacondas Dominant wildlife: herbivores such as sloths, tapirs, and capybaras; predators such as jaguars; anteaters; monkeys; birds such as toucans, parrots, and parakeets; insects such as butterflies, ants, and beetles; piranhas and other freshwater fishes; reptiles such as caymans, boa constrictors, and anacondas Geographic distribution: parts of South and Central America, Southeast Asia, parts of Africa, southern India, and northeastern Australia Geographic distribution: parts of South and Central America, Southeast Asia, parts of Africa, southern India, and northeastern Australia

22. Tropical Dry Forest Abiotic factors: generally warm year-round; alternating wet and dry seasons; rich soils subject to erosion Abiotic factors: generally warm year-round; alternating wet and dry seasons; rich soils subject to erosion Dominant plants: tall, deciduous trees that form a dense canopy during the wet season; drought-tolerant orchids and bromeliads; aloes and other succulents Dominant plants: tall, deciduous trees that form a dense canopy during the wet season; drought-tolerant orchids and bromeliads; aloes and other succulents Dominant wildlife: tigers; monkeys; herbivores such as elephants, Indian rhinoceroses, hog deer; birds such as great pied hornbills, pied harriers, and spot-billed pelicans; insects such as termites; reptiles such as snakes and monitor lizards Dominant wildlife: tigers; monkeys; herbivores such as elephants, Indian rhinoceroses, hog deer; birds such as great pied hornbills, pied harriers, and spot-billed pelicans; insects such as termites; reptiles such as snakes and monitor lizards Geographic distribution: parts of Africa, South and Central America, Mexico, India, Australia, and tropical islands Geographic distribution: parts of Africa, South and Central America, Mexico, India, Australia, and tropical islands

23. Tropical Savanna Tropical Savanna Abiotic factors: warm temperatures; seasonal rainfall; compact soil; frequent fires set by lightning Abiotic factors: warm temperatures; seasonal rainfall; compact soil; frequent fires set by lightning Dominant plants: tall, perennial grasses; sometimes drought- tolerant and fire-resistant trees or shrubs Dominant plants: tall, perennial grasses; sometimes drought- tolerant and fire-resistant trees or shrubs Dominant wildlife: predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals; aardvarks; herbivores such as elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and zebras; baboons; birds such as eagles, ostriches, weaver birds, and storks; insects such as termites Dominant wildlife: predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals; aardvarks; herbivores such as elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and zebras; baboons; birds such as eagles, ostriches, weaver birds, and storks; insects such as termites Geographic distribution: large parts of eastern Africa, southern Brazil, and northern Australia Geographic distribution: large parts of eastern Africa, southern Brazil, and northern Australia

24. Desert Abiotic factors: low precipitation; variable temperatures; soils rich in minerals but poor in organic material Abiotic factors: low precipitation; variable temperatures; soils rich in minerals but poor in organic material Dominant plants: cacti and other succulents; creosote bush and other plants with short growth cycles Dominant plants: cacti and other succulents; creosote bush and other plants with short growth cycles Dominant wildlife: predators such as mountain lions, gray foxes, and bobcats; herbivores such as mule deer, pronghorn antelopes, desert bighorn sheep, and kangaroo rats; bats; birds such as owls, hawks, and roadrunners; insects such as ants, beetles, butterflies, flies, and wasps; reptiles such as tortoises, rattlesnakes, and lizards Dominant wildlife: predators such as mountain lions, gray foxes, and bobcats; herbivores such as mule deer, pronghorn antelopes, desert bighorn sheep, and kangaroo rats; bats; birds such as owls, hawks, and roadrunners; insects such as ants, beetles, butterflies, flies, and wasps; reptiles such as tortoises, rattlesnakes, and lizards Geographic distribution: Africa, Asia, the Middle East, United States, Mexico, South America, and Australia Geographic distribution: Africa, Asia, the Middle East, United States, Mexico, South America, and Australia

25. Temperate Grassland Temperate Grassland Abiotic factors: warm to hot summers; cold winters; moderate, seasonal precipitation; fertile soils; occasional fires Abiotic factors: warm to hot summers; cold winters; moderate, seasonal precipitation; fertile soils; occasional fires Dominant plants: lush, perennial grasses and herbs; most are resistant to drought, fire, and cold Dominant plants: lush, perennial grasses and herbs; most are resistant to drought, fire, and cold Dominant wildlife: predators such as coyotes and badgers— historically included wolves and grizzly bears; herbivores such as mule deer, pronghorn antelopes, rabbits, prairie dogs, and introduced cattle—historically included bison; birds such as hawks, owls, bobwhites, prairie chickens, mountain plovers; reptiles such as snakes; insects such as ants and grasshoppers Dominant wildlife: predators such as coyotes and badgers— historically included wolves and grizzly bears; herbivores such as mule deer, pronghorn antelopes, rabbits, prairie dogs, and introduced cattle—historically included bison; birds such as hawks, owls, bobwhites, prairie chickens, mountain plovers; reptiles such as snakes; insects such as ants and grasshoppers Geographic distribution: central Asia, North America, Australia, central Europe, and upland plateaus of South America Geographic distribution: central Asia, North America, Australia, central Europe, and upland plateaus of South America

26. Temperate Woodland and Shrubland Temperate Woodland and Shrubland Abiotic factors: hot, dry summers; cool, moist winters; thin, nutrient-poor soils; periodic fires Abiotic factors: hot, dry summers; cool, moist winters; thin, nutrient-poor soils; periodic fires Dominant plants: woody evergreen shrubs with small, leathery leaves; fragrant, oily herbs that grow during winter and die in summer Dominant plants: woody evergreen shrubs with small, leathery leaves; fragrant, oily herbs that grow during winter and die in summer Dominant wildlife: predators such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and mountain lions; herbivores such as blacktailed deer, rabbits, and squirrels; birds such as hawks, California quails, warblers and other songbirds; reptiles such as lizards and snakes; butterflies Dominant wildlife: predators such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and mountain lions; herbivores such as blacktailed deer, rabbits, and squirrels; birds such as hawks, California quails, warblers and other songbirds; reptiles such as lizards and snakes; butterflies Geographic distribution: western coasts of North and South America, areas around the Mediterranean Sea, South Africa, and Australia Geographic distribution: western coasts of North and South America, areas around the Mediterranean Sea, South Africa, and Australia

27. Temperate Forest Temperate Forest Abiotic factors: cold to moderate winters; warm summers; year-round precipitation; fertile soils Abiotic factors: cold to moderate winters; warm summers; year-round precipitation; fertile soils Dominant plants: broadleaf deciduous trees; some conifers; flowering shrubs; herbs; a ground layer of mosses and ferns Dominant plants: broadleaf deciduous trees; some conifers; flowering shrubs; herbs; a ground layer of mosses and ferns Dominant wildlife: Deer; black bears; bobcats; nut and acorn feeders such as squirrels; omnivores such as raccoons and skunks; numerous songbirds; turkeys Dominant wildlife: Deer; black bears; bobcats; nut and acorn feeders such as squirrels; omnivores such as raccoons and skunks; numerous songbirds; turkeys Geographic distribution: eastern United States; southeastern Canada; most of Europe; and parts of Japan, China, and Australia Geographic distribution: eastern United States; southeastern Canada; most of Europe; and parts of Japan, China, and Australia

28. Northwestern Coniferous Forest Northwestern Coniferous Forest Abiotic factors: mild temperatures; abundant precipitation during fall, winter, and spring; relatively cool, dry summer; rocky, acidic soils Abiotic factors: mild temperatures; abundant precipitation during fall, winter, and spring; relatively cool, dry summer; rocky, acidic soils Dominant plants: Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock, redwood Dominant plants: Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock, redwood Dominant wildlife: bears; large herbivores such as elk and deer; beavers; predators such as owls, bobcats, and members of the weasel family Dominant wildlife: bears; large herbivores such as elk and deer; beavers; predators such as owls, bobcats, and members of the weasel family Geographic distribution: Pacific coast of northwestern United States and Canada, from northern California to Alaska Geographic distribution: Pacific coast of northwestern United States and Canada, from northern California to Alaska

29. Boreal Forest Boreal Forest Abiotic factors: long, cold winters; short, mild summers; moderate precipitation; high humidity; acidic, nutrient- poor soils Abiotic factors: long, cold winters; short, mild summers; moderate precipitation; high humidity; acidic, nutrient- poor soils Dominant plants: needleleaf coniferous trees such as spruce and fir; some broadleaf deciduous trees; small, berry-bearing shrubs Dominant plants: needleleaf coniferous trees such as spruce and fir; some broadleaf deciduous trees; small, berry-bearing shrubs Dominant wildlife: predators such as lynxes and timber wolves and members of the weasel family; small herbivorous mammals; moose and other large herbivores; beavers; songbirds and migratory birds Dominant wildlife: predators such as lynxes and timber wolves and members of the weasel family; small herbivorous mammals; moose and other large herbivores; beavers; songbirds and migratory birds Geographic distribution: North America, Asia, and northern Europe Geographic distribution: North America, Asia, and northern Europe

30. Tundra Abiotic factors: strong winds; low precipitation; short and soggy summers; long, cold, and dark winters; poorly developed soils; permafrost Abiotic factors: strong winds; low precipitation; short and soggy summers; long, cold, and dark winters; poorly developed soils; permafrost Dominant plants: ground- hugging plants such as mosses, lichens, sedges, and short grasses Dominant plants: ground- hugging plants such as mosses, lichens, sedges, and short grasses Dominant wildlife: a few resident birds and mammals that can withstand the harsh conditions; migratory waterfowl, shore birds, musk ox, Arctic foxes, and caribou; lemmings and other small rodents Dominant wildlife: a few resident birds and mammals that can withstand the harsh conditions; migratory waterfowl, shore birds, musk ox, Arctic foxes, and caribou; lemmings and other small rodents Geographic distribution: northern North America, Asia, and Europe Geographic distribution: northern North America, Asia, and Europe

31. Elevations affect on Biomes