1. Earth’s Spheres & Biomes 1.2

2. Bio-Domes Meet Pauly Shore: Meet Pauly Shore: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4 EWikCCfHJw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4 EWikCCfHJw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4 EWikCCfHJw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4 EWikCCfHJw

3. What is a Biome? Ecosystems can be interconnected Ecosystems can be interconnected A biome is a large geographic region that contains similar ecosystems A biome is a large geographic region that contains similar ecosystems Similar abiotic conditions: Temperature, light and moistureSimilar abiotic conditions: Temperature, light and moisture Similar biotic conditions: Animals and plantsSimilar biotic conditions: Animals and plants

4. Canada’s Biomes 8 biomes to know and love (in no particular order) : 8 biomes to know and love (in no particular order) : TundraTundra GrasslandsGrasslands Atlantic MarineAtlantic Marine Boreal ForestBoreal Forest Temperate Deciduous ForestTemperate Deciduous Forest Mountain ForestMountain Forest Temperate RainforestTemperate Rainforest Hudson PlainsHudson Plains

5. What am I? Grasslands Location? South of Alberta, Sask., Manitoba

6. Grasslands The Prairies are the northernmost branch of the Great Plains of North America. Mountains to the west block much of the precipitation that would otherwise fall Most tree species do not grow here.

7. Hudson Plains Location The Hudson Plains stretch from Manitoba to Quebec along the southern edge of Hudson Bay. Climate Canada contains ¼ of the world's wetlands Poor drainage  largest continuous wetlands in the world. Hudson's Bay moderates temp in summer, but ice cover prevents it in winter Precipitation ranges 400mm -800mm

8. What am I? Boreal Forest

9. Boreal Forest Largest biome in Canada Warm temp and rainfall in the summer encourage tree growth in northern Ontario Forest floor is covered with mosses and ferns. Home to snowshoe hares, black bears and grey wolves.

10. What am I? Tundra

11. Tundra Cold, barren biome in the northernmost part of Canada. Low temperatures and short growing season limit the kinds of plants that grow Many areas have permanently frozen ground - permafrost Polar bears and caribou

12. What am I? Temperate Deciduous Forest

13. South of boreal forest, in eastern and central Canada South of boreal forest, in eastern and central Canada Home to a variety of deciduous trees Maples, oaks, and ashes The growing season is long; many species of plants The varied plant life supports a rich diversity of animals

14. What am I? Temperate Rainforest

15. Wettest weather and the tallest trees in the country Summers are cooler, winters more mild Rainfall and mild temperatures lead to record- breaking trees, both in size and age Black bears, mountain lions, beavers, otters, hares, and whales

16. What am I? Mountain Biome

17. Varied temperatures Varied temperatures Temperatures decrease with increasing elevation. Temperatures decrease with increasing elevation. Winters are cold (duh) and summers are moist and cool. Winters are cold (duh) and summers are moist and cool. The coniferous forest (pine, spruce, fir trees) provide ideal habitats for elk, grizzly bears and cougars. The coniferous forest (pine, spruce, fir trees) provide ideal habitats for elk, grizzly bears and cougars.

18. What am I? Atlantic Maritime Biome Atlantic Maritime Biome

19. Atlantic Maritime Biome Covers Gaspé, PEI, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick Covers Gaspé, PEI, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick Climate is strongly influence by Atlantic Ocean Climate is strongly influence by Atlantic Ocean Cooler summers (14ºC), and warmer winters (5ºC)Cooler summers (14ºC), and warmer winters (5ºC) Atlantic ocean also provides moisture to the region Atlantic ocean also provides moisture to the region High precipitation and more storms than anywhere else in the countryHigh precipitation and more storms than anywhere else in the country

20. Atlantic Maritime Biome Fishing was the base of the economy Fishing was the base of the economy OverfishingOverfishing Agriculture and Forestry are only possible where good soil is available Agriculture and Forestry are only possible where good soil is available Most forests have been logged at least onceMost forests have been logged at least once Potato farms on PEI are the most famous Potato farms on PEI are the most famous Half of the 2.5 million people live in rural areas (far above national avg) Half of the 2.5 million people live in rural areas (far above national avg)

21. Earth’s Spheres Biomes combine to make the biosphere Biomes combine to make the biosphere The living part of the planet – very thinThe living part of the planet – very thin 3 interacting components make up the physical environment of the biosphere: 3 interacting components make up the physical environment of the biosphere: AtmosphereAtmosphere LithosphereLithosphere hydrospherehydrosphere

22. Earth’s Spheres Which is/are abiotic? Which is/are abiotic? Which is/are unique to Earth? Which is/are unique to Earth?

23. Earth’s Spheres Atmosphere Atmosphere Layer of gases that surrounds EarthLayer of gases that surrounds Earth Lithosphere Lithosphere Solid outer layer, including rigid crust and upper mantleSolid outer layer, including rigid crust and upper mantle Hydrosphere Hydrosphere All water on EarthAll water on Earth

24. Earth’s Spheres Ecological processes move matter from the biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem and back again in a cycle Ecological processes move matter from the biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem and back again in a cycle Living things need nutrients (chemicals) Living things need nutrients (chemicals) Nutrients are continually cycled through ecosystems in the: Nutrients are continually cycled through ecosystems in the: Water cycleWater cycle Carbon cycleCarbon cycle Nitrogen cycleNitrogen cycle

25. In-Class Assignment Get into groups of 4 or 5 Get into groups of 4 or 5 max 6 groupsmax 6 groups Read handout on your assigned nutrient cycle Read handout on your assigned nutrient cycle Complete handout as a group Complete handout as a group You get to be the expert! You get to be the expert!