2. Ecology Unit Learning Goal #3: Examine factors that result in the different biomes of the world.

3. Biomes

4. Levels of Organization  Biosphere  All of the biomes together.  Biome  A group of ecosystems that have the same climate and similar dominant communities  Ecosystem  A collection of all the organisms that live in a particular place, together with their nonliving, or physical, environment.

5. Levels of Organization  Community  Assemblages of different populations that live together in a defined area.  Population  Group of individuals that belong to the same species and live in the same area.  Individual  One member of a species.

6. Biome Characteristics  Composed of large regions.  Similar Abiotic Factors (nonliving)  Similar Biotic Factors (living)  Have specific climate with similar plants and animal adaptations.  Species composition is not the same in different areas.

7.  Abiotic Factors o Physical or NONLIVING component of an ecosystem Rocks, Sand, Cliffs Snow, Rain, Hail Wind Sun, Heat, Cold

8. Factors that Affect Climate TThe Greenhouse Effect CCarbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and other atmospheric gases trap heat energy. TThis allows the temperature on Earth to remain within a range suitable for life. WWithout these gases the Earth would be about 30 degrees colder.

9. Factors that Affect Climate EEarth’s Tilt TThe tilt of Earth’s axis means that solar radiation strikes different parts of the surface at an angle that varies throughout the year.

10. Latitudes Define Some Biomes For Example, Tundra is from arctic circle to 70° N. Latitude The sun strikes most directly at the equator. As latitude increases north and south of the equator, the sun’s rays become less direct. This results in three major climate zones: tropical, temperate, and polar.

11. Biome  Biotic community o dominant plants and animals  Unique climate Biomes of the World

12. Categories of Biome  Primary Biomes  Tundra  Taiga  Grasslands  Deserts  Deciduous Forests  Tropical Rainforests  Other Biomes: Chaparral, Savanna, Tropical Deciduous Rain Forest

13.  Permafrost (permanent layer of frost)  Little rain or snowfall  Least diverse biome  Flat terrain  Constant low temperature Tundra

14. Coniferous Forest (TAIGA)  Spruce and Fir Trees (Cone Plants)  Mosses, lichens, small shrubs  Winter snowfall  Short, warm summer days  Snow completely thaws

15. Deciduous Forest  Distinct 4 seasons  Trees lose leaves in the Fall  Richest Soil  Oaks, Maple, Hickory, Chestnut  Abundant snow and rainfall  Squirrels, Deer, Birds, Fox, Skunk

16. Desert o Extreme temperatures o Little precipitation o Poor, dry conditions o Thorny plants, cacti o Rodents, insects, reptiles, camels

17. Grassland  Tall, Mixed or Short grass  Deep, porous soil  Low-medium precipitation  Wolves, grasshoppers, jackrabbits, badgers, rattlesnakes, birds,  Low winter temperatures

18. Rainforest  Most Diverse  Minimal season variation  Rainfall, Humidity, Precipitation High  Vegetation is dense  Broad leafed plants  Insects, fungi, monkeys, birds, frogs