11-5: Mediterranean Biome & Grasslands

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Questions and Answers

What is the greatest challenge these organisms face?

Finding food

Staying warm

Competing with other species

Obtaining enough water (correct)

What defines a 'Mediterranean climate'?

Consistently warm and rainy throughout the year

Hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters (correct)

Cold, snowy winters and hot summers

Extreme temperatures and minimal precipitation

Describe the terrain of the Mediterranean biome.

The terrain tends to be rocky, dry, and sandy, with hilly, sloped, or flat land.

What characteristic do most Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrublands depend on?

They rely on fire to keep their ecosystems in balance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the climate of the Mediterranean biome?

Hot and dry summers, cooler and wetter winters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of fire in the Mediterranean biome?

Fire causes renewal of the ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

The Mediterranean biome has approximately _% of all the kinds of plants on Earth.

10 Signup and view all the answers

What adaptations help animals survive in Mediterranean forests?

Regulating body temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature range of temperate grasslands?

-1 to 28 degrees Celsius (30 to 80 degrees F) Signup and view all the answers

What unique adaptation do many tropical grassland plants possess?

Roots that grow more deeply to maximize nutrition and find water. Signup and view all the answers

Which area is characterized by a hilly or sloped terrain?

Mediterranean forests Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of Mediterranean forests, dry woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands?

Use of fire to replenish ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

What are sclerophylls?

Plants with tough leaves that help prevent water loss. Signup and view all the answers

Which term is a specific name for temperate grasslands?

Steppe. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the baobab tree considered a keystone species?

Almost all species in the savanna ecosystem rely on this tree. Signup and view all the answers

Which biome has the most moderate climate?

Temperate grasslands Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mediterranean Biome Overview

Organisms in Mediterranean biomes face challenges in obtaining and retaining water, similar to desert dwellers.
Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrublands are located around the Mediterranean Sea, southern California, the west coast of South America, southern Africa, and southwestern Australia.

Climate Characteristics

Features a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
Average temperatures and rainfall can be illustrated through climate graphs, such as for Istanbul, Turkey.

Terrain Specifics

Terrain is typically rocky, dry, and somewhat sandy.
Ground formations can vary, including hilly, sloping, or flat landscapes.

Role of Fire

Fires, often caused by dry conditions and lightning, are integral to ecosystem balance.
Rather than being destructive, fires renew the environment, promoting growth and stability.

Plant Diversity in Mediterranean Biome

Contains nearly 10% of Earth's plant species; notable for sclerophylls and pyrophytes.
Sclerophylls have tough, leathery leaves that conserve water.
Pyrophytes are fire-resistant and may rely on fire for reproduction through chemical releases.

Animal Adaptations in Mediterranean Biome

Animals adapt primarily through temperature regulation and water retention.
Examples include horned lizards with scaly skin for water conservation, and larger mammals like goats and pumas that exhibit behavioral variations in activity based on temperature extremes.

Temperate Grasslands

Defined by moderate climates, with temperatures ranging from -1 to 28 degrees Celsius (30 to 80 degrees F) and annual precipitation of about 80 cm (31 inches).
Characterized by flat terrain and rich, fertile soils that support diverse organisms.
Frequent fires help renew these ecosystems, similar to those in Mediterranean regions.
Examples include North American prairies and Eurasian steppes.

Tropical Grasslands

Situated closer to the equator, these grasslands have higher average temperatures (20 to 30 degrees C or 68 to 86 degrees F).
Precipitation is about 76.2 to 101.6 cm (30 to 40 inches), but falls primarily in one rainy season followed by a dry period.
Featured vegetation includes those with deep roots for nutrient absorption and water conservation.
The savanna, a prominent tropical grassland, spans approximately 2.5 million square kilometers in Africa.

Plant and Animal Life in Grasslands

Temperate grasslands grow tall, fire-resistant grasses due to rich soils and competition for light.
Animals, such as rodents and wild horses, rely primarily on grasses, with many utilizing burrows for shelter.
Tropical grassland species, including elephants and lions, often migrate to find water and may exhibit nocturnal behaviors during the dry season.

Keystone Species and Ecosystem Health

A large number of keystone species typically indicates a healthy ecosystem.
Absence of keystone species can destabilize the ecosystem and disrupt energy sources and reproduction for various species.

Key Terminology

Sclerophylls: Plants with hard leaves adapted to dry conditions.
Pyrophytes: Fire-resistant plants that may use fire for reproductive processes.
Steppe: A specific type of temperate grassland.

Miscellaneous Facts

Mediterranean forests feature hilly or sloped terrain.
Fires are essential for maintaining balance in both Mediterranean and temperate grassland ecosystems.
The baobab tree serves as a keystone species in savanna ecosystems, essential for various species' survival.
Temperate grasslands exhibit the most moderate climate compared to other grasslands.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the unique adaptations of organisms in Mediterranean biomes and grasslands. Discover the environmental challenges they face, particularly concerning water conservation. Test your knowledge with flashcards that highlight key concepts in this lesson.