Ecosystems Quiz: Deserts and Tropical Rainforests

Desert Ecosystems

• Characterized by low rainfall (<25 cm/year) and high temperatures
• Limited vegetation, dominated by cacti and succulents
• Adaptations:
  • Deep roots to access water
  • Waxy stems to reduce water loss
  • CAM photosynthesis (open stomata at night)
• Fauna:
  • Reptiles, insects, and small mammals
  • Adaptations:
    • Camouflage and burrowing to escape heat
    • Specialized physical features (e.g., camel's hump)

Tropical Rainforests

• Characterized by high temperatures and high rainfall (>200 cm/year)
• High biodiversity and dense vegetation
• Stratification:
  • Emergent layer: tallest trees
  • Canopy layer: dense foliage
  • Understory layer: shade-tolerant plants
  • Forest floor: limited vegetation
• Fauna:
  • Monkeys, birds, and insects
  • Adaptations:
    • Bright colors and mimicry for camouflage
    • Specialized diets (e.g., fruit-eating birds)

Tundra Ecosystems

• Characterized by cold temperatures, short growing seasons, and low rainfall
• Low vegetation, dominated by grasses, mosses, and lichens
• Permafrost: frozen soil that limits root growth
• Fauna:
  • Herbivores (e.g., caribou, reindeer) and carnivores (e.g., arctic fox)
  • Adaptations:
    • Thick fur and blubber for insulation
    • Migration patterns to find food and shelter

Savanna

• Characterized by grasslands with scattered trees
• Tropical and subtropical regions
• Seasonal rainfall and drought
• Fauna:
  • Grazing animals (e.g., zebras, antelopes) and predators (e.g., lions, cheetahs)
  • Adaptations:
    • Migration patterns to find food and water
    • Specialized physical features (e.g., giraffe's long neck)

Taiga (Boreal Forest)

• Characterized by coniferous forests (e.g., spruce, fir) and cold temperatures
• Subarctic regions
• Short growing seasons and limited vegetation
• Fauna:
  • Herbivores (e.g., moose, deer) and carnivores (e.g., wolves, bears)
  • Adaptations:
    • Thick fur and fat reserves for winter
    • Specialized diets (e.g., berries, nuts)

Boreal Forest (Taiga)

• Same characteristics as Taiga
• Note: Taiga and Boreal Forest are often used interchangeably, but some sources distinguish between them as separate biomes.

Ecosystem Characteristics

• There are five types of ecosystem characteristics: dominant vegetation, climate, geographic location, and soil characteristics.
• Each ecosystem can be matched with one of these characteristics.

Types of Ecosystems

• Multiple ecosystems can be identified, including but not limited to:
  • One with a distinct dominant vegetation
  • One with a unique climate characteristic
  • One with a specific geographic location
  • One with distinct soil characteristics

Let me know if you need further clarification or if you'd like me to add more information!