Biomes PDF

1. Classify the different biomes in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in terms of climate, topography, and flora and fauna. 2. Explain the impacts of human disturbance on the ecosystems.  A biome is a large ecological area on Earth's surface, with flora and fauna adapting...

1. Classify the different biomes in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in terms of climate, topography, and flora and fauna. 2. Explain the impacts of human disturbance on the ecosystems.  A biome is a large ecological area on Earth's surface, with flora and fauna adapting to their environment. Biomes play a crucial role in sustaining life, providing habitat, and contributing to the global ecosystem. Biomes are based on resemblances in the dominant vegetation, climate, geographic location, and other characteristics. Physical environmental aspects such as precipitation, water depth and temperature have a strong impact on the traits of species living in that natural environment. Biomes can be divided into two broad categories: AQUATIC TERRESTRIAL (Water-based) (Land-based) Each biome can be further categorized into six sub-types: AQUATIC TERRESTRIAL (Water-based) (Land-based) Marine Forest Grasslands Freshwater Desert Tundra Terrestrial biomes contribute to the Earth’s biodiversity, with each type supporting unique ecosystems and life forms. Terrestrial biomes are land ecosystems characterized by the growth form of the dominant vegetation, climatic conditions, temperature and rainfall.  The tundra is characterized by freezing temperatures, permafrost, and a short growing season. There are 400 varieties of flowering plants present in this biome and about 2000 species diversity of plants. Tundras are among the least inhabited and least disturbed habitats on Earth.  Alpine Tundra are located at very high elevations atop mountains, where overnight temperatures fall below freezing. There is no permafrost. Arctic tundra are found on high- latitude landmasses, above the Arctic Circle  The word "Taiga" is a Russian term meaning dense evergreen forest. These forests of conifer trees are also well- known as boreal forests. This biome is characterized by moist-cool with more precipitation than the tundra and lies between 50 and 65° North latitude.  The common characteristic of boreal forest soils are deep litter layers that accumulate because of slow decomposition rates. Soils are acidic and scarce in mineral content.  The tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests biome is also called moist tropical rain forest. This occurs in a zone about 10 of latitude either side of the equator characterized by annual rainfall that generally exceeds 250 centimeters (100 inches) and is evenly distributed throughout the year. Throughout the year, the temperature and humidity are relatively high.  Tropical rain forest has a rapid decomposition because of high temperatures and abundant moisture. Tropical soils are subject to extreme chemical weathering and leaching because of the frequent and intense rains. These environmental conditions make the soils acidic and nutrient deficient.  This biome has highly diverse flora containing as many as 300 different tree species. There are epiphytic orchids and bromeliads, as well as vines (lianas). You can find other common plant species include ferns and palms. This is also a home to a great variety of animal species and most of these organisms are insects.  ALL SPECIES CLIMATE DATA LAND USE DATA  ALL SPECIES CLIMATE DATA LAND USE DATA  The temperature broadleaf and mixed forests biome is also called temperate deciduous forest. This is characterized by a temperate climate and a presence of broadleaf deciduous trees. Deciduous trees are trees that drop their leaves in the winter. This biome can be found in the eastern half of the United States, central Europe, Korea, and China.  Soils are characterized by richness in nutrient due to the accumulation of organic materials in a well- developed humus layer by a tree cover. Tree species diversity dominates at this site which include maple (Acer spp.), beech (Fagus spp.), cottonwood (Populus spp.), hickory (Carya spp.), basswood (Tilia spp.), magnolia (Magnolia spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), elm (Ulmus spp.), and willow (Salix spp.). There are also diversity of shrubs, herbs, and ferns.  Many different types of herbivores and carnivores are present in this type of forest. Common fauna include squirrels, skunks, birds, deer, rabbits, bears mountain lion, fox, timber, wolf, and bobcat. Some amphibians and reptiles are also present here.  The grassland is found in the continental interior of Eurasia, Australia, and South America. Grasses are common and covers only a few inches above the soil surface. Flowering herbs are also found in this biome including many kinds of composites and legumes but much less important than grass species.  The soil is fertile which is suitable for growing crops while in drier parts of prairies, soils is influenced by salinization. Animals found in the grassland are smaller burrowing mammals such as prairie dogs, jack rabbits, ground squirrels, and gophers. Larger running herbivores such as bison, pronghorn antelope, and elk can be seen in grassland.  Carnivores are also present which include coyote, ferret, wolf, badger and cougar. However, the populations of many of these organisms have been extremely reduced due to the conversion of their natural habitat into cropland. Some species are near extinction.  The desert biome is a land covered by shrub where the plants are spatially fairly dispersed. This is primarily in the interiors of continents and geographically found from 25-35° North and South latitude. M any areas have less than 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) of rainfall during an average year.  The litter layer is almost nonexistent and organic content of surface soil layers is very low because of low biomass productivity. Evaporation of water tends to concentrate salts at the soil surface. Plants that are drought- resistant like shrubs dominate this biome including water storing succulents like cactus.  Because of high temperature in this place, most desert mammals avoid this and tend to be nocturnal. Cold-blooded life forms such as lizard and snake are plenty in desert habitats because high temperatures are favorable for their condition. Aquatic biomes play a crucial role in Earth's hydrological cycle, housing aquatic life and providing water for terrestrial biomes. They regulate climate by absorbing and distributing heat around the globe.  Marine biomes are generally well-known by the depth of the water and whether there is a substrate on which organisms can attach. It is the largest biome in the world and covers about 70% of the earth. Oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries are important marine biomes.  Marine algae supply much of the world's oxygen supply and take in a huge amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The evaporation of the seawater provides rainwater for the land.  This is the largest of all of the earth's biomes. There are five main oceans and these are the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern including many smaller Gulfs and Bays. This can be subdivided divided into several zones and these are: shore/intertidal zone, pelagic zone, benthic zone, & abyssal zone  Coral reefs are widely scattered in warm shallow waters. They can be found as barriers along continents (e.g., the Great Barrier Reef off Australia), fringing islands, and islets. Naturally, corals are the dominant organisms in coral reefs.  Are areas where freshwater and ocean water meets. The mixing of waters with such different salt concentrations produces a very interesting and unique ecosystem. Microflora like algae, and macroflora, such as seaweeds, mangrove trees and marsh grasses can be found here. Estuaries maintain a diverse fauna such as a variety of worms, oysters, crabs, and waterfowl.  Freshwater biomes are generally well-known by characteristics such as water depth and whether the water is moving or standing. Major freshwater biomes include: ponds and lakes, streams and rivers, wetlands  A pond is a body of standing water, usually smaller than a lake. Lake is larger than pond surrounded by land. Both can be either natural or man- made. Used for recreation like swimming, nature viewing, boating, and fishing. Serve as wild life habitat for many different species.  Provide water supply to agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses. The water from lakes and ponds is treated and purified and then distributed to local residents and businesses as a source for drinking water. Produce renewable source of energy in the forms of hydropower, hydroelectric, and thermoelectric.  Support and regulate the services of soil development, biodiversity, groundwater recharge, and flood protection. Ponds and lakes may have inadequate species diversity because they are often isolated from one another and from other water sources like rivers and oceans.  Streams and rivers are bodies of water moving fast in one direction. The temperature of the source is cooler than the mouth. The water is clear with high oxygen levels. Freshwater fish such as trout and heterotrophs can be found in this area. Numerous aquatic green plants and algae can be found towards the middle part of the stream/river.  The water becomes dark towards the mouth of the river/stream. There is a decrease in the amount of light that can penetrate through the water so there is less diversity of flora. Due to lower oxygen levels, catfish and carp can be found in this zone because these fishes require less oxygen.  Wetlands are areas of standing water that preserve aquatic plant. Marshes, swamps, and bogs are all examples of wetlands. This area has the highest species diversity of all ecosystems. Hydrophytes include pond lilies, cattails, sedges, tamarack, and black spruce are plant species adapted to the very moist and humid conditions. Many amphibians, reptiles, birds (such as ducks and waders), and furbearers can be found in the wetlands.