Biology Chapter 34: Ecology and the Biosphere

ecology

the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and the environment. 

biome

 major type of ecological association that occupies a broad geographic region of land or water and is characterized by organisms adapt to the particular environment

estuary

biome that occurs where a freshwater stream or river merges with the ocean

brackish water

Mix of salty and freshwater

wetlands

biome that is transitional between an aquatic ecosystem (either marine or freshwater) and a terrestrial one

desertification

conversion of semi-arid regions (usually a savanna) to desert

tropical dry forests

marked by prolonged dry seasons with plants adapted to survive the dry season such as succulents, thorny shrubs, & deciduous trees

tropical rainforest

very humid equatorial regions that have 200-400 cm of rain per year

savannas

dominated by grass and scattered trees

desert

driest of all terrestrial biomes characterized by low and unpredictable rainfall ( 2 cm of rain per year)

chaparral

mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers due to cool ocean currents circulating offshore, limited to coastal areas

temperate grasslands

have similar characteristics to the savanna but are treeless except along rivers and streams and have cold winters

temperate deciduous forests

grows in midlatitude regions, where there is sufficient moisture to support the growth of large trees. Precipitation is relatively high. Dominate trees are hardwood deciduous trees

taiga (coniferous forest)

characterized conifers, cone-bearing evergreens. long, snowy winters and short, wet summers. The majority of the precipitation is the form of snow.

tundra

northernmost limits of plant growth and at high altitudes, characterized by dwarf woody shrubs, grasses, mosses, and lichens. long, bitter-cold winters

polar ice

includes regions of extremely cold temperature and low precipitation located at high latitudes, almost completely covered in snow.

transpiration

evaporative water loss from plants

Savanna

Elephants, Cheetahs, Zebras, Giraffes , Antelopes, Lions , Kangaroos, Ants and termites,

Burrowing animals like mice, gophers, snakes, ground squirrels, worms, and numerous arthropods

Desert

Very waxy coating on the leaves to prevent water loss. Shrubs have deep roots. Plants that only germinate during rainy periods.

Animals are also adapted to survive during the drought periods and extreme temperatures.

Many are burrowing and only active at night.

Seed eaters since plants produce so many seeds

Most have adaptations to conserve water.

Chaparral

browsers (deer), fruit-eating birds, and seed-eating rodents as well as snakes and lizards

Temperate grasslands

bison and pronghorn, horses and sheep. Diverse microorganism, annelid, and arthropod populations

temperate forests

hardwood deciduous trees (hickory, oak, birch, beech, & maple). bobcats, foxes, black bears, and mountain lions

Taiga (coniferous)

 moose, elk, bears, wolves, grouse, & migratory birds

tundra

dwarf woody shrubs, grasses, mosses, and lichens. musk oxen and caribou. clouds of mosquitoes.

polar ice

Lichens and mosses, Invertebrates such as nematodes, mites, and wingless insects (springtails) seals, penguins, gulls, and skuas Polar bears

tropical forest

monkeys, birds, insects, snakes, and frogs