Practical 3 - Bio 007

what does the biotic environment consist of?

living things

what does the abiotic environment consist of?

non-living things

define population

all individuals of the same species in a given area

define community

all individuals of all species in an area

define ecosystem

all individuals of all species in a given area plus abiotic factors

define landscape

involves multiple adjacent ecosystems that may interact

define biome

all ecosystems of the same type in the world

define biosphere

the set of all ecosystems on the planet

what is a dichotomous key?

an identification guide to the species in a particular taxonomic group for a particular region

Describe the coastal strand ecosystem + it’s stressors

• found in sandy areas by the sea

• stressors = high levels of salt, & lots of sun

Describe the coastal salt marsh ecosystem + it’s stressors (what plants must adapt to)

• found in low-lying areas near the ocean (usually where fresh water meets the ocean)

• water levels fluctuate a lot with the tides

• stressors = varying levels of water (possibly submerged periodically), presence of salt

Describe the oak savannah ecosystem + it’s stressors (what plants must adapt to)

• composed of grasses interspersed with occasional valley oaks

• stressors = low precipitation (not enough water), poor soil

• wildfires are relatively frequent

• native grasses have often been outcompeted by non-native grasses and in spring by invasive wild mustard

Describe the Riparian Woodland ecosystem + it’s stressors (what plants must adapt to)

• found in a narrow band immediately adjacent to a freshwater source (usually a stream)

• dominated by trees

• shrubs present usually have flexible, more delicate leaves

• ample access to water

• stressor = not enough sunlight

• adaptations = large leaves to absorb more sunlight, leaves may be flexible or compound to catch sunlight from many directions

Describe the Southern Live Oak Woodland ecosystem + it’s stressors (what plants must adapt to)

• found in canyons

• areas are somewhat shaded and receive more moisture because rainwater runs down the hillsides

• stressors = not enough sunlight

Describe the Coastal Sage Scrub ecosystem + it’s stressors (what plants must adapt to)

• found on hillsides at lower elevations and near the ocean

• stressors = relatively dry, too much sun

• plants must adapt to relatively dry conditions, excessive evaporation, and sun exposure

Describe the Chaparral ecosystem + it’s stressors (what plants must adapt to)

• found inland and higher elevation hillsides and ridges

• hot, dry summers, and mild wetter winters; frequent fire

• shrubs are dominant

• stressors = too much sunlight

• adaptations = leaves may be reduced in size or be thick, tough and waxy; may attach nearly vertically to the stem to reduce sun exposure; leaves may be pubescent, wavy or folded to reduce evaporation by wind or reduce surface area exposed to sun; may be light in color to reflect more solar radiation

Identify:

• Plant name

• Family

• Ecosystem it belongs to

• Adaptations

• Golden currant

• Family = Grossulariaceae

• adaptations to not enough sunlight = large leaves, dark colored leaves

Identify:

• Plant name

• Family

• Ecosystem it belongs to

• Adaptations

• Laurel sumac

• Family Anacardiaceae

• Adaptations = folded leaves to reduce adaptation and lessen sun exposure

Identify:

• Plant name

• Family

• Ecosystem it belongs to

• Adaptations

• Toyon

• Family Rosaceae

• Adaptations =

Identify:

• Plant name

• Family

• Ecosystem it belongs to

• Adaptations

• Holly-leaved cherry

• Family Rosaceae

• Adaptations =