CHAPTER 5 - Ecosystem Types

Ecosystem

a structural and functional unit of ecology where the living organisms interact with each other and the surrounding environment.

Biotic, abiotic

The structure of an ecosystem is characterized by the organization of both ______ and _______ components. This includes the distribution of energy in our environment. It also includes the climatic conditions prevailing in that particular environment.

Regulatory, Habitat, Production, Information

Functions of Ecosystem

Productivity

Functional Unit of Ecosystem. It refers to the rate of biomass production.

Energy flow

Functional Unit of Ecosystem. It is the sequential process through which energy flows from one trophic level to another. The energy captured from the sun flows from producers to consumers and then to decomposers and finally back to the environment.

Decomposition

Functional Unit of Ecosystem. It is the process of breakdown of dead organic material.

Top-soil

is the major site for decomposition.

Nutrient cycling

Functional Unit of Ecosystem. In an ecosystem, nutrients are consumed and recycled back in various forms for the utilization by various organisms.

Terrestrial, Aquatic

two types of ecosystem

Forest Ecosystem

type of terrestrial ecosystem. an ecosystem where many organisms live together with the environment's abiotic components. There are many different flora and fauna in this ecosystem.

Forests

Are significant carbon sinks and participate in controlling and balancing the overall temperature of the Earth.

Grassland Ecosystem

type of terrestrial ecosystem. are referred to as those ecosystems where the number of trees is low. These ecosystems mainly consist of grasses, shrubs, and herbs.

Grassland Ecosystem

type of terrestrial ecosystem. are commonly situated in both the tropical and temperate regions globally. however, they have distinct variations.

Savanna

Grassland that is located closer to the equator than prairies. Can receive as much as 120 cm of rain per year. In addition to grass, scattered shrubs and small trees can grow in the savanna.

Tundra Ecosystem

type of terrestrial ecosystem. are devoid of trees and are found in cold climates or where rainfall is scarce. These are covered with snow for most of the year. Found in the Arctic or mountain tops. Because rainwater cannot soak into the permafrost, there are many shallow ponds and marshy areas of the tundra during the summer.

Desert Ecosystem

type of terrestrial ecosystem. exist worldwide and cover about 17 percent of desert areas. These are areas where annual rainfall is usually measured at less than 25 mm. Due to fewer trees and land of sand, sunlight intensifies in these ecosystems.

Tropical Evergreen Forest

Type of Forest Ecosystem. They occupy about 7% of the earth's surface. They are found mostly near the equator. They have sparse undergrowth interspersed with clearings.

Tropical Deciduous Forest

Type of Forest Ecosystem. Also called the monsoon forests and spread over regions receiving rainfall between 200 cm and 70 cm. Trees of this forest type shed their leaves for about six to eight weeks in dry summer.

Temperate Evergreen Forest

Type of Forest Ecosystem. Found in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Receives between 300 and 900 mm of rain per year. Seasonal temperature extremes range from -40 to 20 °C.

Temperate Deciduous Forest

Type of Forest Ecosystem. The average daily temperatures range between -30°C (22°F) and 30°C (86°F), with a yearly average of 10°C (50°F). Hot summers and cold winters are typical in this biome. Receives 750 to 1,500 mm (30 to 59 inches) of rain per year.

Taiga

Type of Forest Ecosystem. A forest of the cold, subarctic region.

Permafrost

The soil often contains __________ —a layer of permanently frozen soil. Coldness is the dominant climatic factor in taiga ecosystems, although a surprising diversity of climates exists.

Sand, Rock, Stony, Plateau, Cold

Types of Desert Ecosystem (5)

Freshwater Ecosystem

type of aquative ecosystem. is an aquatic ecosystem that includes lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands. These have no salt content in contrast with the marine ecosystem.

Lentic Ecosystem

under freshwater ecosystem. Water bodies that are moving slowly or are still in some places come under ____. Example: ponds, lakes, pools, etc.

Lake

Known as large water bodies and are surrounded by land.

Lotic Ecosystem

under freshwater ecosystem. Water bodies that are moving at a fast pace. Example: streams and rivers. Animals adapt to the stream/river's current (hooks and suckers to cling to rocks, streamlined bodies). Few plants or algae can grow due to strong currents. Animals rely on seeds and leaves to fall in the water as food

Wetland Ecosystem

under freshwater ecosystem. Environments characterized by soils saturated with water for a long time fall under wetlands.

Marine Ecosystem

type of aquative ecosystem. Usually characterized by the presence of salt content. These ecosystems have a higher salt content than freshwater ecosystems. Known as the largest type of ecosystem on Earth.

Swietenia macrophylla

commonly known as mahogany.

Rhinella marina

commonly known as the cane toad frog.