Ecology- terrestrial biomes

large scale biological communities shared by the physical environment, particularly climate

biomes

show the characteristics seasonal patterns of temp and precipitation at representative location

climate diagram

how many terrestrial biomes are there

9

10° N and S annual precipitation >200cm

• most nutrients, few seasonal change, high diversity

• evergreens and deciduous

tropical rainforest

from 10° to tropics and cancer and always warm

• west and fry seasons, high productivity, shorter trees

• grasses and shrubs

tropical dry forests and savannas

high pressure zones at 30 °N and S, high temp low moisture

• sparse vegetation and animal populations, low water vailability

• succulents, deciduous shrubs

hot deserts

between 30° and 50° latitude, warm and moist summers, cold dry winters

• maintained by frequent fires and large herbivores

• below ground biomass, nutrient rich soil

temperate grasslands

30° and 40° N and S

• med type climates wet winters and hot dry summers, fire is common

• evergreen shrubs and trees, tough leave and thick cuticles

temperate scrublands and woodlands

30° to 50° N on continent edges, cold winters, enough rain for tree growth

• deciduous in winter, organic matter soil, oaks, maples, beeches common

• series diversity lower than tropical rainforests

temperate deciduous forests

30° to 50° N and S, coastal, continent, maritime zones

• low diversity than tropical and deciduous

• wet climate conifers, acidic leaves, nutrient poor soil

temperate evergreen forests

50° to 65° N moderate rainfall, short cool summer, long dry severe winters

• permafrost prevents drainage, huge area in north hemisphere

• conifers, pines, spruces, larches, firs

boreal forests

soil that remains frozen year round preventing drainage and saturated soils

permafrost

above 65° latitude, arctic

• cold temps, low precipitatio, permafrost

• sedges, forbs, grasses, low growing shrubs, lichens, mosses

• migratory animals in summer

tundra