MST (ECOSYSTEM)

Terrestrial ecosystem

An ecosystem found on land, characterized by the dominant autotrophs and heterotrophs, diversity in time and space, movement and storage of nutrients, temperature, and climate.

Aquatic ecosystem

An ecosystem found in water, characterized by the dominant autotrophs and heterotrophs, movement and storage of nutrients, temperature, and salinity.

Desert

A type of terrestrial ecosystem characterized by low precipitation (

Tropical Deserts

These are found in southern Sahara and the Namib in Africa, where daytime temperatures are hot year-round and nights are cold because of lack of sufficient vegetation to regulate temperature extremes. These are among the driest places on Earth

Gobi in Mongolia

Example of Cold (High-Latitude) Deserts

Sechura desert in South America and Mojave in Southern California

Temperate (Mid-Latitude) Deserts

Grassland

A type of terrestrial ecosystem characterized by moderate precipitation (250 to 750 mm a year), periodic droughts, and the dominance of grasses.

Savanna

A type of tropical grassland ecosystem found in tropical regions with long dry seasons and abundant rainfall the rest of the year.

Prairie

A type of grassland ecosystem found in the Midwestern and Western United States and Canada, characterized by tall or low grasses.

Tundra

A type of grassland ecosystem found in polar regions with cold temperatures, icy winds, and low annual precipitation.

Deciduous forest

A type of terrestrial ecosystem characterized by moderate temperatures, four distinct seasons, and the dominance of broad-leaf deciduous trees.

Coniferous forest

A type of terrestrial ecosystem found in subarctic regions with long, dry winters and dominated by coniferous evergreen trees.

Tropical rainforest

A type of terrestrial ecosystem found near the equator, characterized by high rainfall, warm temperatures, and dense vegetation.

Freshwater ecosystem

An ecosystem dominated by the presence of water, including inland water systems, surface water like streams and rivers, and standing waters like lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.

Lake

A standing freshwater body formed by the collection of water from precipitation, surface runoff, or groundwater flow.

Reservoir

A large and deep human-created body of standing freshwater, often built behind dams for water storage.

Tropical Rainforest

Diverse community of animals and plants. High humidity and high temperature. Large amount of rainfall by 200 cm per year. Thick, diverse canopy of plants.

Emergent, Canopy, Understory, Forest Floor

Layers of the Rainforest

Emergent

Layer where the tallest trees are found.

Canopy

Second layer, Created by trees, Overlapping branches. This is where epiphytes are found

Epiphytes

Plants that are attached on trees

Understory

You can find different animals and plants.

Forest Floor

The darkest layer. This is where leaves decompose.

Prairies

Grasslands in North America

Pampas

Grasslands in South America particularly in Argentina

Grassland

Abundant with grasses. Includes many species of grasses and wildflowers

Freshwater Biomes

Habitat for aquatic organisms (fishes, lilies, algae, cattails)

River

Long body of water that flows toward another river, lakes, or ocean

Lake

Large body of water surrounded by land

Estuaries

Junction of water from rivers, streams, and lakes meet the ocean rich in fishes and shellfishes.

Mangrove

Tall, evergreen forest with roots that twist upward and downward. Some thrive in more saline area while others in freshwater area.

Marginal Forest

Few organisms thrive or live here because of these extreme conditions

Coral Reefs

Most colorful and beautiful natural resources in the world. Diverse in marine animals.

Manmade Ecosystem

Built for human need and care for those organisms that need habitats.

Urban ecosystem

Cities, towns and urban strips.