Ecology Biomes

Topical Rainforest

ITCZ (equator) —> wet/dry seasons (not warm/cold)

Super diverse

Broad-leaved evergreen trees (photosynthesizing year round)

Temp always above freezing

No water limitation

Topical Seasonal Rainforest and Savanna (continuous grass layer - fire feedback?)

Away from equator —> one wet/dry season per year

Less dense trees, often deciduous

Large herbivores + fires —> limit growth of trees

Temp always above freezing

Distinct precipitation dip —> water limitation

Desert

30 degrees from equator

High variability in temps

Low precipitation (low water availability —> plants adapt)

Decending air of Hadley cells

Succulent plants

Rapid response to rain —> short-lived annuals

Temperate Grassland

30-50 degrees away from equator

High variability in temps and precipitation

Below 0 degrees —> freeze

Excellent for agriculture

Fires, herbivores, and moving maintain grasslands

Temperate Shrubland and Woodland

Usually along coastw

2 peaks in precipitation —> insufficient (dry) period in middle

Temperature is not too variable —> Mediterranean climate

Grass, shrubs, and tough vegetation (Sclerophyllous leaves)

Fires are common

Very diverse & interesting plants

Temperate Deciduous Foest

30-50 degrees from equator

Non-costal

High precipitation —> sufficient for trees

Variable temps —> below zero (freezing)

30-50 degrees from equator

Fertile soils for deciduousness

Canopy, understory, shrubs, forbs

Temperate Evergreen Forest

Coastal areas

Variable precipitation across biome

Variable temps but above zero

Nutrient poor soil (cannot resuse if fall)

Fires

Not diverse - Needle-leaved trees

Boreal Forest

Sufficient precipitation

Freezing temperatures most of the year

Above 50 degree latitude

Permafrost —> keeps water from draining

Conifers - Needles & evergreen; can resist freezing; long-lived & nutrient efficient

Tundra

Sufficient precipitation

Freezing temperature most of the year

Above 65 degrees North

No trees - cold limited

Sedges, forbs, grasses, low growing shrubs

Lichen, moss

Short growing season & long days