ecosystems key terms

Ecosystem

A community of plants and animals whose lives are closely linked to each other and the climate and soil of the area in which they grow or live

Biome

A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat. Can be an ecosystem on a global scale

Forests

4 distinct seasons

Enough rainfall and sunlight for tall trees, with a diverse underlayer

Fungi break down plant and animal matter

Main population- mammals, birds, reptiles, insects

Grasslands

Large areas of mainly grass- lack of trees

Temperatures vary greatly with moderate rainfall that affects length of grasses

Very deep fertile soil, but few trees and flowers

Many animals, including owls, snakes, insects and gazelles

Prairies and steppes- steppes receive less rainfall, leading to them having shorter grasses

Deserts

Areas of land that receive less than 10in of rainfall/year

Occurs on all 7 continents

4 types- subtropical, polar, semi arid, coastal

Animals have evolved to withstand the harsh conditions

Wildlife are vulnerable to climate changes

Arctic tundra

Treeless plane

Circles the arctic/North Pole

Average winter- -30 degrees c

Summer- 3-12 degrees c

150-250mm annual rainfall

Permafrost- top layer will melt

Species- bear berries/arctic fox/musk ox

Sami people live in the area

Biodiversity

The variety of organisms living in a given area- includes the different species, habitats and ecosystems

Value of ecosystems

Ecosystems are providers of goods and services for the survival and wellbeing of humans.

Ecosystems provide food, water, timber, air purification through photosynthesis, soil formation and pollination