(5.3.1) Location of large scale ecosystems

What is an ecosystem?

All the biotic and abiotic factors that interact within an area at a time.

What are biotic factors?

living factors

What are abiotic factors?

non-living factors

Link the

inputs

stores

processes

outputs

in an ecosystem.

input of energy = sun

sunlight used by primary producers for energy via photosynthesis

transferred through ecosystem via consumption

stored in plants and animals as biomass

output = respiration etc.

Why are ecosystems interdependent?

the different levels are all connected and rely on each other for energy, food etc.

What is a biome?

a large scale ecosystem- areas of the planet with a similar climate and landscapes

Name the different biomes on Earth.

Tundra

Coniferous forest

Temperate deciduous forest

Temperate grassland

Desert

Tropical rainforest

Savanna grassland

Mediterranean

What factors affect the distribution of biomes?

Rainfall- and its seasonal variation

Temperature- latitude + longitude

Describe and explain the global distribution of tundra.

Northern Hemisphere- Arctic Circle

• Low temperatures + snowy

  • little vegetation

Describe and explain the global distribution of temperate deciduous forest.

temperate maritime climates

distinct seasonal variation

• trees lose leaves in autumn

• dormant winter season

Describe and explain the global distribution of tropical rainforests.

Between 5 degrees N/S

• hot and wet all year

• little seasonal variation

• constant growing season

Describe and explain the global distribution of desert.

hot and dry areas around the Tropics.

extremely dry conditions

Describe and explain the global distribution of temperate grassland.

temperate continental climates

• moderate rainfall, mild conditions

Describe and explain the global distribution of savannah grassland.

N/S of rainforest biomes

• hot climates with wet + dry season

• long grasses, shrubs and some trees

How does temperature affect the global distribution of biomes?

• temp decreases further from the equator

• warmer areas have denser vegetation due to concentrated Sun

• colder areas have stunted, low-growing plants

How does precipitation affect the distribution of biomes?

• precipitation is more likely in low pressure belts than high ones

• vegetation in low pressure areas is more lush

• high pressure areas are drier

How does altitude affect the global distribution of biomes?

• temp decreases 1 degree every 100m in height

• regardless of equatorial position, the temp is low

How does continentality affect the global distribution of biomes?

• further from the sea, land heats up in summer and cools quickly in the winter

• increases annual temperature range and decrease ppt.

How do nutrient rich environments affect the global distribution of biomes?

• the richer the area, the better the vegetation growth