Ecosystems on Land

• Interconnectedness of life as stated by Bryant McGill.

The Biosphere and Biomes

• Biosphere: The part of Earth that supports life.

• Biomes: Land-based ecosystems with unique biotic and abiotic factors.

Abiotic Factors in Biomes

• Significant Abiotic Factors: Temperature and precipitation.

  • Influenced by:

    • Latitude region

    • Altitude

    • Prevailing winds

    • Local geography

Latitude and Influence on Climate

• Latitude: Distance from the equator, measured in degrees (e.g., Equator: 0°, Tropic of Cancer: 23.5°N).

• Major Latitude Zones:

  • Tropics: 23.5°N - 23.5°S

  • Temperate: 40° - 60°N and 40° - 60°S

  • Arctic: 65°N - 90°N

  • Antarctic: 65°S - 90°S

  • Subtropics: 25° - 40°N and 25° - 40°S

Seasonal Changes and Temperature Variations

• Effect of Earth's Tilt: Seasons depend on the tilt and orbit affecting how much sunlight different regions receive.

• Day Length: Consistent near the equator, more seasonal towards the poles.

Biome Characteristics Based on Latitude

• Temperature and Productivity:

  • Generally decreases with increasing latitude.

  • Examples:

    • Tundra: Cold, low productivity

    • Boreal Forest: Cold, dry

    • Temperate Deciduous Forest: Moderate temperature, seasonal changes

    • Tropical Rainforest: High productivity, consistent temperatures

Other Influential Abiotic Factors

• Altitude: Increases in altitude lead to decreases in temperature and productivity.

• Prevailing Winds: Convection cells influencing temperature and moisture distribution.

• Ocean Currents: Affecting climate by circulating heat.

Rainfall Patterns and Effects

• Biomes near water have greater precipitation due to evaporation.

• El Niño: A climate pattern that can shift rainfall patterns globally.

Succession in Ecosystems

• Ecological Succession: Change in abiotic and biotic factors over time.

  • Primary Succession: Start from bare rock (e.g., volcanic island) leading to a climax community.

  • Secondary Succession: Occurs after a disturbance but from existing soil, faster than primary succession.

Urban Ecosystems

• Urbanization leads to habitat fragmentation and altered ecosystems, affecting biodiversity.

• Urban Heat Island Effect: Cities become warmer due to materials like asphalt and buildings blocking wind.

Island Biogeography

• Islands as biodiversity hotspots, impacted by factors like size and distance from the mainland.

• Endemic Species: Species unique to specific islands.