BIO CH3 PP
Chapter 3: Ecosystems & Biosphere
Learning Goals
Recognize various biomes of the world.
Discuss the connections among "food" items in ecosystems.
Understand climate factors that influence global biomes.
Predict changes in biomes and their ecological implications.
Understand biogeochemical cycles.
Identify and discuss ecological problems and acknowledge that these issues are not attributable to the individual.
Discovery Science in a Rain Forest
Exploration of ecological principles in a rainforest setting.
Questions surrounding the canopy as an ecological zone.
New Zealand Wilderness
Examination of ecological relevance in New Zealand's wilderness environments.
Ecology at Many Scales
Organismal Ecology
Investigates the range of environmental tolerances for individual species, e.g., temperatures a red salamander can withstand.
Population Ecology
Studies factors affecting population dynamics, such as survival rates of emperor penguin chicks.
Community Ecology
Examines interactions between species, e.g., the impact of predators like beech martens on rodent diversity.
Ecosystem Ecology
Focuses on processes that regulate nutrient cycles, such as nitrogen recycling in savanna ecosystems.
Discussion Topic
Support or refute the statement: "Once an organism is adapted to an environment, evolution stops."
Key Number of Lizard Species Chart
0 species: None present.
1-5 species: Limited diversity.
6-10 species: Moderate diversity.
11-15 species: Increasing diversity.
16-20 species: High diversity.
20+ species: Very high diversity.
Emphasis on changing conditions that affect species presence.
Earth's Biomes
Definition and determinants of Earth's biomes:
Factors include position relative to:
Tropic of Cancer
Equator
Tropic of Capricorn
Oceans (Atlantic, Pacific, Indian)
List of key biomes:
Temperate deciduous forest
Tropical rainforest
Desert
Temperate grassland
Temperate rainforest
Tropical dry forest
Savanna
Tundra
Boreal forest
Chaparral
Mountainous regions
Unvegetated regions
Climate Determines Biomes
The type of biome is influenced primarily by:
Temperature
Precipitation
Soil conditions
Air and ocean circulation
Presentation of climate diagrams (climatographs) to illustrate temperature and precipitation trends.
Intertidal Biomes
Overview of intertidal zones:
Organisms such as sea stars, octopuses, and various species of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Benthic realm explained, including varying organisms found at different depths (e.g., gulper eel, tripod fish).
Discussion of the pelagic realm and ecosystems suited to these environments.
Sunlight and Climates
Discussion on how angle of sunlight influences ecosystems:
Influence of sunlight angles at different latitudes (e.g., Arctic Circle, Tropics).
Effects of ascending and descending air on moisture and weather patterns (e.g., trade winds).
Tropical Forests
Characteristics of tropical forests:
Location: Equatorial areas with warm temperatures throughout the year.
Vegetation determined primarily by rainfall (e.g., rain vs. dry tropical forests).
Temperate Deciduous Forest
Description of temperate deciduous forests:
Features broadleaf trees that shed leaves in autumn.
Habitat distribution: mid-latitude regions of Europe, eastern China, and eastern North America.
Characteristics include consistent precipitation and fertile soils with notable species such as oak, beech, and maple.
Comparisons of Forest Types
Factors distinguishing temperate from boreal forests include:
Differences in temperature and precipitation ranges.
Specific examples provided for both forest types highlighting their locations and climates.
Boreal Forest (Taiga)
Environmental characteristics:
Location includes regions such as Canada, Alaska, Russia, and Scandinavia.
Comprised of evergreens; experiences cool, dry conditions with long winters and short summers.
Soil is nutrient-poor and acidic.
Fauna includes animals like moose, wolves, bears, and migratory birds.
Tropical Rainforests
Features of tropical rainforests:
Found in regions including Southeast Asia and Central/South America.
Characterized by continuous rainfall and warm temperatures, leading to dark, damp environments supporting lush vegetation.
Notably, the soil is very poor in nutrients, often leading to nutrient cycling within the plants themselves.
Temperate Grasslands
Definition and characteristics of temperate grasslands:
Noted for significant temperature variations between winter and summer, with precipitation levels supporting grass rather than trees.
Also known as steppes or prairies.
Examples of fauna: bison, prairie dogs, and ground-nesting birds.
Biodiversity and Biomes
Relationship between biodiversity and biomes:
Exploration of how changes in climate can affect vegetation patterns and biodiversity.
Climate Change Implications
Changes in climate observed:
Shifts in latitude of biome borders.
Decreased snow and ice coverage.
Changes in the growing seasons.
Fragmentation of natural biomes due to human activities.
Visual Representations of Changes
Before and after imagery of affected areas:
Changes from forested to developed regions noting the introduction of road networks disrupting ecosystems.
Ecosystem Definition
Ecosystem: Defined as all organisms and non-living entities interacting in a specific area, including:
Animals, plants, water, soil, and nutrients.
Emphasis on the interplay between biological entities and their chemical and physical environments.
Example: The Chesapeake Bay estuary highlighting the relationships between organisms in the water and land.
Energy Flow and Matter Cycling in Ecosystems
Description of energy dynamics within ecosystems:
Energy flow occurs in a one-way direction, primarily from producers (plants) through consumers (animals), ultimately being released as heat.
Example of various trophic levels outlined, from producers to carnivores and decomposers highlighting their roles in energy transfer.
Ecosystem Interactions Across Landscapes
Ecotones
Defined as transitional zones between ecosystems where elements interact.
Landscape Ecology
Focuses on how landscape structure impacts the distribution and interaction of organisms.
Significant for understanding migratory patterns and informed regional development planning.
Habitat Patching and Conservation
Ecosystems are distributed in complex mosaics defined as "patches."
The impact of human activities in fragmenting habitats:
Conservation biologists conduct studies to address biodiversity loss and restoration activities aimed at connecting habitats for ecological corridors.
Biomes as Interactive Systems
Biomes exist in continuous interaction along their edges:
Examples of adjacent ecosystems such as montane coniferous forests adjacent to grasslands or broadleaf forests.
Environmental Protection vs. Economic Impact
Discussion on the perception of environmental regulations as negatively impacting economic development:
Examination of the relationship between environmental regulations and job creation, particularly in water quality sectors.
Consideration of long-term ecological impacts versus short-term economic gains.
Chapter 3: Ecosystems & Biosphere
Learning Goals
Recognize various biomes of the world and their unique characteristics.
Discuss the intricate connections among "food" items in ecosystems, exploring food webs and trophic levels.
Understand climate factors that influence global biomes, including temperature, precipitation patterns, and seasonal changes.
Predict changes in biomes and their ecological implications due to anthropogenic influences and natural shifts.
Understand biogeochemical cycles such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling, and their importance to ecosystem health.
Identify and discuss ecological problems, acknowledging that these issues stem from systemic interactions rather than individual actions.
Discovery Science in a Rain Forest
Exploration of ecological principles in a rainforest setting, focusing on biodiversity hotspots.
Questions surrounding the canopy as an ecological zone, and its role as a habitat for countless species and its impact on climate regulation.
New Zealand Wilderness
Examination of ecological relevance in New Zealand's wilderness environments, including unique species such as the kiwi and the critically endangered kakapo.
Analysis of the impact of invasive species on native flora and fauna.
Ecology at Many Scales
Organismal Ecology
Investigates the range of environmental tolerances for individual species, e.g., temperatures a red salamander can withstand and adaptations that enable survival.
Population Ecology
Studies factors affecting population dynamics, including birth rates, death rates, and survival rates of emperor penguin chicks, emphasizing the role of environmental pressures.
Community Ecology
Examines interactions between species, e.g., the impact of predators like beech martens on rodent diversity, competition, and mutualism in community structures.
Ecosystem Ecology
Focuses on processes that regulate nutrient cycles, such as nitrogen recycling in savanna ecosystems and its influence on plant productivity.
Discussion Topic
Support or refute the statement: "Once an organism is adapted to an environment, evolution stops," considering ongoing evolutionary pressures and environmental changes.
Key Number of Lizard Species Chart
0 species: None present.
1-5 species: Limited diversity, indicating potential threats from habitat destruction.
6-10 species: Moderate diversity, often a sign of relatively stable ecosystems.
11-15 species: Increasing diversity, suggesting favorable environmental conditions.
16-20 species: High diversity, reflecting complex ecosystems with numerous niches.
20+ species: Very high diversity, typically found in biodiversity hotspots like tropical rainforests.
Emphasis on changing conditions that affect species presence, such as climate change and urbanization.
Earth's Biomes
Definition and determinants of Earth's biomes include geographical factors, climatic conditions, and ecological interactions:
Factors include position relative to:
Tropic of Cancer
Equator
Tropic of Capricorn
Oceans (Atlantic, Pacific, Indian)
List of key biomes with additional details:
Temperate deciduous forest: Characterized by seasonal changes and diverse wildlife.
Tropical rainforest: Rich in biodiversity, crucial for global oxygen production.
Desert: Extreme conditions with specialized flora and fauna.
Temperate grassland: Known for rich soils, supporting agriculture.
Temperate rainforest: High rainfall leading to lush vegetation.
Tropical dry forest: Experiences a distinct dry season influencing species adaptations.
Savanna: Grasslands interspersed with trees, adapted to seasonal droughts.
Tundra: Characterized by permafrost with limited vegetation diversity.
Boreal forest: Dominated by coniferous trees, critical for carbon storage.
Chaparral: Adapted to fire; typical in Mediterranean climates.
Mountainous regions: Diverse conditions based on altitude, fostering unique ecosystems.
Unvegetated regions: Such as deserts and areas impacted by human activity.
Climate Determines Biomes
The type of biome is influenced primarily by:
Temperature: Affects species distribution and metabolic processes.
Precipitation: Dictates water availability, essential for life.
Soil conditions: Quality and nutrient availability impact vegetation types.
Air and ocean circulation: Influences climate patterns and ecological zones.
Presentation of climate diagrams (climatographs) to illustrate temperature and precipitation trends across biomes.