Biomes Biome Biome a large region characterized by

Biomes

Biome • Biome: a large region characterized by a specific type of climate and certain types of plant and animal communities

Terrestrial Biomes

Effects of Latitude and Climate n n CLIMATE: The average weather conditions in an area, including temperature and precipitation. The graph shows how temperature and precipitation influence the communities. Biomes are classified primarily according to the characteristics of their plants. Major Biomes are also characterized by temperature, precipitation, and animal species.

Aquatic Biomes

Marine

Zonation

Estuaries

Intertidal Zone

Freshwater

Ecological Succession A series of predictable changes over time. that happens when one community replaces another as a result of changing abiotic or biotic factors. n There are two types: primary and secondary n

Ecological succession Causes: n Gradual climate change (global warming? ) n Sudden disturbance (volcanic eruption, forest fire, humans clearing forests) n

Primary Succession n The establishment of a community on an area of exposed rock that does not have top soil. n. A slow process! n Occurs where no soil exists (new rock formations, volcanic areas, parking lots) n Starts small with pioneer organisms

Primary succession

What types of organisms are pioneer species? n Why are they termed "pioneer“? n

Climax Community n A mature community that results when there is little change in the composition of species. The end result of primary succession. n It takes a very long time for the climax community to be reached. Sometimes it is never reached. n

Secondary Succession More common n Occurs after a disturbance like forest fire where soil already existed (a fire or flood or a farm is abandoned). n Returns ecosystem to natural state ¨Since soil is already present, grasses start to grow right away. These are replaced by shrubs and trees. ¨This takes about 100 years to complete. n

Secondary succession

Climax Community n. A stable group of plants and animals that is the end result of the succession process n Does not always mean big trees (Depends on climate of a region) ¨ Grasses in prairies ¨ Cacti in deserts