Unit 3 Part 3: Relationships within and among World Ecosystems

“Climax Vegetation” p. 102Climax vegetation is the natural vegetation in the last possible stage of vegetation development.Climax vegetation is stable and in balance with the climateIt should change very little if left undisturbed

i.e. Climax Vegetation in Boreal Forest.

Boreal Forest:Evergreen treesNeedle like leavesThick barkConical shapeDense growing which blocks sun

Boreal Forest

Analyze Distribution of World Ecosystems.1. Boreal Forest & tundra

are wide spread in high latitudes

2. Tropical Rain Forests occur in low latitudes

3. Tropical Rain forest is most predominant in South America.

4. South America, Africa, Australia and Antarctica do not have tundra.

5. Boreal forest is our ecosystem

Ecosystems and Climatic Regions

• Ecosystems of the world are largely defined by their climax vegetation.

• Example: tropical rain forest, grasslands, boreal forests, cacti, etc.

• Climax vegetation is determined by climate! Therefore, ecosystems parallel climate zones!Climate

Zones

Ecosystem Zones

Ecosystems and Climatic Regions (cont’d)

Arid produces Desert

Semi-arid produces Grassland

Tropical Wet produces Tropical Rain Forest

Temperate cold winter produces Boreal Forest

Temperate mild winter produces Temp. Deciduous Forest

Worksheet 6.2!

Altitude, Latitude and Changes in Ecosystems -p. 102

Key Idea! The changes in ecosystems that occur from the equator to the poles is similar to the changes in ecosystems seen moving from the base of a mountain to the summit!

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102

Tundra:Polar – sub arctic climateShort summersAvg. monthly temp. always below 10oCVery cold long winterLight precipitation

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102

Boreal Forest:Temperate cold winter climateWarm summersModerate precipitation

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102

Temperate Forest:Temperate mild winter climateWarm – hot summersModerate - heavy precipitation

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102

Temperate Grassland:Semi-arid climate or temperate cold winterLight precipitation, most of it occurs in summerWarm to hot summerCold winters

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102

Savanna:Tropical wet & dry to semi-arid climateHigh temperatures most of the yearLight to moderate precipitation usually all in one season

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102

Desert:Arid climateHigh temperatures year roundlittle precipitation

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102

Tropical Rain Forest:Tropical wet climateHigh temperatures year roundHigh precipitation year round

Ecosystem Climatic Conditions p.102

Mountain:Different climates at different elevationsHigh elevations often like tundra

Lab /Practice questions

Questions #23 24, 25 p. 105-106