1 Ecosystems & Organisms

2 Organisms live and survive by interacting with the living and non-living elements of their ecosystem. Ecosystems have different physical characteristics that support many different populations and communities.

3 Organisms An organism is a living thing. Organisms include: PlantsAnimals Bacteria Fungi

4 Environment Environments are the surroundings in which organisms live.There are many different environments around the world. Each different environment has specific characteristics.

5 Habitat The environment where an organism lives is its habitat.

6 An individual organism is one, by itself.Ecological Levels An individual organism is one, by itself. Individual

7 Ecological Levels A population is all the organisms that live in the same place at the same time. Population Individual

8 Ecological Levels Populations that live in the same place at the same time make up a community. Community Population Individual

9 Ecological Levels Ecosystem Community Population An ecosystem is all the living and nonliving elements that interact with each other in an environment. Individual

10 Ecological Levels Biome Ecosystem Community Population A biome is a very large area with a certain kind of climate and certain kinds of organisms living there. Individual

11 A large-scale ecosystemBiome: A large-scale ecosystem (many similar ecosystems and climates)

12 Biomes Tropic of Cancer Equator Tropic of Capricorn Semidesert,arid grassland Arctic tundra (polar grasslands) Desert Boreal forest (taiga), evergreen coniferous forest (e.g., montane coniferous forest) Tropical rain forest, tropical evergreen forest Mountains (complex zonation) Temperate deciduous forest Tropical deciduous forest Ice Temperate grassland Tropical scrub forest Dry woodlands and shrublands (chaparral) Tropical savanna, thorn forest

13 large-scale ecosystemA Biome is a large-scale ecosystem To understand a world biome, you need to know: Where each biome is found (how far from the equator) What the climate of the region is like. What its geography (landforms) is like. The special adaptations of plants. The special adaptations of animals

14 Major World Biomes Desert Tropical Rain Forest Deciduous ForestGrasslands Taiga Tundra

15 Desert Biome

16 Desert Extremely dry Sparse grasses CactusPlants store water in thick leaves. Reptiles have tough, scaly skin that prevents water loss. Plants require little water.

17 Desert: Hot during the day and cold at night Very little rain CactusAnimals include reptiles, jack rabbits, insects, camels, mice, desert fox

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19 Tropical Rain Forest

20 Tropical Rainforest Heavy rainfall Climbing vinesColorful birds, monkeys, snakes Tree frogs have long toes with sticky tips to help them climb wet trees Near equator Ferns and palms

21 Tropical Rain Forest: 200 cm of rain each yearMany varieties of plants Animals include monkeys, birds, insects, reptiles, panda bear

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23 Deciduous Forest

24 Deciduous Forest Cold winters; warm, wet summersBroadleaf trees like maple and oak Trees lose their leaves in the fall Deer, raccoons, small birds Many animals have small bodies so they can move easily through the brush Brown soil

25 Deciduous Forest: Trees include oak, maple, fruit Have all 4 seasonsIn the fall, leaves change colors Animals include deer, bears, eagles, squirrels, reptiles

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27 Grasslands Biome

28 Grassland Temperate climate Grasses, both annual and perennialAntelope, bison, elephants, prairie dogs and jack rabbits Roots grow just below the surface of the soil and spread out to take in as much rain as possible.

29 Grasslands: Plants include wheat, corn, and other grainsAnimals include buffalo, antelope, prairie dogs, gazelle

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31 Taiga Forest

32 Taiga Cold winters; short growing season Evergreen treesBears, moose, ducks A waxy covering protects tree needles from the cold and limits water loss. Rains in the summer Acidic soil

33 Taiga Forest: Trees are green all year-round Many insectsAnimals include eagles, owls, bobcats, bears, deer, moose

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35 Tundra Biome

36 Tundra Extremely cold, dry Arctic foxes, polar bears, migratory birdsLow shrubs, lichens, no trees Arctic foxes and other animals grow thick white coats to blend into the snowy landscape. Means “marshy”

37 Tundra: Only 2 seasons– light and dark Permafrost layer all year-roundVery little plants Animals include arctic fox, snowshoe hare, polar bears, wolves, penguins

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