Biome Project
By Eun Ji Song
By Eun Ji Song
Tropical Rainforest The tropical rainforest is one of the biome that has the greatest diversity of species. It is defined by the location and the amount of rainfall it receives. Tropical forests are found near the equator or in the tropics, between the tropic of cancer and Capricorn. Rainforests approximately receive from 4 – 8 m of rain a year. There are three main region of tropical rainforest which are in Southeast Asia, in Central and South America and in West and Central Africa. (Refer to the world map below to locate areas of tropical forests) As seen in the map, the green areas of the map are where this biome is found. Although rainforests have a significant role in being the centre of biodiversity on Earth, they are only about 6% of the Earth’s land surface.
(http://www.grida.no/graphicslib/detail/tropical-forests_12e6) The tropical rainforest is a biome with a constant temperature and a high rainfall. Since it is found in hot humid environments in equatorial climates, it rains virtually every day. In daytime it’s humid, hot, can be cold when massive rainfall starts. In nighttime, it maintains its humidity and temperature is unlikely to change greatly that the daily temperature ranges from 13oC to 27oC. The level of rainfall depends on the time of year. Also temperature varies throughout the year. The graph below illustrates the average rainfall and temperature particularly in Manaus, Brazil, where tropical forests are found. Notice how much the rainfall varies over the year. As seen in the graph, the highest monthly rainfall is in March with over 300mm, whereas the lowest is in August with less than 50mm. On average, it receives more than 150mm of rain a year. Over a year, the temperature varies only by 2oC. Monthly, the temperature ranges from 26oC to 29oC.
By Eun Ji Song
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/s chools/gcsebitesize/ge ography/ecosystems/tr opical_rainforests_rev1. shtml
Tropical rainforests have dense vegetation. For plant species, there are levels of vegetations: the shrub layer, the under canopy, the canopy, and the emergents. The shrub layer that is found at the lowest level o the rainforest vegetation is very dark and gloomy with very little vegetation between the trees. During heavy rainfall this area can flood. The under canopy is the second level up. There is limited sunlight. Often times, saplings wait here for larger plants and trees to die, leaving a gap in the canopy which they can grow into. The canopy is where the upper parts of most of the trees are found. The canopy is typically about 20 to 40 meters tall. This leafy environment is http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/ecosy home to insects, arachnids, birds, stems/tropical_rainforests_rev3.shtml and some mammals. Finally, the emergents are the tops of the tallest trees in the rainforest. These are much higher, and so are able to get more light than the average trees in the forest canopy. The tropical rainforest biome is perfect for millions of types of animals to live there. At least 15 million different species have been identified but there are more than classified. There is a variety of species range from small insects, including the Monarch Butterfly and beetles, to mammals, like monkeys, possums, tigers and bats. Common characteristics found among
By Eun Ji Song
mammals and birds (and reptiles and amphibians too) include adaptations to a life in the trees. For example the prehensile tails of New World monkeys are one type of mammals that adapted to the trees to make it as their habitat. Other characteristics are bright colors and sharp patterns, loud vocalizations and heavy diets on fruits. For insects, they are the largest group of animals in tropical forests. They include brightly colored butterflies, mosquitoes, camouflaged stick insects and huge colonies of ants.
Common Plants and Animals Found in Tropical Forest Plants Strangler Figs or Banyan Tree (Ficus ssp.) Banana Trees (Musa Acuminata) Orchids (orchidaceae) Coconut Trees (cocos nucifera) Durian (Durio zibethinus)
Food Web of the Tropical Rainforest
Anim als Macaws (Hyacinth Macaw) Two-toed Sloth (Cholopeus didactylus) Harpy Eagles (Harpia harpyja) Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus) Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
By Eun Ji Song
Energy Pyramid of the Tropical Rainforest
Symbiotic Relationships in the Tropical Rainforest Relationship
Mutualism
Description The relationship between the capuchin monkeys and flowering trees in the tropical rainforests is the best paragon of mutualism in this biome. When the capuchin monkey feeds on nectar in these flowers by lapping it up, it gets pollen on its face. This eventually transfers to other flowers in the process of feeding on them. In this way, the trees provide the capuchin species with food and the capuchin monkey facilitates pollination of flowers of this tree.
Commensalism
The relationship between Ecitoninae (New World army ants) and antbirds is the best example of commensalism in the rainforest. These army ants are notorious for their inclination to take on anything that comes in their path while they march the forest floor. On the other hand, the antbirds follow the army of ants to feed on whatever is left behind after the ants are done with their share. The ants manage to shake the floor as they march and the ruffles insects on the floor fly up and are eaten by the antibirds. In this way, the antbirds benefit from the army ants, but the army ants are not benefited from the antbirds.
Parasitism
The dependence of phorid fly on leaf-cutter ants is the best example of parasitism in the tropical rainforest biome. When these leaf cutter ants are collecting leaves, the phorid flies attack them and lay their eggs in the crevices of the worker ant’s head. When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the ant’s body and feeds on it, thus killing the ant. In this way, the phorid fly gets benefits from the leaf-cutter ants, but the leafcutters have to bear the brunt of their dependence.
By Eun Ji Song
Competitive
In the dense tropical rainforests, there is fierce competition for sunlight. The taller, older trees that have established a spot in the forest shadow the ground. Therefore, new trees and other plants on the forest floor cannot grow easily and have to compete with the taller trees. Example of the trees of the tropical forest that show this relationship would be between the Durian tree and Bamboo trees.
Human Impact on the Tropical Rainforest Humans have utilized the resources in the tropical rainforest for hundreds of years. Native people have used plants and animals for survival (food, shelther, tools and medicine). But nowadays, many rainforests are used excessively and rapidly for human needs. One of the most active human activities is deforestation. As said before tropical rainforests are habitats for millions of diverse species. Once human activities like logging occurs, not only it is destroying the biome but it’s killing the unique fauna and the flora. Moreover, it can also affect the climate to change. The following are the consequences of human activities such as deforestation, agricultural purposes and poaching:
Increase in Greenhouse effect Extinction of animal and plant species (or increase in endangered species) Change in climate (less rain, increase global warming) Disruption in the nutrient cycle (decrease in population of decomposers) Erosion Loss in diversity Negative effect on the indigenous people living there
Now many organizations and governments worry about the tropical rainforests being the most endangered habitat on Earth. Thus, many conservation areas are being made to protect the wealth of species. Also, people worldwide are educated to help maintain our 6% of this unique biome on Earth.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FORESTS By: Robert Walker
WHAT IS A TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FOREST? A temperate deciduous forest is classified as a biome; therefore it is an ecological region dominated by a specific type of ecosystem with its own climatic conditions. This type of forest is located within the mid latitude area of the world and therefore resides between the polar and tropic regions. Within this location temperate deciduous forests are often found in the Eastern United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan. In addition these forests tend to have varied climatic conditions that correspond to the seasonal changes that follow these regions due to their location. As seen to the left we can note the various regions in which temperate deciduous forests are located shaded in Green.
WEATHER AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS A temperate deciduous forest is normally cool and wet with much seasonal rain and its average temperature normally averages around -‐35°C to 35°C-‐ during the day it tends to be warmer than in the night. Yet within a temperate deciduous forest there are four seasons that correspond to the weather and climatic conditions present. The weather changes can also be seen visually throughout the seasons as they portray directly to the trees in the forest-‐ this is to say that during the different seasons the leaves on the trees can either fall or change color therefore noting a change in season and weather. The four seasons that are present during the year include: summer, winter, fall, and spring; and it is because of the mid latitude location that these biomes demonstrate these changes in season. As this biome is located in such an area the four seasons occur due to the fact that the Earth is tilted on its axis. Therefore at different time periods throughout the year as the Earth rotates different quantities of the sun’s rays and energy are available to the forest henceforth inducing seasonal change and weather change. Moreover there are various air masses that also influence the temperature of this biome. An air mass is a large volume of air that travels within the atmosphere that keeps the temperature properties of the region from where it was formed. Therefore arctic regions induce cold winters for this biome through their polar air masses while tropical air masses induce the opposite effect during the summer. As there are four different seasons that correspond to a temperate deciduous forest it is obvious to come to the conclusion that weather patterns and climate are different within the changing seasons.
Above we can note the various seasons in a temperate deciduous forest. Along with climate the seasonal changes add for an aesthetic effort to the biome.
WINTER In a temperate deciduous forest winter tends to be quite harsh due to the polar air masses that are given off by northern forests. During this time period there is obvious seasonal change as trees begin to adapt to the temperature as their leaves fall off allowing them to enter a resting state. In addition there is the formation of snow on the ground. Moreover the average temperature during this season tends to be -‐20°C to 5°C
SPRING In spring trees soon begin to reform their leaves; the biome therefore beings to produce its greenish color that it once had in the summer. In spring the temperature ranges from 1°C to 17°C. At this time during the year a temperate deciduous forest beings to warm up and become cool as more sun light is permitted into the biome and tropical air masses start to overthrow arctic air masses.
SUMMER During the summer trees have fully grown back their leaves and the forest begins to warm up at an increasing rate. At this point more energy is being transmitted due to the sun rays. Moreover the tropical air masses obtain an advantage over the polar masses sent from the arctic therefore causing the forest to often be very hot rather than cold. As it is summer the average temperature increases from 14°C to 28°C.
FALL In the fall leaves begin to fall from trees therefore symbolizing a transition to winter. Moreover as winter draws near leaves begin to lose their bright green color and turn into bright yellows, reds, and oranges. At this point the biome begins to become colder as arctic air masses begin to move into the forest. The average temperature during this season is 5°C to 20°C.
TEMPERATURE/PRECIPITATION IN A TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FOREST
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Average Rainfall (mm)
The Average Rainfall and Temperature in a Temperate Deciduous Forest
Average Rainfall
Average Tempertature
In the graph above we can see the average temperature and rainfall that occurs within a temperate deciduous forest throughout a year. What can be easily noted by the graph is that there is a fair amount of rain year round in a temperate deciduous forest. The mid latitude location of the biome helps demonstrate why there is a large amount of rain. Moreover this directly connects to the conflicting air masses that interfere with the biome. However what we can easily observe is that in the warmer months there is more rain as warmer temperature causes for more evaporation and condensation to occur allowing for heavier rain as there is more water vapor. Whereas colder temperatures cause for less rain as it holds less water vapor; therefore the sun heats less water within and around the biome that lead to less condensation that leads to less precipitation. As a temperate deciduous forest is quite wet throughout the year there is more rainfall. Moreover with the conflicting air masses the average temperature can vary daily and therefore cause for more rainfall. The confliction of the air masses within the biome cause frontal rain. Both air masses meet and as one overcomes the other, this determines the amount and type of rain that is to fall. In correlation with the graph it deduces that rain is much heavier during the warmer months,
this is because the arctic air masses advance underneath the tropic air masses, this lifts up the air masses and then produces thicker clouds that allow for heavier rain. On the contrary during the colder seasons there tends to be less rain; this is because the tropic air masses rise above the arctic air masses and produce lighter clouds that allow for weaker rain.
ANIMALS AND VEGETATION
THE VEGETATION LAYERS In a temperate deciduous forest there are five layers of vegetation that contain various species of plant life. The first layer is known as the canopy layer, it contains various forms of trees that can grow to 20m in height and higher. The most common forms of trees within the canopy layer are oak trees and maple trees. Some trees that can be found are the White Oak (Quercus alba) and the Red Maple (Acer rubrum). The next layer is known as the shrub layer. At the shrub level there are many angiosperms (angiospermophyta); however within the shrub layer there tends to be more angiosperms that contain fruits and berries rather than flowering plants. Some of the organisms within the shrub layer include poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), and black berry bushes (Rubus Fruticosa), and chestnut (Castanea dentate). The following layer is the herb layer, it contains many other angiosperms yet these tend to be smaller than their fruitful counterparts. These angiosperms tend to be flowering plants that help add more aesthetic diversity to the biome’s plant life. Moreover there are other varieties of phyla within the herb layer. Some organisms include, the wood lily (Lilium philadephicum), the herb robert (Geranium robertianum), and the Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides). The final layer is the ground layer which includes many types of bryophytes such as mosses (a member of Bryophytas). At the same time there are a variety of lichen and fungi. Not only are some of these the detritivores and decomposers of the biome but they also provide a source for food for many organisms.
ANIMALS The animals that can be found within a temperate deciduous forest are very adaptable to weather change. In fact animals that live within these biomes need to be adaptable as these these biomes alternate among four different seasons. Therefore animals must be able to survive through harsh winters and warm summers. In fact some of these adaptations include that fact that some of these animals hibernate or migrate throughout the winter. This is because the winter induces falling leaves as well as the introduction of snow. With mountains of snow around there is less cover for animals who are not at the top of the food chain, thus they are exposed to hunters. Moreover to survive such harsh winters most animals within a temperate deciduous forest have very thick coats that provide them with warmth throughout cold temperatures. These animals include the American black bear (Ursus americanus) or eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Moreover some of the organisms within the biome tend to be gathers as they gather various foods during the winter for hibernation. In addition they are also natural climbers this allows them to reach for food sources that are at a higher elevation, this even includes the American black bear who tend to be omnivores as well as carnivores.
COMMON PLANT LIFE AND ANIMALS WITHIN THE FOREST PLANT LIFE: • • • • •
Meadow Mushroom (Agaricus campestris) BlackBerry (Rubus Fruticosa) Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) Low Bush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)
ANIMALS: • • • • • • • •
American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) White-‐tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) Cougar (Puma concolor) Red shouldered hawk (Bueto lineatus) Northern Cardinal (Cadinalis cardinalis) Grasshopper (Caelifera) 17 Year Cicada (Magicicada septendecim)
A COMMON FOOD WEB OF A TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FOREST TERTIARY CONSUMERS (CARNIVORES/OMNIVORE-‐AMERICAN BLACK BEAR)
SECONDARY CONSUMERS (CARNIVORES/HERBIVORES)
PRIMARY CONSUMERS (HERBIVORES) PRIMARY C ONSUMERS
Detritivore
ENERGY PYRAMID Below is an energy pyramid that demonstrates the transfer of energy of a food web that is commonly found in a temperate deciduous forest. The significance of this pyramid is to show how energy transfers throughout each trophic level; moreover it shows the quantity that is transferred and the quantity that is lost because of different reasons. The energy is first gained by the sun as it is absorbed by primary producers; primary consumers then come along and consume plant life taking up the energy that plants have consumed. However it is important to note that not all energy is efficient this is to say that the primary producers have given off energy in various activities that they carry out daily such as respiration. In addition energy can also be lost through death as well as heat loss. Finally after a primary consumer consumes a primary producer a secondary consumer will consume a primary consumer and it goes on until the final trophic level where energy transformation is the least efficient. The following energy pyramid is interpreted assuming that there is 1000000KJ/m2/yr and that 10% of energy is passed between each trophic level.
4th Trophic Level – Teritaty Consumers
rd
3 Trophic Level – Secondary Consumers
Here a total of 50% of energy is lost leaving 2 Here t he f inal a mount 750KJ/m /yr units left due to death and is passed on after excretion a nd t he recycling of detritivores. losing 10%, now only 75KJ/m2/yr units of Level – Primary Consumers 2 nd Trophic energy are left. Respiration of A total of 15% of energy primary is lost due to respiration Producers and natural 2 transformation therefore only 1500KJ/m /yr units are left. causes a loss of energy by 5% Death & Excretion causes a loss of energy by 15% 1st Trophic Level – Primary Producers 2 Initially there are 1000000KJ/m /yr units of energy absorbed by primary producers.
The recycling of detritivores uses up 35% of energy
SPECIES INTERACTIONS MUTUALISM In a temperate deciduous forest there are various forms of mutualism; one type is an interaction between bees (or other insects) and flowers. This is a form of mutualism because bees collect nectar from flowers to feed their larvae and to produce their main food source-‐ honey. At the same time bees in the process of collecting nectar attach pollen to their hind legs. This pollen then falls of the hind legs of bees while in flight. As the bees fly the pollen falls onto other flowers and therefore acts as the means for reproduction for flowers. Therefore this mutualism is an example in which one organism obtains food for its colony and its young while the same species helps the organism that contains its food source by allowing it to reproduce.
PARASITISM A form of parasitism in a temperate deciduous forest is the relationship between fungi and trees. When fungi such as the chicken in the woods (Laetiporus Cincinnatus) in the forest grow on trees they feed off the tree. In the feeding process they break down the tree by consuming its nutrients. At the same time the tree becomes weak and very vulnerable. This vulnerability causes problems in the winter as trees need to lose their leaves and harden their bark to survive; yet with a parasite they lose their functions and nutrients and are not prepared for the harsh winters therefore they slowly die when winter comes along.
COMPETITION Competition in a temperate deciduous forest mainly exists between top predators; an example that is relatable is the competition between bears and wolves. As they are top predators they have very similar prey-‐ deer, fish, etc. Therefore when food is scare they often compete between one another in order to obtain a meal for themselves and their young. In addition both animals are very territorial and have high care for their young, therefore if one species is to come into another’s territory they are sure to commence in violent competition.
COMMENSALISM One form of commensalism in this biome is demonstrated by the relationship between the Eastern gray squirrel and the various oaks or maple trees in the forest. These trees act as a shelter for their squirrels, providing them with food and a resting place to reproduce. Although the tree has no exact benefit in the relationship the tree has no harm done to it as the squirrels live in the existing cavities rather than creating their own, therefore harming the tree.
HUMAN IMPACT IN A TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FOREST Throughout time there have been different human induced impacts that have affected temperate deciduous forests. For example the colonization from England to America began the depletion of these forests in North America. Over time humans advanced and expanded the range of terrain that they live in; by doing this many of the temperate deciduous forests were cleared. This depleted the natural habitat for many species that live in these biomes. For instance the habitat loss has induced many species to immigrate do various biomes, for example the gray wolf is a species that has moved from eastern and middle North America to Northern America. This inducement has been caused by the expansion of highways and terrain that contain our housing. In accordance to this humans themselves have gained different perspectives to this biome in terms of the economy and as a food source. For instance humans cause a large amount of deforestation in these biomes to produce their own goods and resources for profit. In addition humans also hunt within these biomes therefore depleting the population of various species. In other ways humans have also impacted these biomes by introducing exotic diseases that hinder the growth of species and overall cause an increase in mortality. Yet humans have realized their impacts on these forest and the various consequences that could arise. For instance they run the risk of killing off species that could then lead to other problems in the food chain. The deer is a common victim to hunters – this includes humans and other top predators-‐ therefore their species is narrowing m0re and more. At the same time with more deforestation there is more habit loss, with more loss species immigrate and cause problems around other regions; for instance some species have gained access into our own homes such as raccoons. Yet with more habitat loss some species cannot adapt to change and immigration to other regions, they then die off and become extinct and cause for more
detertivious activities that induce more green house gases to be released into the air inducing more global warming. Yet humans aren’t completely lost, in many different countries temperate deciduous forest become conservations zone in which case species that fall within these species cannot be harmed. At the same time conservations zone become educational resources of various species and they increase the awareness of these biomes and that we need to take care of them. In addition hunting is often controlled as legislative policies only make it possible to hunt in various seasons. For example hunters could hunt in the winter where most animals are hibernating therefore causing fewer animals to be captured and killed.
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Patrick Eidson pd.7
Grasslands
Grasslands are large biomes, which are characterized for being rolling terrains of grasses, flowers and herbs. It is a region where the average annual precipitation is great enough to support grasses and a few trees. This biome spans across the entire world, and covers about a quarter of the total surface of the planet. It exists in every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Where in the world can we find grasslands?
Average rainfall and temperature Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept 46 48.9 57.7 68.9 76.5 84.7 88.3 87.4 80.8
Month Oct Nov Dec Max 70 59 48 Average Temp. (ºF) Min 25 25.7 32.5 41.7 50 59.9 64.9 63.7 56.1 43.3 34.9 26.6 Average Temp. (ºF) Average 78.4 64.3 98.2 93.2 111 107.9 105.9 86.7 112.5 97.4 94.8 81 Rainfall (mm)
Climograph showing Precipitation (mm) and Temperature (ºF) in a Grassland
Common Animals and Plants found in the Grassland Plant or Animal Image Plants Grass
Millet
Bushy Shrubs
Herbs
Rye
Animals Impala
Lion
Wild Rabbit
Mouse
Black-‐Footed Ferret
Vegetation The vegetation found in grasslands can vary in height from short to tall. Woody plants or shrubs can appear on grasslands, which form savannas and scrubby grasslands. These are sometimes referred to as wood-‐pasture or woodland. Moreover, flowering plants grow in great concentration climates. The root systems of these grasses and forbs form complex mats that hold the soil in their place. Animal Characteristics Within grasslands one can find many different animal species. They go from very small organisms to big ones such as lions or elephants. Within the tropical grassland one can find large herbivores and birds, but mostly carnivores. In temperate grasslands one finds a few carnivores, not as many. And in both one can find small mammals and many different types of insects.
Energy Pyramid Representing Energy Flow in Grassland Main source of energy
Only 10% of the energy is passed on to the next trophic level since energy is lost due to heat and tissue loss. Symbiotic Relationships within the Grassland Type of Relationship Example Mutualism Bacteria which are unique to ruminants that live in the stomachs of large herbivores help break down cellulose. So bacteria thrives in the stomach of these and herbivores manage to metabolize cellulose. Commensalism Large nurse plants provide protection for young seedling from grazing by herbivores, frost stress in winter months and heat stress in summer, but the large nurse plants receive no benefit. Parasitism The brown-‐headed cowbird is native to the grassland. It is a brood parasite, which lays eggs on other birds’ nests and force the other species to hatch the egg and raise the young. Its advantage is the low investment in raising the youngster. Competitive During the dry season, animals such as zebras and impalas compete between themselves in order to get the necessary water for them to live.
Human Impact In tropical grasslands there are several human impacts and how they are threatening the biome. Poaching, overgrazing and clearing the land for crops are the main impacts that the humans are causing. 16% of the tropical grasslands have been converted for agricultural and urban development. There are threats in the temperate grassland as well. Overgrazing by livestock and plowing are the main threats found. Since the development of the steel plow, many of these grasslands have been converted over to agricultural lands because of the rich soil they possess. 47% of these grasslands have also been converted over to agricultural or urban development. This means that humans have been destroying grasslands in order to build farms or perhaps a small town instead. This definitely has an impact in the environment since a great part of the world’s biodiversity disappears. Many animals loose their habitat and they eventually die. Furthermore, this also has an impact on humans because by disrupting a biome, humans are disrupting the food chain of certain animals as well. Usually humans are the final consumer, so if humans disrupt the food chain, they end up getting affected as well.
SHRUBLAND / CHAPARRAL
Shrubland Biome • Is the biome located upon an arid land in which low vegetation is found. this is because there is no strong land to atach to, therefore, plants have to be small. • As it is a dry place, plants are usually vulnerable to fires. • Precipitation in this biome is less than 10 inches per year.
Location • Shrubland is usually found in the 30º longitud north and south of the globe, and the most extended region of this biome is located in the northen part of Africa. Climate • The climate in the Shrubland Biome is dry. there is low distinction between the changes in seasons, and some of the adaptations of life in this biomes cme from the salt in the wind brought from the sea. • it is not a biome that is usually found above 500 meters aboc the sea level, so a strong wind may bring with it salts and minerals from the sea as well as different biomes.
Precipitation • Precipitation in shrubland is reduced to less than 10 inches per year, which results in low water posibilities for vegetation. • this has lead to another characteristic unique from this biome. plants grow small and with few leaves to help conserve water, and long roots to reach water below the soil.
The graphs above show the average temperatura and precipitation of shrubland per year. This graphs are the result of evaluations made by the NASA in South Africa.
Characteristics of Species in Shrubland: Animals and plants in this biome have adapted to the possibility of fire in any moment. For this reason, they have developed techniques to survive to this natural disaster. Plants are meant to grow fast, and they produce plenty of seeds that are always being spread to easily reproduce after a catastrophe. Also, plants have adapted to survive in such extreme conditions that they have the skill to survive with few water, they protect the little they got with thorns, usually they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have leaves to make them lose the water and many different adaptations to help them survive. The plants that are more common in Shrubland are the following: Hedgehog Cactus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Sagebrush
Desert Grasses
Animals in the Shrubland Even though it is tough for animals to live in such a dry weather, they can actually live and have a life that is planned for this type of environment. The majority of the animals in this biome are nocturnal. They tend to do their activities at night, when the temperature is adequate for doing so. They tend t olive among rocks and other shelters that keep them away from the heat and the sun.
The most common animals that live in this biome are in the first consumer level some rodents such as mice, voles, shrews and also bigger animals such as dears. Other animals that are in the first consumer level but that are not as often as the ones mentioned before are chipmunks, some seed eating birds and squirrels. In the secondary consumer level there are frogs that eat small insects such as grasshoppers and bugs, badgers, coyotes, raccoons, foxes and owls, that usually get their energy from rodents and small animals. Finally, wolves, lynxes and the cougars fill the tertiary consumer level.
Animal Relationship: Types of relationships Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Competition
Definition Symbiosis that is beneficial to both organisms involved.
Examples Birds try to eat as much seeds as they can from a bush. In that search for seeds, they drop some of them in the soil. Bird benefits from food while plant benefits as a reproductive system. An association between Beetles take a ride in two organisms in which the back of bigger one benefits and the animals, this benefits other derives neither the beetle and makes benefit nor harm. no difference for the bigger animal. It is a non- mutual Coyotes tend to steal relationship between other animals ‘eggs or organisms of different newborns. This benefits species where one one of the species but organism benefits at the harms the other one. expense of the other. Relationship between Wolves and cougars try members of the same to get always the best or different species in pray, but only one of which those having the them will get the deer, same living the other one will have requirements, such as to eat mice for dinner. food or space, affect individuals.
Human Impact: About the impact that humans are creating directly to the Shrubland, there is not much harm caused directly, since it is a biome that is not habitable for humans. There is not much resources they can take from it so it hasn’t been affected that much by humans. However, the increase in global warming is what causes that temperatures rise as high as they do, causing “natural occurring” fires, which periodically change the biome and the way species tend to live on it.
Energy Pyramid and food web:
http://speakeasies.biz/graphics/foodchain_as.jpg
The first consumers are rodents and insects. They consume desert grass, seeds and Lichens. The desert grass, seeds and lichens achieve their energy from the sunlight. They have the most amount of energy. The first consumers are the ones that obtain the most amount of energy, because the producers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose energy through heat as much as consumers do. Then, come the snakes and bigger mammals such as foxes and other predators that achieve their energy from the first consumers. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget that the food pyramid does not depend on the size of the species. The deer is a first consumer, and is bigger that a fox who is a secondary consumer. Finally, in the third trophic level there are the big hunters such as eagles, lynxes, and other big animals that can take over a deer by themselves.
Bibliography: "Semidesert Shrublands Life Zone Mammals." Semidesert Shrublands Life Zone Mammals. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2013. "Cougar - Buscar Con Google." Cougar - Buscar Con Google. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2013. "Shrubland Animals." Shrubland Animals. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2013.
Desert (Savanna)
Desert It’s located half of Africa, Australia, parts of India, China and south America
Temperature & Rainfall
Average rainfall (mm) and Average temperature (℃) during each month During the months of January, February, March & April you can see that there is a lower average of rainfall, because is dry season. This is when the animals migrate to find food and shelter while the plants die. About July it starts to increase the rain meaning that wet season started. Animals and rivers start to flow
Desert Plants in the Savanna Characteristics River Bushwillow § § § § § § §
Genus “Combretum” Species “Erythrophyllum” It’s found in African countries It’s resistant to fire and high heat because of the thick bark it has “Hydrophilic” meaning that it absorbs water Is also a food source to the giraffes Is a medicine
Bermudagrass § § § § § § §
Genus “Cynodon” Species “Dactylon” Long grass Resistant to environmental challenges (floods and heat) It expands fast It’s found in populated areas Food source
Elephant Grass § § § § § §
Genus “Pennisetum” Species “Purpureum” Is yellowish colored grass Food source Grows rapidly It protects bird’s nest
Kangoroo Paw § § §
Genus “Anigozanthos” Species “Manglessi” Large
Common Animals & Plants:
Food Web
Energy Pyramid
One big problem in Africa is that humans are hunting animals to their extinction. Pollution is one of the main threats to Africa’s savannas. The air is polluted by smoke and exhaust fumes, this is a problem to the animals because they have hard time breathing and because some can’t migrate to other places they eventually die. The water is polluted it contains a lot of chemicals that causes animals to die. Food chains are affected because all animals drink water. The dam’s hold in the germs and so when the waters released it carries the germs down animal bodies.
Coniferous forest: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/habitats/Temperate_coniferous_forest
The Taiga biome, also known as coniferous forest is a biome that is located north of the equator. It is found in temperate environments where the summers are warm and the winters are cold. In these forests, Conifers trees are the predominant plant life and for this reason the forest obtained its name. These biomes posses the largest amounts of terrestrial biomass due to the massive size of the trees that grow here. For these reasons these forests are exploited for their lumber. FUN FACTS The largest Coniferous forest exists in a ring in Alaska, Canada, northern Europe, and northern Asia, in a ring in the Northern Hemisphere. This forest is called the "Taiga" Most of the world's commercial softwood timber, used for paper, comes from the Taiga. Coniferous Forests are the largest land Biome of the World.
PLANTS Common yew Common yews have poisonous leaves, bark and seeds and a reputation for killing livestock. Their bright red berries (actually seed caps) are no
Conifers Conifers are an ancient lineage of some 290 million years. Most conifers few grow as shrubs.
plants, dating back are trees, though a
Giant sequoia In terms of volume, giant sequoias may be the largest living things on the planet. These wonders of the natural world can reach almost 100 metres in height with a trunk 11 metres in diameter.
Stinging nettle Stinging nettles are easily unfortunately, often easily felt as covered in stinging hairs. This is to avoid being eaten and makes
recognised and, the whole plant is an effective way stinging nettles an important haven for many insects. Hat thrower fungus Hat-thrower fungi earn their name from their habit of firing spore capsules away from the parent fungus. The spores stick to grass and can safely pass through a grazing animal's digestive tract
ANIMAL
Goldfinch Goldfinches are strikingly beautiful examples of the finch family. They are almost tropical in appearance, with long, pointed beaks that make them specialists in extracting seeds. Great grey owl The great grey owl is a large, reclusive predator of the taiga's coniferous forests. Plunge marks in the snow are usually the only evidence for its presence. Distinctive extralarge facial disks direct sound to feather covered ear openings, providing super-sensitive hearing.
Polecat Polecats are weasel-like obviously They glands
solitary and predominantly nocturnal animals, where the males are quite larger and heavier than the females. produce a strong musky scent from anal
Markhor Markhors belong to a group of animals called 'goat-antelopes', which includes the musk ox, the chamois and the domestic goat.
Grey wolf Grey wolves have long embodied the spirit of the wilderness. Once they had the largest natural distribution of any mammal except humans.
ENERGY PYRAMID
II Grey Wolf (Tertiary consumer) 10 j __ I____I Polecat (Secondary consumer) 100 j ____________ I____________I Goldfinch (Primary consumer) 1,000 j ________________________________________________________ I__________________________________________________________I Sunflower seeds (Producer) 10,000 j ^SUNLIGHT^ 1,000,000 j Mutualism: Bees are the most notable example of mutualism since they act as farmers of flowers in an indirect way. They travel from flower to flower collecting food while they cover themselves in pollen and pollinate the flowers in the proximity of the hive. These flowers diversify and reproduce due to this system while the bees eat and make their hives from the organic compounds they produce. Commensalism: The Hat thrower fungus throws its spores onto plants, that are then eated by herbivores like the Markhor who then digest the plants with the fungus spores safely passing through the digestive organs of the animal and ending up surrounded by nutrients for growth. Parasitism: A tick feasting endlessly on an owl. Competition:
Grey wolves compete constantly for hunting grounds in large packs. This natural competition makes wolf packs stronger after every victory in term of defending their territory from invading packs. The longer a pack can maintain their territory the stronger genetics are in the pack and if the pack is to lose, the genes of one pack are often assimilated into others. Humans are threatening these marvelous forest by running massive deforestation operations for lumber in canada and russia. This decreases the space for all of the species of the habitat. Less habitat means less food, less food means less life. As the size of the environment decreases the plan life that used to be part of the envoroment ceases to produce energy and without the transformation of sun energy into matter, life on earth cannot continue.
Tundra Biome The Barren Land, The Ice Desert.
Arctic Tundra
Apline Tundra
Northern Alaska and Canada, have a concentrated amount of strong winters and greater space for any living herbivore and carnivores. Wind is able to take seeds and travel them to the unknown lands where they might likely survive shortly, since tundra has a low nutritious land. When winter arrives, the land become a land of white hills, and white land maps. Shrubs and mosses or completely covered With temperature less than 5°C and short summers, any creature that is introduced would have and ephemeral life. Any plant and tree with roots that require going deep within the soil will have little space since in arctic tundra, the soil underneath remains completely frozen. This soil is called permafrost. Some trees can grow in tundra. Siberian tundra is different to tundra in Iceland as is in Alaska and Greenland. Many species inhabit this biome. Such as the arctic fox, caribou, musk oxen, small rodents, bears. All species must endure cold winter, and with precipitations not in form of rain but in the form of snow. Lichens, mosses, low shrubs and sedges grow in tundra.
Tundra is 75% covered in permafrost. During summer, the ice capes that cover the land melt and they form a thermokarst. Depending on the zone of the tundra, some plants are able to photosynthesize 24 hours a day, meaning that there will be an increase in growth spurt, however, not all plants will endure the colds about -51°C, for most plants that have adapted or
are resilient and may survive harsh winters, including heavy snow storms, covering all plants and lakes. When land has been covered with snow up to 30 cm, it may seem there is nothing but fleshes. Caribou will scrape the snow out in order to reach the mosses and sedges. Caribou
Musk Ox
Wolverine
Dall Sheep
Arctic Wolf
There are around 400 varieties of plants.
Mutualism Lichen that are gripped to rock are composed of fungus, collecting water and salts. Algae cell are protected by the lichens. Algae cells, provide sugar and oxygen to the fungus when they go through the process of photosynthesis.
Commensalism
Food Web