Chapter 6 Notes - Achs.amherst.k12.va.us

BiomesThere are 2 types: Terrestrial Biomes (on land) Aquatic Biomes (in the water)

Terrestrial BiomesForest Biomes: Tropical rain forest Temperate rain forest Temperate deciduousforest TaigaGrassland, Desert, andTundra Biomes: SavannaTemperate grasslandChaparralDesertTundra

Chapter 6 Section 2Forest BiomesObjectives List three characteristics of tropical rain forests. Name and describe the main layers of a tropicalrain forest. Describe one plant in a temperate deciduous forestand an adaptation that helps the plant survive. Describe one adaptation that may help an animalsurvive in the taiga. Name two threats to the world’s forest biomes.

Chapter 6 Section 2Forest BiomesKey Terms Tropical rain forest Emergent layer Temperate rain forest Canopy Temperate deciduous Understoryforest Taiga Epiphyte

Biomes of the World

Forest Biomes Of all biomes, forest biomesare the most widespread andthe most diverse. Large trees need lots ofprecipitation – plentifulrainfall. Temperatures range frommild to hot.

TropicalRainForest

Tropical Rain Forest

Tropical Rain Forest Typically near the equator Help regulate world climateand play vital role in C, N,and O cycles Receive more than 200 cm ofrain annually Temperatures relativelyconstant: between 20oC and25oC for the entire year

Tropical Rain ForestNutrient cycles Rapid decay of organismsso soil is thin. Forest floor typically notcovered with plants. Soil nutrients quicklyabsorbed by plants. Runoff very clean due to rapidabsorption of nutrients by plants.

Tropical Rain ForestLayers of Rain Forest Emergent layer (top) – tallest trees (60-70 m),receive direct sunlight Canopy (middle) – trees greater than 30 m tall,absorb 95% of sunlight, abundant flowers andfruits, epiphytes Understory (lower level) – very little light, shorterplants (3.5 m) adapted to shade

Emergent LayerBright LightUpper Canopy LayerFiltered LightLower Canopy LayerUnderstory LayerDense Shade

Tropical Rain Forest Layers

Tropical Rain ForestSpecies Diversity Greatest in tropical rainforests. More than half of theworld's plant and animalspecies. Only seven percent of theearth's surface.

Tropical Rain ForestThreats Formerly covered 20% ofearth’s surface. Cleared for logging,agriculture, and oilexploration. Not only plants andanimals at risk – nativepeople are at risk. Exotic plant (medicinal?)and animal (pets) trade.

Temperate ForestThere are two types of temperate forests:1. temperate rain forest2. temperate deciduous forestTemperate rain forests Have high precipitation, high humidity, and moderatetemperatures. Are found in the Pacific Northwest (North America),Australia, and New Zealand.The temperate rain forest of the Pacific Northwest has trees90 m tall including Sitka Spruce, Douglas Fir, and GiantRedwoods.

Temperate Rain Forest

TemperateDeciduousForest

Temperate Deciduous Forest

Temperate Deciduous Forest Found between 30o and 50o Nlatitude Moderate climate withchange of seasons Temperatures range between30oC and – 30oC Averages from 75 to 125 cm ofprecipitation

Temperate Deciduous ForestVegetation Canopy of taller trees such as maples and oaks Well-developed understory of small trees andshrubs Forest floor home to ferns, mosses, herbs Rich, deep soil Most trees lose their leaves in the winter, plantsbecome dormant 4-6 month growing season

Taiga

Taiga

Taiga Also known as northern coniferous forest or borealforestBetween 45o and 60o Nlatitude (just below Arcticcircle)Average temperature belowfreezingWinters last 6-10 monthsHigh precipitation(including snow)

Taiga Taiga means "marshy pine forest" inRussian Found in northern hemisphere One of the most fragile biomes Growing season very short Nearly constant daylight in summer Many lakes and swamps

TaigaVegetation Conifers (seeds in cones) that don’t shed leaves (needles)Pointed shape of trees sheds snowNeedles are acidic so soilis acidicFew plants on dark forestfloorSoil forms slowly becauseof climate and acidityDecomposition is slow

TaigaAnimals Many lakes and swamps attract birds andinsects in the summer Shrews and rodents live year-round –burrow underground Moose and snowshoe hares

CreditsText: tml /index.htmlPictures: http://www.worldbiomes.com/ /index.html http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/PowerPoint: Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2005

Chapter 6 Section 2 Forest Biomes Objectives List three characteristics of tropical rain forests. Name and describe the main layers of a tropical rain forest. Describe one plant in a temperate deciduous forest and an adaptation that helps the plant survive. Describe one adaptation that may help an animal survive in the taiga. Name two threats to the world’s forest biomes.