The document outlines different ecosystems of the biosphere, including how solar radiation, winds, and topography influence climate. It discusses various land ecosystems like tundra, forests, grasslands, deserts that exist in different regions due to climate factors. Freshwater ecosystems like streams and lakes are described along with coastal ecosystems. Finally, marine ecosystems are covered, including ocean zones and coral reefs.
2. Solar radiation and winds determine
climate
The sun’s rays are more direct at the equator and more
spread out at the polar regions
The tilt of the earth can cause one hemisphere to be
warmer than the other
4. Topography influences climate
Topography – surface features of land
Mountains affect climate
Leeward side is in a rain shadow
Bodies of Water influence the climate
Ex: Ocean water gains & loses heat slower than land
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10. 39.5 The tundra is cold &
dark much of the year
Arctic tundra encircles the Earth just south of the ice-
covered polar seas in the Northern Hemisphere
Because rainfall amounts to only about 20 cm a year, the
tundra could possibly be considered a desert
Only the topmost layer of soil thaws, permafrost beneath this
layer is always frozen
Trees are not found in the tundra
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12. 39.6 Coniferous forests are
dominated by gymnosperms
Taiga (called boreal or northern forest), exists south of
the tundra and covers approximately 11% of the Earth’s
landmasses
Temperate rain forest – coniferous forest that runs along
the west coasts of Canada and the United States
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14. 39.7 Temperate deciduous forests
have abundant life
Temperate deciduous forests
Climate in these areas is moderate, with relatively high rainfall
Seasons are well defined
Trees (oak, beech, sycamore, and maple) have broad leaves
and are deciduous – lose their leaves in fall and grow them in
spring
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16. 39.8 Temperate grasslands
have extreme seasons
Temperate grasslands
Very cold winters and hot and dry summers (Ex: praries)
Small mammals, (mice, prairie dogs, and rabbits) live below
ground, but usually feed aboveground
Virtually all grasslands have been converted into agricultural
lands because of their fertile soils
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18. 39.9 Savannas have wet-dry seasons
Savannas – in regions where a cool dry season is
followed by hot rainy season
Largest savannas are in central and southern Africa
African savanna supports the greatest variety and number of
large herbivores of all the biomes
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20. 39.10 Deserts have very low annual rainfall
Deserts usually found at latitudes of about 30° in both
the Northern and Southern Hemispheres
Most have plants highly adapted to survive long droughts,
extreme heat, and extreme cold
Some animals are adapted to the desert environment
Exs: Camels and sidewinders
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23. 39.11 Tropical rain forests
Tropical rain forests
Diversity of species is enormous
Complex structure, with many levels of life, including
the forest floor, the understory, and the canopy
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26. 39.12 Fresh water Ecosystems
Fresh water ecosystems include streams, lakes,
rivers & ponds
Wetlands absorb storm water
Protect from effects of floods
Purify water by filtering it
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28. Classification of Lakes
Lakes are often classified by nutrient status
Oligotrophic lakes are nutrient-poor, having a small
amount of organic matter and low productivity
Eutrophic lakes are nutrient-rich, having plentiful
organic matter and high productivity
Eutrophication: “over fertilization” too much
phosphorous = algae growth in lakes
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30. 39.13 Marine ecosystems include those
of the coast and the ocean
Coastal Ecosystems Border the Oceans
Salt marshes, mudflats and mangrove swamps are
ecosystems that occur at a delta
Estuary – where fresh water & sea water mix as a
river enters the ocean
Ecologically important areas
Large amount of nutrients support a wide variety of species
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32. 39.13 Marine ecosystems: The Ocean
Oceans
Phytoplankton (algae) is food for the entire ocean
Coral reefs
Areas of biological abundance just below the surface in
shallow, warm, tropical waters
Densely populated with life
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34. Connecting the Concepts:
Chapter 39
Topography influences climate
There are several different land-based
ecosystems on the earth, each with unique
characteristics.
There are several fresh-water ecosystems
Coastal ecosystems include Estuaries
Marine ecosystems cover most of the surface of
the earth
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