2011ECOLOGY(BC).pptVIP

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Biomes: Temperature and Climate for Terrestrial Biomes Adaptations of Plants Animals Not intended to be a taxonomic event Emphasis on adaptations of common plants and animals to each biome Common members of food chains and food webs of each biome Limiting factors for each biome TAIGA OF NORTH AMERICA 2nd largest forest in the world Ring Artic between Artic and Deciduous Forest – 50 to 60 degrees North Latitude Upper elevations of Mountains Tiaga or Boreal (Evergreen) forests of North America Taiga – Abiotic Factors Angle of incidence for incoming solar radiation is low and twilight lasts many hours Seasons- short, moist and moderately warm summers long, cold, dry winters. Temperature: -65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit Variable precipitation: 6-40 in (15-100 cm). Soils – thin because they were scraped by glaciers and very acid because of decomposition of pine needles Absence of earth-churning invertebrates as earthworms so soil is hard and compact Fire a major factor in maintaining biome Environmental Importanceof the Taiga Filters millions of liters of water Stores large amounts of carbon Produces oxygen Rebuilds soils and restores nutrients Bogs and marshes provides habitats for large numbers of species from fish to birds Taiga - Food web Taiga: Types of Plants Conifers are major producer Most common types – spruce, balsam fir and pine Others – hemlock, cedar, redwood, junipers Latitude and altitude influences species Berry-producing shrubs important to birds, mammals and people Some types of fungi, lichens, and mosses Taiga: Plant Adaptations Trees have upside down cone shape so snow slides off the branches Branches are flexible to hold great amounts of snow and not break Trees grow thin and close together to protect them from cold and wind Needles waxy for protection from freezing temperatures and prevent them from drying out Needles are present year round and deep green to absorb th