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World Geo 3200/3202January 2011
Outcomes3.3.1 List the general characteristics of a
given ecosystem. (k) 3.3.2 Analyze patterns in the distribution of
world ecosystems. (a) 3.3.3 Predict which kind of ecosystem is
likely to result from a stated set of climatic conditions (i)
IntroductionAll life forms tend to be specially suited to the
physical characteristics (climate, geology, topography) of the ecosystems in which they are found
Ecosystems – particular geographic regions with their own characteristic life forms & climate
Dominant plant life in the region is most essential for identifying an ecosystem
Climax Vegetationthe natural vegetation in the last possible
stage of vegetation development. is stable and in balance with the climatic
conditions. It should change very little if left
undisturbed. Ecosystems are largely defined by the climax
vegetation that grows in it. The type of vegetation is largely determined by the climate.
Our EcosystemsWe will look now look at the major type of
ecosystems found throughout the worldLook at figure 6.8 on page 102 of your text book
and you will see the variety of ecosystems in the world.
Complete questions 17, 18, 19 (a, b, c, d, e) on pp 102-103.
Q. 17 & 1817. Explain the concept of climax vegetation.
refers to the vegetation that has dominated a particular ecosystem for many years
18. Describe the climax vegetation in the coniferous forest systemConiferous tree – a tree characterized by
needle-like leaves that remain green all year & do not drop every fall. Also thick bark, conical shape, shallow roots(North America, Scandinavia, Russia).
Question 19Analyze the world ecosystems map on p. 102
& complete the following:a). The most widespread ecosystem in the
high latitudesBoreal forests and tundrab). Name the forest ecosystem in the low
latitudes, close to the equator.Tropical rain forests
Question 19c).The most predominant ecosystem in South
AmericaTropical rain forestd). Continents that do not experience a
tundra ecosystemSouth America, Africa, Australiae). The name of the ecosystem in our regionBoreal forest
World Ecosystems High Latitude Ecosystems (Towards the
poles)
Coniferous (Boreal) Forests
Tundra
Polar Ice Caps
World Ecosystems Mid Latitude Ecosystems
Temperate Grasslands
Temperate Deciduous Forests
World Ecosystems Low Latitude Ecosystems (generally close to
the equator)
Tropical Rain ForestsSavanna GrasslandsDeserts
Mountain Ecosystems
World EcosystemsComplete the 3 part assignment on World
Ecosystems. The questions will help to provide you with a brief overview of each ecosystems
The climax vegetation, climate, and adaptations are important to note for each ecosystem
Climate & EcosystemsRegions that are located in different parts of
the world but have similar climates tend to be classified as the same ecosystem
Ecosystems are often defined or classified in terms of specific ranges of annual temperature and precipitation
Check figure 6.9, p.103 as an example.
Climate & EcosystemsThe dominant vegetation is determined largely
by climatic conditions, however, so major ecosystems closely parallel climatic conditions
To help understand the relationship between ecosystems and climate, complete Reproducible Worksheet 6.2 “ Climatic Conditions in the Earth’s Ecosystem”
Use the world climate map in Figure 5.1 on page 75 of your text along with Figure 6.8 on page 102 to complete the worksheet
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