Biomes, Zonation and Succession 2.4 Flashcards
Types of biomes
Freshwater and marine Deserts Forests Grassland Tundra
Zonation
The change in community along an environmental gradient due to factors such as changes in altitude, latitude, tidal level or coverage of water.
Succession
The process of change over time in an ecosystem involving pioneer, intermediate and climax communities.
What affects biome distribution?
Climate
What affects climate?
Differences in temperature on earth.
Solar radiation Tilt of planet Rotation of planet Air currents Ocean currents Topography
Tropical rainforests
High productivity High precipitation High insolation High temperature Good nutrient recycling Highest NPP
Temperate forests
Medium productivity 4 seasons Good growing in summer Bad growing in winter Moderate rainfall Second highest NPP
Tundra
Low productivity Lowest precipitation Low insolation Low temperature Poor nutrient recycling
Deserts
Very low productivity Low precipitation High insolation Hot days, cold nights Low nutrient cycle Species adapted to survive
Grassland
Wide diversity
Moderate rainfall
Nutrient cycle is sufficient
Sere
Each stage of successional change
Climax community
The final sere (final stage)
Facilitation
Living organisms making the environment more suitable for other species
Inhibition
Living organisms making the environment less suitable for other species.
Primary Succession
Starting on sterile ground
Newly exposed sand dunes, cooled lava, exposed rock.
