Global ecosystems

• What determines the types of ecosystems that flourish in an area?

  The climate in an area determines the types of ecosystems that flourish.
• What are the major characteristics of the tundra ecosystem?

  • Found at high latitudes between 50°N and 70°N
  • Very cold and long winters
  • Little precipitation
  • Small plants, including mosses and grasses
  • Permafrost present
• What are the main features of the boreal forest (taiga) ecosystem?

  • Located between 50° and 60°N in North America and Eurasia
  • Short, cool summers
  • Long, cold, and dry winters with much snow
• What defines the grassland ecosystem?

  • Dominated by grasses
  • Home to larger herbivores and smaller animals
  • Found in areas with low rainfall and moderate temperatures
  • Can become deserts with increased temperature and decreased rainfall
  • Fires are important for renewing nutrients
• What are the characteristics of the temperate deciduous forest ecosystem?

  • Located mainly in mid latitudes with moderate temperatures
  • Warm and relatively long summers
  • Mild and relatively short winters, sometimes with snow
  • Deciduous trees that change color and shed leaves in winter
• What are the key features of the tropical rainforest ecosystem?

  • Found around the equator between the tropics
  • Hot and wet all year round
  • Characterized by lush forests with several canopy layers
• What are the characteristics of the polar ecosystem?

  • Found around the north and south poles
  • Very cold, icy, and dry
  • Minimal growth due to little sunlight
  • Long winters and a very short growing season of about two months
• Why is it not necessary to memorize the map of global ecosystems?

  You should know roughly where the different ecosystems are found and their basic characteristics.
• What is the growing season length in polar ecosystems?

  About two months.
• What is the climate like in the tundra ecosystem?

  Very cold with long winters and little precipitation.
• What type of trees are found in temperate deciduous forests?

  Deciduous trees.
• What is a significant factor that can lead grasslands to become deserts?

  Increased temperature and decreased rainfall.