Global ecosystem

• What are the seven major types of ecosystems discussed in the video?

  Tundra, taiga, tropical rainforest, hot desert, grasslands, temperate deciduous forest, polar
• What are the characteristics of tundra ecosystems?

  • Found above 60 degrees north latitude
  • Very cold winters and brief summers
  • Little rainfall throughout the year
  • Dominated by moss, grass, and low shrubs
  • Contains a layer of permafrost
• Where are tundras primarily located?

  Northern Europe, Canada, and Alaska
• What are the characteristics of taiga ecosystems?

  • Found between 50 and 60 degrees north latitude
  • Cold and dry winters, mild and moist summers
  • Dominated by coniferous evergreen trees
• What type of trees are found in taiga ecosystems?

  Coniferous trees
• What are the characteristics of tropical rainforests?

  • Located at the equator between the tropics
  • Hot and wet all year round
  • Lush forests with dense canopies
  • Distinct layers of vegetation
• Where are tropical rainforests found?

  Between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn
• What are the characteristics of hot desert ecosystems?

  • Found between 15 and 35 degrees north and south
  • Little rainfall and extreme temperature changes
  • Daytime temperatures can reach 45 degrees Celsius
  • Nighttime temperatures can drop to zero degrees Celsius
  • Sparse vegetation, mainly needle-like trees
• What temperature can hot deserts reach during the day?

  45 degrees Celsius
• What are the two types of grasslands mentioned?

  • Temperate grasslands
  • Savannah grasslands
• What are the characteristics of temperate grasslands?

  • Found at higher latitudes
  • More temperature variation and less rainfall
  • Dominated by grass, no trees
• What are the characteristics of savannah grasslands?

  • Found between the tropics
  • Have dry and wet seasons
  • Relatively low rainfall
  • Mostly grasses with scattered trees
• What are the characteristics of temperate deciduous forests?

  • Found mainly at mid-latitudes
  • Four distinct seasons
  • Warm summers and relatively mild winters
  • Rainfall throughout the year
  • Deciduous trees lose leaves in winter
• What is a key feature of polar ecosystems?

  Very cold and ice dry
• What are the characteristics of polar ecosystems?

  • Found around the north and south poles
  • Very cold with limited growth
  • Remain dark for several months each year
  • Growing season limited to two months
• How long is the growing season in polar ecosystems?

  Two months