Biomes

• Earth's Biomes:

  • Terrestrial (Land): Tropical Rain Forests, Deserts, Chaparral, Savannah, Coniferous Forests, Grasslands, Tundra
  • Marine (Ocean): Kelp Forests, Coral Reefs, Coastal Estuaries, Deep Ocean, Mangrove Forests
  • Aquatic (Fresh Water): Wetlands & Swamps, Lakes, Rivers, Streams, Ponds
• Biomes are broad regions corresponding to major climate zones (Latitude)
• Biomes contain plant and animal species specifically adapted to abiotic factors such as temperature and rainfall
• Earth's temperature changes with seasons
• Earth's inclination on the axis is always the same
• Amount of sunlight is a function of location on the planet at any given time
• High Elevation Zone:

  • Elevation impacts climate zones
  • Topography plays a role
• Chaparral "Mediterranean":

  • Located between 30° - 35° N and S along coasts
  • Semi-arid transition zone
  • Dominant biome in Southern California
• Climate:

  • Hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
  • Prone to extended droughts
  • Plants are commonly drought deciduous (lose leaves in summer not winter)
  • Santa Ana Winds are key
• Without fire, no chaparral (key disturbance)

  • Fire clears dead vegetation preventing intense fires
  • Recycles plant nutrients
  • Promotes new growth (Light Gaps)
  • Seeds need fire to germinate
• Fire Dependent Biomes (Coniferous Forests and Grasslands):

  • Keystone Plants like Greasewood
  • Greasewood burns quickly at 800°F
  • Hides seeds underground
  • Roots survive and promote fire