ecosystem

• ecosystem 


  the complex of living organisms, their physical environment, and all their interrelationships in a particular unit of space. -Britannica
• An ecosystem can be categorized into its -abiotic constituents, including minerals, climate, soil, water, sunlight, and all other nonliving elements, -biotic constituents, consisting of all its living members. 
• Linking these constituents together are two major forces: the flow of energy through the ecosystem and the cycling of nutrients within the ecosystem.
• • Ecosystems vary in size: -some are small enough to be contained within single water droplets while others are -large enough to encompass entire landscapes and regions
• biomes


  describe life on a much larger scale than either habitats or ecosystems.
• The term “biome” was first used in 1916 by Frederic E. Clements, an American ecologist, to describe the plants and animals in a given habitat.  it was further defined by Clements and fellow ecologist Victor Shelford
• In 1963, Shelford characterized the following biomes: tundra, coniferous forest, deciduous forest, grassland, and desert
• Tundra Biomes


  are located at the northernmost parts of the globe and is defined by long, cold winters and cool summers. The animals and plants that reside here have evolved adaptations that allow them to survive in this frigid environment, such as thick fur and the ability to hibernate.
• Desert biomes


  Located in both cold and warm climates across the globe, deserts are defined by their dryness, and life in these areas are adapted to a lack of water and nutrients.
• grassland biomes


  which is found on every continent except Antarctica, is characterized as being flat and grassy, with scant tree cover. Large mammals that graze, such as elephants or bison, inhabit these areas, along with small mammals, birds, and predators.
• coniferous forest biomes


  These areas—known as taigas or boreal forests—experience long, cold winters, short summers, and heavy precipitation. Within this biome, the primary vegetation types are conifers and evergreen trees. Sometimes this category is split into another category, known as the temperate forest, which does not experience temperatures as cold. One example of this warmer forest would be the west coast of North America, a humid forest system home to redwoods and cedars.
• deciduous biomes


  Located in eastern North America, Western Europe, and northeastern Asia, this biome is marked by broad-leafed trees, such as maple and oak, that lose their leaves seasonally as the temperatures begin to drop. Overall, these regions are temperate, but still have a distinct winter season.
• tropical rainforest biomes


  These equatorial regions are warm and wet with diverse vegetation that forms a canopy. Leaf litter on the ground and the humid conditions create a layer of nutrients above the low-quality soil, which allows for the growth of a wide variety of vegetation. In fact, tropical rainforests are famous for hosting vast amounts of biodiversity.