Topic 4 Ecosystems of the planet

• What are ecosystems?

  Natural areas linking organisms and non-living parts
• What are large scale ecosystems called?

  Biomes
• How are biomes identified?

  By climate, soil, and species
• What are the two main parts of ecosystems?

  Biotic and abiotic parts
• What are biotic elements?

  Living elements like plants and animals
• What are abiotic elements?

  Physical non-living elements like temperature
• What are plants referred to as?

  Flora
• What are animals referred to as?

  Fauna
• What do food chains illustrate?

  How living things obtain food and energy
• What do food webs represent?

  Complex systems of interlocking food chains
• What are producers?

  Green plants that synthesize food
• What are consumers?

  Organisms that rely on producers for food
• What are decomposers?

  Micro-organisms that break down dead matter
• What is a nutrient cycle?

  Movement of organic and inorganic matter
• What are the characteristics of ecosystems?

  Distinct distributions and features like weather
• What are the main types of ecosystems discussed?

  • Polar regions
  • Coral reefs
  • Tropical savannah grasslands
  • Temperate grasslands
  • Temperate forests
  • Tropical rainforests
  • Hot deserts
• Where are polar regions located?

  At the extreme north and south of the world
• Why do polar regions receive little energy from the sun?

  Due to their extreme positions on the planet
• What is the climate like in polar regions?

  Long cold winters and short cool summers
• What is the temperature range in the Arctic during winter?

  -26°C to -46°C
• Why is the Antarctic region colder than the Arctic?

  Due to its continental landmass
• What is the maximum shrub height in the tundra?

  2 meters
• What types of plants are common in the tundra?

  Mosses, grasses, and low-growing flowers
• How many plant species live in the tundra?

  1,700 species
• What is the plant life like in Antarctica?

  Very limited, with only moss and lichen
• What land mammals are found in the Arctic region?

  Polar bears, wolves, and reindeer
• How do some Arctic animals cope with winter?

  By migrating southward during harsh winters
• What are some sea mammals found in the Arctic?

  Walruses and whales
• How do mammals reach Antarctica?

  By sea
• What are some penguin species found in Antarctica?

  Gentoo, Emperor, and Adélie
• What role do seals play in the Antarctic ecosystem?

  They attract orcas to the shorelines
• Where are coral reefs located?

  Within 30° north and south of the equator
• Why are coral reefs found in shallow waters?

  Algae need sunlight for photosynthesis
• What is the mean water temperature needed for coral growth?

  18°C
• What is the climate like in tropical areas where coral grows?

  Warm year-round with temperatures above 20°C
• What type of organism is coral?

  An animal related to jellyfish
• How many species of fish live on coral reefs?

  Over 4,000 species
• What percentage of marine life do coral reefs support?

  25% of marine life
• Where are tropical savannah grasslands located?

  Between 5° and 30° north and south of the equator
• What is the climate like in tropical savannah grasslands?

  Low rainfall from November to March