TERRESTRIALS ECOSYSTEMS
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their abiotic (to things that are not alive or never were alive) environment. The size can vary and they can exist in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial. In this blog we are going to focus on terrestrial biomes, in which we can observe different types of it.
A biome is a large-scale community of organisms, primarily defined on land by the dominant plant types that exist in geographic regions of the planet with similar climatic conditions.
TROPICAL FOREST
It is a broadleaf evergreen forest, a type of forest where the trees have leaves that stay green throughout the year, and the trees have broad, flat leaves (not needle-like). So, it's a forest with trees that keep their green leaves all year round.
They are found near the equator, in Southeast Asia, West Africa and South America. The temperature is warm and humid all year round, with little variation in temperature. Soil organic matter is low. There is a great diversity of plant species. Staple foods are often sourced from the rainforest (coffee, bananas)
TROPICAL DECIDUOUS FOREST
It is a broadleaf deciduous forest, a type of forest where the trees have wide leaves, and these leaves fall off during a specific season, usually in autumn. So, it's a forest with trees that have broad leaves that change color and drop in the fall.
It is found on the west coast of Central America and towards North America along the west coast of Mexico, Asia. There is seasonal variation in temperature. We find the soils less acidic, more rich in nutrients. The vegetation is strongly influenced by physical factors and attracted agricultural development and settlement.
TROPICAL SAVANNA
These are tropical grasslands with scattered trees; wet and dry seasons. There is temperature fluctuation. They are found to the north and south of the tropical dry forests.
It is characterized by seasonal drought and as a consequence there is greater possibility of fires. The soil is not very permeable; it retains water near the surface.
There is high primary productivity: lots of vegetation and activity. And as a curiosity: humans learned to use, control and make fire in the savannas.
DESERT
A desert is an arid region with minimal precipitation, typically receiving less than 250 millimeters of rain annually. Characterized by vast expanses of barren landscapes, deserts exhibit extreme temperature fluctuations, scorching during the day and chilling at night. Vegetation is often scarce, and plants and animals have adapted to conserve water. Sand dunes, rocky surfaces, and occasional oases are common features. Deserts, like the Sahara and Atacama, showcase the Earth's diverse climates, challenging life's resilience in harsh, water-scarce environments. The desert area is increasing due to human activity.
WOODLAND AND SHRUBLAND
They have wet winters and dry summers. Occurs on all continents except Antarctica
Conditions are ideal for frequent and intense fires. That is why we find plants that are more resistant to fire. Soils are low to moderately fertile. We find great diversity of organisms and it is also an area affected by human habitat.
TEMPERATE GRASSLANDS
We can distinguish seasons during the year. There are middle latitudes with moderate precipitation. They are wetter biomes than deserts, although they suffer droughts. We find a great variety of parent material, that is to say, large quantities of organic matter in the soil. These biomes are completely dominated by herbaceous vegetation and are prone to fires.
This is the largest biome in North America.
TEMPERATE FOREST
They are deciduous (they lose their leaves) or coniferous forests with winter precipitation. Predominantly deciduous trees; 4-month growing season. Occur where temperatures are not extreme. Winters are harsher, so there are coniferous forests. Soils are fertile and as a consequence there is high primary productivity.
BOREAL FOREST (TAIGA)
They are northern forests that occupy the area south of the arctic tundra, dominated by evergreen trees. They are confined to the northern hemisphere. Winters last more than 6 months and there is moderate precipitation. Soils are infertile, thin and acidic. Nutrients are retained in leaf litter. Boreal forests strongly influence climate change by sequestering carbon.
TUNDRA
It is a northern biome dominated by mosses, lichens and receives little rainfall and short summers. The climate is cold and dry. It is characterized by low rainfall. Decomposition is slow and the soil accumulates slowly.
It is dominated by low-growing vegetation and is home to a large number of large mammals.
This biome is prone to oil extraction and prospecting.
(n.d.). Terrestrial biomes. The Nature Education - Knowledge Project. Retrieved November 22, 2023, from https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/terrestrial-biomes-13236757/
(n.d.). ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY - terrestrial biomes. Open Oregon. Retrieved November 22, 2023, from https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/envirobiology/chapter/3-3-terrestrial-biomes/
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