15.1 Life in the Earth System. KEY CONCEPT The biosphere is one of Earth s four interconnected systems.

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1 15.1 Life in the Earth System KEY CONCEPT The biosphere is one of Earth s four interconnected systems.

2 15.1 Life in the Earth System The biosphere is the portion of Earth that is inhabited by life. The biosphere includes all ecosystems. one of Earth s systems includes the biota, all the living things in the biosphere

3 15.1 Life in the Earth System There are three other Earth systems. hydrosphere water, ice, and water vapor atmosphere air blanketing Earth s solid and liquid surface geosphere geologic features above and below Earth s surface

4 15.1 Life in the Earth System Biotic and abiotic factors interact in the biosphere. All four Earth systems are interconnected. The Gaia hypothesis considers Earth as a kind of living organism. Earth systems interact to yield a biosphere capable of supporting life. It was developed by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis.

5 15.2 Climate KEY CONCEPT Climate is a key abiotic factor that affects the biosphere.

6 15.2 Climate Climate is the prevailing weather of a region. Climate is the long-term pattern of weather conditions. average temperature precipitation relative humidity Key factors shape an area s climate. temperature sunlight water wind

7 15.2 Climate A microclimate is the climate of a small specific place within a larger area.

8 15.2 Climate Earth has three main climate zones. The three main zones are the polar, tropical, and temperate climates. polar climate: the far northern and southern regions of Earth tropical zone: surrounds the equator temperate zone: the wide area in between the polar and tropical zones

9 15.2 Climate The angle of the Sun s rays help determine an area s climate. 90 N polar temperate tropical temperate polar

10 15.2 Climate Earth s tilt on its axis plays a role in seasonal change. Solar heating causes movements in both water and air. wind ocean currents Earth s rotation also has effects on the winds and currents

11 15.2 Climate Landmasses shape inland climates. larger changes in temperatures less precipitation Oceans shape coastal climates. smaller changes in temperatures higher humidity more precipitation

12 15.2 Climate Mountains have an effect on climate. Precipitation occurs on the side of the mountain facing the wind. On the downwind side, drier and cooler air produce a rain shadow. A rain shadow is an area of decreased precipitation. western slope eastern slope

13 15.2 Climate Many organisms survive in a specific climate due to their adaptations.

14 15.3 Biomes KEY CONCEPT Biomes are land-based, global communities of organisms.

15 15.3 Biomes Earth has six major biomes. A biome is a major community of organisms.

16 15.3 Biomes Tropical rain forest biomes produce lush forests. warm temperature abundant precipitation all year Source: World Meteorological Organization

17 15.3 Biomes Grassland biomes are where the primary plant life is grass. Rapid City, South Dakota Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

18 15.3 Biomes Grassland biomes are where the primary plant life is grass. Temperate grasslands are dry and warm during the summer; most precipitation falls as snow. Tropical grasslands are warm through the year, with definite dry and rainy seasons.

19 15.3 Biomes Desert biomes are characterized by a very arid climate. very low amount of precipitation four types: hot, semiarid, coastal, and cold Tucson, Arizona Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

20 15.3 Biomes Temperate forest biomes include deciduous forests and rain forests. Temperate deciduous forests have hot summers and cold winters. Deciduous trees are the dominant plant species. Burlington, Vermont Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

21 15.3 Biomes Temperate forest biomes include deciduous forests and rain forests. Temperate deciduous forests have hot summers and cold winters. Deciduous trees are the dominant plant species. The temperate rain forests have a long wet season and relatively dry summer. Ferns and moss cover the forest floor.

22 15.3 Biomes The taiga biome is located in cooler northern climates. boreal forest long winters and short summers small amount of precipitation Banff, Canada Source: Environment Canada

23 15.3 Biomes The tundra biome is found in the far northern latitudes with long winters. winter lasts 10 months limited precipitation permafrost Barrow, Alaska Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

24 15.3 Biomes Minor biomes, such as chaparral, occur globally on a smaller scale.

25 15.3 Biomes Polar ice caps and mountains are not considered biomes. Polar ice caps have no soil, therefore no plant community. The climate and organisms found on mountains change as the elevation changes.

26 15.4 Marine Ecosystems KEY CONCEPT Marine ecosystems are global.

27 15.4 Marine Ecosystems The ocean can be divided into zones. Ocean zones can be determined by their distance from shoreline and water depths. intertidal zone between low and high tide neritic zone from intertidal zone to continental shelf bathyal zone from neritic zone to base of continental shelf abyssal zone lies below 2000 m intertidal zone neritic zone bathmat zone abyssal zone

28 15.4 Marine Ecosystems The neritic zone harbors more biomass than any other zone. Plankton make up most of the biomass. zooplankton phytoplankton

29 15.4 Marine Ecosystems Coastal waters contain unique habitats. Coral reefs are found in warm waters. tropical climate zone great amount of biomass

30 15.4 Marine Ecosystems Kelp forests are found in cold, nutrient-rich waters. large communities of seaweed great amount of biomass

31 15.5 Estuaries and Freshwater Ecosystems KEY CONCEPT Freshwater ecosystems include estuaries as well as flowing and standing water.

32 15.5 Estuaries and Freshwater Ecosystems Estuaries are dynamic environments where rivers flow into the ocean. An estuary is a partially enclosed body of water. mixture of fresh water with salt water Chesapeake Bay Louisiana bayous

33 15.5 Estuaries and Freshwater Ecosystems Estuaries are highly productive ecosystems. Estuaries provide a protected refuge for many species. birds migration spawning grounds Estuaries are primarily threatened by land development.

34 15.5 Estuaries and Freshwater Ecosystems Freshwater ecosystems include moving and standing water. A watershed is a region of land that drains into a body of water. Ecosystems may be different along a river s course

35 15.5 Estuaries and Freshwater Ecosystems Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems. provide a home for many species filter dirty water renew underground water supply Some animals have adaptations suited to the freshwater they inhabit.

36 15.5 Estuaries and Freshwater Ecosystems Ponds and lakes share common features. Freshwater bodies are divided into three zones. littoral zone limnetic zone benthic zone

37 15.5 Estuaries and Freshwater Ecosystems All lakes turn over periodically. Turn over happens due to changes in density. In both autumn and spring, surface water flows downward and bottom water flows upward. The upwelling brings up nutrients.