Transcript Slides 3.3 Ecosystems and Adaptations

Unit 3.3. Adaptations and
Ecosystems
Adaptations
p. 108-109
Adaptations in the Tundra (High Latitude Ecosystems)
Climax vegetation in the tundra
includes grasses, shrubs and low
growing plants!
Animal adaptations to cold:
1. Insulating qualities of thick fur
2. Limited blood circulation to
extremities!
3. Fat insulation: stored to burn when
heat needed
4. White fur acts as a camouflage
5. Hibernation and migration (birds
and caribou)
Animal adaptations to walking on snow
& ice:
1. Ptarmigan feet have feather for
walking on soft snow, so will not
sink.
2. Snow shoe hare develop a covering
of hair to protect soles, warm feet.
Plants adapt to very short growing
season:
1. Shallow roots. Permafrost 1-3
metres deep
2. Fast flowering and reproductive
cycle. Growing season 1-2 months
Adaptations in the Boreal Forest (High Latitude
Ecosystems)
Climax vegetation in the boreal
forest are evergreen or
coniferous trees
Coniferous trees are well
adapted to lack of water in
winter (it is all frozen).
Adaptations include:
1. Needle leaves reduce
surface area for
transpiration (water loss)
2. Drooping branches allow
heavy snow to fall off
relieving the pressure
3. Thick bark reduces water
loss
Adaptations in the Temperate Grasslands (Mid
Latitude Ecosystems)
The climax vegetation in the
Temperate Grasslands is grass.
Adaptations include:
1. Grass with shallow roots
2. A small water requirement
Adaptations in the Temperate Deciduous Forest (Mid
Latitude Ecosystems)
The climax vegetation is
temperate forests is
deciduous trees like oak,
birch and maple.
Their adaptation is that
they lose leaves in the
winter. This helps them
reduce water loss as most
water is lost from leaves.
Adaptations in the Tropical Rain Forest (Low Latitude
Ecosystems)
Climax vegetation in the
tropical forest is tall evergreen
broadleaf trees
Plants here have to reach
high into the canopy to get
sunlight while at the same
time reaching water from the
ground. Adaptations:
1. Long vines so leaves can
be at top of canopy while
roots can be on forest
floor
2. Epiphytes (mosses and
lichens) have specialized
roots that allow them to
absorb water from the air
so they do not have to
touch soil
3. Tall trees develop
buttress roots to support
their height.
Adaptations in the Desert (Low Latitude Ecosystems)
Climax vegetation in the
desert is cacti, and fleshy
plants with long roots, water
storage capability and leaves
modified as needles
Plants (cactus or xerophytes)
have to adapt to lack of water.
Adaptations:
1. Some plants (succulents)
store water in roots and
leaves
2. Some plants prevent water
loss with needle leaves and
thick skins
3. Some plants have deep
root systems to get water.
Adaptations in the Desert (Low Latitude Ecosystems)
Animals have to adapt to lack of
water & extreme heat. Adaptations:
1. Some animals are only active at
night when it is cooler
(nocturnal)
2. Some animals conserve water so
well they do not need to drink.
Water is obtained from food
they eat.
3. Some animals have large
extremities with high blood
circulation to help with heat
loss.
4. Toads hibernate during the
driest seasons
5. Some reptiles secrete solid uric
acid crystals instead of water
containing urine
Adaptations to the Polar Ice Cap
The climax vegetation in the Polar Ice Cap is
phytoplankton beneath the ice.
It is found in both hemispheres and is located only
in the extremely high latitudes (See fig. 6.8 pg.
102 for location).
The adaptation of producers to this ecosystem is
extreme. There is no land for the producers to
grow in so there are only small phytoplankton to
form the base of the food chain.
Adaptations to the Polar Ice Cap
Animals have a variety of adaptations to the
harsh polar ice cap climate.
• Migration in for the summer season and out for the
winter season is a common strategy for birds and
caribou
• Development of insulating features like thick fur &
fat insulation is common among polar bears and
other mammals
• White fur/feathers to help with camouflage