Transcript Biomes-Plant Adaptations


Constant warmth and rainfall provides the
home to most of the species on Earth.


> 70% of all terrestrial species
Question:

How does the structure of a rainforest allow so many
species to coexist?


Top soil is thin and poor (acidic) due to rapid
nutrient recycling (lots of bacteria/fungi present to
recycle nutrients).
Adaptations to soil conditions
 Tree trunks widen their bases for support
 Shallow roots to absorb nutrients.

Vines and Epiphytes grow on the sides of tree
trunks and limbs.

Why would this be an advantage?

Plant life is adapted to fluctuating
temperatures.

Growing Season



Autumn



Spring through Summer
Plants and trees produce and store large amounts of
food
Trees shed leaves to preserve water and energy over
the winter
Photosynthesis stops
Winter

Trees consume food storages.



Decay of leaf litter is slowed by the winter
months.
This provides a deep, rich layer of soil.
More sunlight penetration results in a thicker
understory and more plant life on the forest
floor.

Leaves are needles


Long, thin, and covered in a thick and waxy resin.
What advantage would this serve?
Many conifers are shaped like a cone.



What advantage would this provide?
Snow

Insulates the roots of trees over the winter.

Plants tend to be small and grow close to the
warmer ground.


Precipitation is mainly snow and ice.
Majority of soil is frozen year round.


Only thin layer of soil thaws in summer.
How could plants adapt to a thin layer of soil?


Wide, shallow roots.
Mosses and Lichen can grow on bare rock.

Main challenge facing plants.

Limited water

Absorbing water efficiently

have very shallow roots that grow over a wide area.
Preventing water loss.



Succulent tissues
Spines

Important abiotic factors



Limited rainfall
Fires
wind

Limited water

Heavy cycles of rain followed by long droughts.

Trees and shrubs grow near ponds, streams, and
springs.

Fires

Destroy most trees and shrubs

The majority of the biomass for grass is
belowground in the form of roots.
 Why is this an advantage for grasses?

Convert organic matter into valuable nutrients,
providing a deep, fertile soil for grasses.

Heat assists in germination of grass seeds.

Wind


Carries seeds and pollen long distances
Dispersal mechanism.

Which biome would you find me?

Which biome would you find me?

Which biome would you find me?

Which biome would you find me?