Transcript 1.1 PPT
Chapter 1: Biomes & ecosystems are divisions of the biosphere 1.1 Biomes • The word “biosphere” refers to the area on and near Earth’s surface where living things exist. • Biomes are regions with similar biotic & abiotic components • Biotic = living things • Abiotic = non-living things (air, water, soil, etc.) • Biomes are classified based on many characteristics: water availability, temperature & interactions between biotic & abiotic factors. Provincial Exam Question Distribution of Biomes • Temperature & precipitation are 2 of the most important abiotic factors in identifying biomes. Distribution of Biomes Distribution of Biomes Other identifying factors include: • Latitude influences both temperature & precipitation. • Latitude is the distance north and south from the equator. Ex. The tropical zone has very warm temps & high precip because the sun shines straight down & warm air holds more moisture than cooler air. • Elevation is the height above sea level – Higher elevations have less air, & therefore less heat is retained. – Windward sides of mountains are wet, leeward sides are very dry. • Ocean currents carry warmth & moisture to coastal areas. – Where warm currents meet land, temperate biomes are found. Provincial Exam Question Provincial Exam Question Provincial Exam Question Climatographs • Climate: the average pattern of weather conditions over a period of several years. – A climatograph shows the average temperature & precipitation for a location over a period of 30+ years. – Climatographs show the precipitation on the right hand y-axis, temperature on the left hand y-axis and time along the x-axis (bottom) Climatographs Provincial Exam Question An adaptation is a characteristic that allows an organism to better survive and reproduce. Types of adaptations: 1. Structural adaptation - a physical feature that helps an organism survive. ex. A wolf has large paws to help it run in snow. 2. Physiological adaptation - a physical or chemical event inside the body of an organism that allows it to survive. ex. A wolf maintains a constant body temperature. 3. Behavioural adaptation - a behaviour that helps an organism to survive. ex. Wolves hunt in packs to capture large prey. Provincial Exam Question Take the Section 1.1 Quiz