Arctic tundra.
High latitudes, low temp with high variaton, low precip. with little seasonal variation, low flora and fauna diversity and productivity
Alpine tundra.
Type of tundra that that occurs above the limit of tree growth but below the permanent snow line on high mountains; vegetation is similar to the arctic tundra but receives more sunlight and has no permafrost layer
Leaching
Process in which various chemicals in upper layers of soil are dissolved and carried to lower layers and, in some cases, to groundwater.
Mediterranean climates.
Occur mainly in 2 kinds of areas, along the coastal areas of Europe and on the west coasts of continents w/ cool ocean currents. Does not usually extend far beyond coastal mountain ranges, stable sinking air of the subtropical high pressure zone cause lon
Plankton
The word is derived from Greek words for "errant" and "drifter". Describes small plant and animal organisms that float or drift in great numbers in fresh or salt water
Phytoplankton.
Microscopic, free-floating, autotrophic organisms that function as producers in aquatic ecosystems.
Zooplankton.
Floating microscopic animals, including the larval stages of many larger animals. feed on phytoplankton and other zooplankton.
Nekton
Free swimming aquatic organisms such as fish
Benthos
Organisms (plants and animals) that live at or near the bottom of a sea
Littoral zone
In a lake, the shallow, well-lit waters close to shore.
Limnetic zone
Area in a freshwater habitat away from the shore but still close to the surface
Profundal zone
Zone in a freshwater habitat that is below the limits of effective light penetration
Thermal stratification.
Lakes in temperate regions have vertical layers that very in temperature and density
Thermocline.
A narrow layer of rapid temperature change in the ocean and in many temperate-zone lakes
Turnover
A semiannual mixing of water most temperate lakes go through as a result of changing temperature profiles. brings oxygenated water from a lake's surface to the bottom and nutrient rich water from the bottom to the top in both spring and autumn
Estuary.
A coastal body of water, partially surrounded by land, in which freshwater and saltwater mix. For example, San Francisco Bay is technically an Estuary.
Abyssal benthic zone
Part of the ocean floor that extends from a depth of 4,000 to 6,000 m
Hadal benthic zone
Part of the ocean floor that extends from 6,000 m to the bottom
Fringing reef
Type of coral reef that forms as a border along the coast
Atoll
An island consisting of a circular coral reef surrounding a lagoon
Barrier reef
A type of coral reef that develops at some distance from the coast
Neritic province
The water over the continental shelf; where 90% of all marine life lives. Exists from the shore to depths of 200m (650ft)- Photosynthesis occurs, driving primary production.
Euphotic zone
Upper layer of a body of water through which sunlight can penetrate and support photosynthesis.
Marine snow
The organic debris (plankton, dead organisms, fecal material, etc.) that "rains" into the dark area of the oceanic province from the lighted region above; the primary food of most organisms that live in the ocean's depths.
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan
This will eventually supply clean, fresh water to the Everglades and to the fast-growing population of South Florida.
Tropical Rainforest
In this biome it rains almost everyday. Temperatures are high with little difference between day and night temperatures. There are more organisms living here than anywhere else on Earth.
Grasslands
Only grass and shrubs, no trees. Wildfires are common. Plants have long, extended root systems. There is a rich soil, and moderate precipitation. Almost all of the biome has been converted to agricultural land.
Savanna
A grassland that often has scattered trees and that is found in tropical and subtropical areas with a wet season and a dry season. Seasonal fires and droughts occur. Primarily exists in Africa where the Acacia tree is it's symbol but also in some areas of
Temperate Forest
Biome usually having four distinct seasons and climax communities of deciduous forest.
Taiga
Known for snow, and evergreen (coniferous) trees. It is the largest biome. The colors of plants and animals are darker. The tree's leaves are needle-like, and never stop doing photosynthesis.
Desert
A type of biome characterized by low moisture levels and infrequent and unpredictable precipitation. Daily and seasonal temperatures fluctuate widely
Temperate Rainforest
The cool, dense, rainy forests of the northern Pacific coast and the coast of Chile in South America. Dominated by large conifers. Fairly acidic soil. More mild winters and cool summers.