RNR 1001 Lecture : RNR 1001 Notes Feb 21 25
Document Summary
Terrestrial ecosystems - biomes a biome: desert. Characteristics of deserts: slow plant growth, low biodiversity, drought conditions, very fragile ecosystems. A terrestrial ecosystem with similar rainfall and temperature structures is termed. Evaporation > precipitation, usually < 25 cm (10")/ year. Vegetation: thick, leathery leaves; root systems may be deep, but always extensive to get as much water as possible; reduced number of stoma; long dominant seasons. The semi-arid areas are used for grazing, but this practice is not sustainable with a large number of animals. Deserts can be irrigated and crops grown due to nutrients in the soil. Some animal do not drink water, but rely on attaining water from the food they eat. Short and tall prairie (united states); the difference is amount of water; today. More precipitation than deserts, major disturbances are drought and fire. Drought is common, so forest do not develop. Fire is part of grassland ecology and now used as a management tool.
