Download 3.1 The Distribution of Organisms in the Biosphere

3.1 THE DISTRIBUTION OF
ORGANISMS IN THE BIOSPHERE
Science 10
Mr. Francis
WHY DO THINGS LIVE WHERE
THEY LIVE?
How come sharks live in the ocean, but not in dutch
lake?
How come polar bears live in the arctic, but not in
kamloops?
Organisms are specialized for living in specific
conditions within the biosphere
The two key factors that determine where things can
live are average temperature, and average precipitation
The long-term pattern of temperature and
precipitation is called CLIMATE
WHAT ELSE INFLUENCES THE
“WEATHER”
Two key factors that influence
weather/climate
Latitude – distance from the equator
Close to the equator, more direct sunlight, therefore
warmer, longer growing season
Elevation – Height above sea level
High elevations generally have cooler temperatures
during winter months than lower elevations
Distance from a major body of water also
influences climate
WINDS AND CURRENTS
•Winds cause ocean currents
•Winds are caused by the movement of
warm and cold air masses.
•Currents are important in circulating heat
worldwide.
•On the BC coast, warm air rises and
cools near mountains.
•Most precipitation falls before air passes
over the mountains. “Rain shadow effect”
CLIMATORGRAPHS
•Precipitation and temperature caused by solar energy, winds, and
currents are most influential in determining the types of fauna and
flora in an ecosystem.
•Climatographs can show changes in temperature and precipitation.
The line shows temperature and the bars show precipitation.
ASSIGNMENT
•Read pages 51 – 59
•Answer questions P. 60 1, 3 – 6, 8, 12, 14 – 16