Characteristics of Distinct Environments Guided Notes
Habitats
Swamps
Rivers and
Streams
Tropical
Rainforests
Deserts
Polar Regions
Water
Abundant
Water
environment
Humid
Dry
Dry/Frozen
Plant Life
(examples)
Tall trees
Cypress trees,
ferns, water
lilies
Bushes/trees
on banks,
Water plants
Abundant
Trees, vines,
Lush growth
Scarce Cactus
Mostly
Lichens/mosses
Animal Life
(examples)
Alligators,
Water birds,
Turtles
Birds, Vines,
Trees
Snakes,
Lizards,
Scorpions,
Rabbits
Seals, Polar
bears,
Penguins
Temp.
Fish, Crayfish,
Snakes, Insects
Swamps
• Located in areas with ___________________ temperatures
• Because swamps have thick plant growth such as ferns and reeds, small bushes and small
trees do not thrive because of lack of sunlight.
• Surviving trees are very tall, reaching for sunlight.
• Standing water causes the trunks of trees to _____________________ out to provide support.
• Ex. of Tree: Cypress has “knees”, or roots that come to the surface for oxygen.
Living Organisms in Swamps
• Alligators, turtles, ducks, frogs, egrets
Rivers and Streams
• Moving bodies of _____________________can be found in warm or cold areas
• Fast moving water prevents trees from growing, so there are few if any large trees in a river or
stream.
• The moving water also tends to be full or debris, limiting sunlight and thereby limiting other
plant growth.
• They can be fast or slow moving water.
• The speed of the water __________________determines the types of plants and
animals that live in them or use them
• There are many plants along the banks (bushes and trees) as well as water plants.
• Many plants use these plants for food or shelter.
• fish, crayfish, snakes, and insects
Living Organisms in Rivers and Streams
• fish, crayfish, insects, bushes, trees, snakes
Tropical Rainforest
• Are very __________________ and warm and have an abundance of rain that leads to lush
plant growth
– for example: tall trees, vines, ferns, orchids, and other colorful flowering plants
• Animals that live in the rainforest are usually very colorful to match the variety of plants that
live there.
• Many animals are also tree ________________________, moving across the tree canopy,
rather than traveling on the ground
Living Organisms in the Tropical Rainforest
• tall trees, vines, ferns, orchids, other colorful flowering plants, birds, monkeys, frogs
Deserts
• Are dry with ______________________ temperature ranges
• Some are covered with sand.
• During the day it is very hot, whereas the nights are very cold.
• The animals that live in the desert have adapted to these conditions.
• Examples of specific animal adaptations are…
• have ways to ________________________ moisture
• the ability to go long periods without water (ex. cactus)
• can withstand extreme temperature changes
• thick skin (reptiles) to ________________________ their body from the hot sun
• sharp claws to dig burrows to stay warm at night/escape the sun in the day
Living Organisms in Deserts
• cacti, lizards, scorpions, jackrabbits
Polar Regions
• Very ____________________with little plant life
– Occasionally, there will be a rock with lichens growing on it or possible reindeer moss.
• The amount of daylight varies greatly throughout the year.
– Winters are mostly _____________________ with only moon and starlight
– In the summers, there is up to 24 hours of daylight
• Animals have adapted to this environment by having extra fat or thick fur for insulation and
waterproof outer coverings
• Includes the tundra, the ____________________, and Antarctica areas
Living Organisms in Polar Regions
• Reindeer, seals, polar bears, arctic foxes, penguins, small plants, lichens, or moss