HONORS BIOLOGY
ECOLOGY
Chapter 34 Objectives
“The Biosphere”
Opening Essay: Compare the unusual ecology of the Himalayas and deep-sea hydrothermal vent communities.
The Biosphere
34.1 Define and distinguish between the different levels within ecosystems. Distinguish between the biotic and abiotic
components of an ecosystem.
34.2 Summarize the subject and impact of Rachel Carson’s influential book Silent Spring.
34.3 Describe the abiotic factors that influence life in the biosphere.
34.4 Describe the adaptations that enable pronghorns to survive in the open plains and shrub deserts of North America.
34.5 Explain how global climate patterns are influenced by solar energy input as well as the movement of Earth through
space.
34.5 Explain how landforms affect local climate.
34.5 Explain why the seasons of the year, prevailing winds, and ocean currents exist.
Aquatic Biomes
34.6 Describe the abiotic and biotic characteristics of the different ocean zones and adjacent aquatic biomes.
34.7 Describe the different types of freshwater biomes.
34.7 Explain how the properties of a river change between its source and its outlet, and how this impacts the biotic
components of this biome.
Terrestrial Biomes
34.8 Explain why species in widely separated biomes may have similar features.
34.8 Explain why storms and fire are crucial factors in some biomes.
34.8–34.16
Describe the types of characteristics used to define terrestrial biomes. Then use these characteristics to
define the major terrestrial biomes: tropical forests, savannas, deserts, chaparral, temperate grasslands, temperate
forests, coniferous forests, and tundra.
34.17 Explain how all parts of the biosphere are linked by the global water cycle.
Key Terms
abiotic factor
aphotic zone
benthic realm
biome
biosphere
biotic factor
chaparral
community
coniferous forest
continental shelf
desert
desertification
doldrums
ecology
ecosystem
estuary
habitat
intertidal zone
landscape
ocean current
organism
pelagic realm
permafrost
photic zone
phytoplankton
population
prevailing winds
savanna
temperate broadleaf forest
temperate grassland
temperate zones
trade winds
tropical forest
tropics
tundra
westerlies
wetland
zooplankton
Student Media
The Biosphere
MP3 Tutor: Ecological Hierarchy (34.1)
Activity: Connection: DDT and the Environment (34.2)
Activity: Adaptations to Biotic and Abiotic Factors (34.4)
Process of Science: How Do Abiotic Factors Affect Distribution of Organisms? (34.3)
Aquatic Biomes
Activity: Aquatic Biomes (34.7)
Video: Hydrothermal Vent (34.6)
Video: Tubeworms (34.6)
Video: Coral Reef (34.6)
Terrestrial Biomes
Activity: Terrestrial Biomes (34.16)
Mrs. Loyd 
cloyd@waukee.k12.ia.us
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3/7/2016
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