Rain Forest

Recall Stratification
Niche Occupation

Two factors create enormous
biodiversity in animal species.
 Stratification
 Diversity of tree species.
Rain Forest
Conditions vary at each forest level.
 Different communities evolve to occupy
each habitat.

Birds of Paradise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L54bx
mZy_NE&index=2&list=PLE8BC78E237
81DCA1
Deciduous Forests
Stratification
 also exists within deciduous forests,
 Less tree biodiversity than found in rain
forests.
Forest Floor
Decaying leaves provide a deep, rich
layer of soil.
 Insects and other invertebrates live in
the soil and debris, feeding on abundant
organic matter

Deciduous Forests

Winter Adaptations
 Migration
○ Many birds fly south to find warmer
temperatures and food
 Hibernation
○ Some mammals reduce their metabolic
activity so that they do not need as much food
for energy.
Winter Adaptations in Deciduous
Forests
Coniferous Forests

Adaptations
 Hibernation
 Burrowers
 Thick body hair
Recall: Snow acts
as an insulator

Coniferous Forests
Some animals thrive in the winter conditions.
Tundra

caribou
 Body hair traps air that acts as insulator.
 migrate during the winter in search of food and
water

Wolves
 Take advantage
of caribou
movement patterns
 prey on burrowers.
○ Lemmings
○ mice
○ hares
Camouflage
Deserts

Recall: water is very limited.
Desert Reptiles

Have thick, scaly skin that prevents
water loss
Desert Amphibians

Burrow in ground and sleep through the
dry season.
Invertebrates
Nocturnal Behavior
 Active at night
○ Hunting/feeding at night avoids the daytime
heat.
Temperate Grasslands
Steppes
 Prairies

Adaptations

During colder months, some animals
hibernate in search of food and warmer
temperatures.

During warmer months, large herbivores
are supported by the abundant grasses.

Many smaller animals burrow to avoid fires
and extreme temperatures throughout the
year.
Prairie Dog Towns
Bison
Tropical Grasslands
AKA Savanna

Animal populations concentrate around
streams and watering holes.
 Recall: streams and watering holes are
sources of water and more vegetation.

vertical feeding patterns:
 Animals eat vegetation at different heights to
avoid competition for limited resources.
Vertical Feeding Pattern
More Adaptations
Many animals, such as zebras, migrate
long distances in search of water.
 Predators follow their migration patterns.
