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Abiotic Factors Influencing Plant and Animal Distribution in Coastal Dune Ecosystems

This outline explores the abiotic factors affecting plant and animal distribution in coastal dune ecosystems, such as temperature, water availability, light, soil pH, salinity, and mineral nutrients. For plants, the adaptations to extreme conditions in foredunes versus more varied environments in mature dunes are discussed. Examples include grasses and ferns thriving under specific light and moisture conditions. For animals, adaptations to temperature and water needs are highlighted, alongside the importance of breeding and nesting sites. The impact of habitat loss and food availability on animal species is also examined.

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Abiotic Factors Influencing Plant and Animal Distribution in Coastal Dune Ecosystems

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  1. G1: Community Ecology

  2. G.1.1 Outline the (abiotic) factors that affect the distribution of plant species-- • Example: sand dune community • Temperature& Water • Foredune—very hot in summer, little water • Grass adapted to conditions • Long roots find water; leaves can curl to save water and resist heat • Mature dune—much cooler, more moist • More species diversity • Example –“forest” floor--ferns (low light, moist conditions)

  3. G.1.1 Outline the (abiotic) factors that affect the distribution of plant species-- • Light • Grasses in high light • Thin leaves reduce water loss, withstand heat • Ferns – low light • Wide leaves capture the small amt light / shade • Soil pH • pH varies among dune regions • Yellow dune- soil pH 7.5 (grass here too, thrives @ pH) • Grey dune-decomposition of lots grasses, soil more rich, more acidic (acid-loving heathers here)

  4. G.1.1 Outline the (abiotic) factors that affect the distribution of plant species-- • Salinity • Foredunes get salt spray • Grasses can tolerate it • Grey dune less salty • Small shrubs, mosses, lichen • Mineral nutrients • Grey dune – diversity of plants, older region, has mineral content to support shrubs, etc. • Mature dune – way inland, lots of nutrient-rich soil, oldest region (soil building up 100s yrs), can support large trees (ash, birch, oak)

  5. G.1.2 Explain the factors that affect the distribution of ANIMAL species, including • Example: Indiana Dunes, Lake Michigan • Temperature • Animals adapted for hot/cold temps • Sand wolf spider: foredune dweller, extreme high temps—lives in deep burrow (behavioral adaptation) • Woodland spider: live in trees (shade, cooler)-mature dune • Water • Water for eggs, aquatic animals for food • Heron-catches fish/frogs, lives near water • Woodpecker-eats insects in trees, lives in mature dune

  6. G.1.2 Explain the factors that affect the distribution of ANIMAL species, including • Breeding sites • Nesting sites • Protection from sun, wind; mature dune, wetlands • Habitat loss!  • Food supply • Generalists, specialists • Raccoons, skunks, foxes-move to where food is located; nocturnal • Rabbits-burrows in foredune, near grass (food) • Territory • Packs of coyotes, scent to mark space • May or may not overlap

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