Concept of Biomes and Ecosystem

Introduction
When we look around us, we can see some similarities and differences among the living
organisms in a particular place. As we keenly observe, we can notice that all the abiotic
requirements of these living organisms are almost the same, such as amount of rainfall,
temperature, and sunlight. The assemblages of vegetation and other living organisms
can be so wide that no boundary of countries can separate their existence. Our
biosphere, the earth, has so many kinds of biomes. According to Campbell (1996),
biomes are defined as "the world's major communities, classified according to the
predominant vegetation and characterized by adaptations of organisms to that particular
environment". The importance of biomes cannot be overestimated. Biomes have
changed and moved many times during the history of life on Earth. More recently,
human activities have drastically altered these communities. Thus, conservation and
preservation of biomes should be a major concern to all (Berkeley). Ecosystem is
considered to be the basic functional unit in ecology. The interrelationships between the
different biotic and abiotic components is well-defined in this system that an alteration or
disruption may cause a change in the system. The change can be slight or huge or it
will depend upon the extent of the effect to the living organisms in a particular
community.
Objectives:
1. Identify the different biomes and ecosystem.
2. Understand and analyze the relationship of biomes with the different abiotic and
biotic components.
3. Appreciate the importance of abiotic components in the presence of living
organisms in a particular biome and its survival in a given ecosystem.
Materials:
 An outdoor area like a field or patch of garden String
 Magnifying glass (optional)
 Popsicle sticks
 Paper and pen
 Small gardening tools
 Website (for those with internet connectivity)
Instructions:
1. Locate a small patch of land to examine.
2. Use string to partition a segment.
3. Record observations about your ecosystem.
4. Include all living and non-living things.
5. Turn over a small patch of the turf. Observe what's beneath the surface.
 6. For those with internet connectivity: Virtual Tour with the different biomes.
Questions:
1. Describe the different biomes and differentiate each in terms of abiotic
requirements.
 Tundra – According to the virtual tour, tundra is a unique biome that is
found only on high altitudes like on mountain tops. Only the hardiest plants
and animals exists here because of extreme weather conditions or
environment. Up there, lack of trees is observed and the plants that grows
there are small in height (low shrubs), has hairy parts on their stems, to
protect themselves from the harsh winds. Permafrost is present and it is
also mentioned that there is lack of precipitation this type of biome.
 Dry Biomes (Desert) – This particular biome has extremely low humidity,
precipitation and water availability. Despite the factors of this biome, range
of plants and animals can still be found here. Soils in the desert is sandy,
decreasing the further availability of water. Deserts receive extreme
amount of sunlight, but in other types of desert, sunlight is minimal during
winter season. Temperature in this biome drastically changes from a
scorching day to cool night. Plants like Saguaro cactus are able to survive
in the desert because they absorb water moisture from the air or wind. On
the other hand, animals survive by being nocturnal where they avoid the
extreme heat during daytime.
 Aquatic (Marine) – This biome comprises of two parts: The Freshwater
(Rivers & Streams, Lake & Ponds, Wetlands and Estuaries) and Oceans
(Coastal Ocean, Intertidal Zone, Pelagic Zone, Deep Sea and Coral
Reefs). These types of Aquatic biomes differ in depths, meaning the
deeper it is, the higher the pressure becomes. In the deeper part of the
ocean, where the surface is no longer visible, light availability is almost
non-existent. Animals living here are unusual in appearance than the
fishes found in the shallow part of different bodies of water, in which
temperature also contributed to the distinct survival of marine animals.
 The Grasslands – Precipitation is the important factor to determine the
plants and animals that is able to grow (whether in Savana or Tropical).
Dominance of grasses is observed in this biome. Grasslands appear in
high temperature areas near sub-arctic regions. There is a high
percentage in moisture as well----high humidity. When it comes to
topography, there are types of grasslands that appear in low and high
elevation.
 The Forests – Based entirely on the name of this biome----soil, humidity,
precipitation, moisture content, minerals and temperature are the
dominant abiotic factor. There is vast of plants around forests meaning
sunlight is also most importantly present (photosynthesis). Topography
influences the amount of moisture released (precipitation). Wind is also an
 abiotic requirement or factor in the forest biome since it carries moisture
content.
2. What will happen if one of the abiotic components is not present in a given
ecosystem?
That particular ecosystem will become unstable in different aspects. It won’t
function as it was before and drastic changes will happen leading to series of
problems for the living things existing there. For example, in a tropical rainforest,
water scarcity happened. Moisture content from the wind is not enough for all the
plants and trees in a forest. Plants will wither and will unable to provide oxygen
for the animals. As time passes by that the forest is lacking water, the living
things there would eventually die.

3. How important are the abiotic components in the presence of the living
organisms in particular biome and its survival in a given ecosystem?
Abiotic components are the factors that determine on how a certain biome
functions. Types and numbers of organisms are determined by the abiotic
components present in a biome. The presence of abiotic factors in a given
ecosystem is necessary for sustaining life. Living organisms (biotic factors) relies
to abiotic factors to survive in a particular biome. Different types of animals
require certain abiotic requirements to live. Say for example, there is an absence
of sunlight in a forest. Sunlight is essential to plants for this is where they get
energy from to convert carbon dioxide, water and nutrients into food. Without
plants that bears food, herbivore animals would eventually die. Carnivores that
preys on herbivores would eventually ran out of food and preys as well. A series
of problems within the ecosystem would happen.
Conclusion
Across our planet, there are regions that exhibits unique characteristics with one
another. These distinctive biological features in one ecosystem is called a biome. It is
also defined as the characterized adaptation of organisms to a certain environment. In
the guide questions answered, it was known that there are five (5) major types of
biomes, namely: Marine, Desert, Forest, Grassland and Tundra. Each of this
environment have their own facets. The abiotic requirements or factors was discussed
as well (Temperature, Light, Humidity, Soil and Wind). Each of the biome has different
abiotic requirements that are interconnected with the biotic factors present. The
presence of abiotic factors in a given ecosystem is necessary for sustaining life. Living
organisms (biotic factors) relies to abiotic factors to survive in a particular biome. If one
abiotic factor is missing in an ecosystem, the survival of both plants and animals are
most likely crucial. One problem will lead to another until some sort of extinction
between living things in that particular sector happen. With the rise of urbanization and
technology, these types of environments are slowly vanishing before our eyes. Humans
should be educated about the consequences of over usage of resources. We aren’t the
only one in need of nature. We need to protect and preserve our environment. Animals,
nature and humans should coexist in harmony.
Extension Ideas
What are the possible human activities that may affect the survival of organisms
specially those found in the wild? List ways to protect and conserve our
environment.
The following are human activities that affects survival of organisms in the wild:
 Deforestation  Pesticides
 Hunting  Overpopulation
 Mining  Quarrying
 Forest Fire  Burning fossil fuels
 Urbanization  Pollution
 Destruction of habitat  and herbicides
In order to protect and conserve our environment, the following ways should be
implemented:
 Conserve our resources
 Recycle
 Proper garbage disposal
 Cleanup drives
 Use eco-friendly or reusable instead of single use
 Use fewer chemicals
 Plant more trees
 Plant more crops
 Choose sustainable
 Volunteer for environmental programs
 Be kind to animals
 Educate