Organisms and Their Environments

Organisms and Their Environments Characteristics of Distinct Environments Life Science

Habitats

Swamps • Located in areas with warm 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.

Swamps • Standing water causes the trunks of trees to spread 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 water 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.

Rivers and Streams • They can be fast or slow moving water. • The speed of the water flow 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 humid 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 dwellers, 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 extreme temperature ranges • Some are covered with sand. • During the day it is very hot, whereas the nights are very cold.

Deserts • The animals that live in the desert have adapted to these conditions. • Examples of specific animal adaptations are… • have ways to conserve moisture • the ability to go long periods without water (ex. cactus) • can withstand extreme temperature changes • thick skin (reptiles) to protect 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 cold 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 dark with only moon and starlight • In the summers, there is up to 24 hours of daylight

Polar Regions • Animals have adapted to this environment by having extra fat or thick fur for insulation and waterproof outer coverings • Include the tundra, the arctic, and Antarctica areas

Living Organisms in Polar Regions • reindeer • seals • polar bears • arctic foxes • penguins • small plants, lichens, or moss

Organisms and Their Environments