Describing VegetationFactors that Influence VegetationDistribution of VegetationTransect to SubtropicsTropical SavannaGEO 155 1st Edition Lecture 14Last Lecture Climate TypesOutline of Current Lecture I. Vegetation – Generala. Describingi. Floristicsii. Structure1. Dominant life from2. Leaf characteristicsb. Environmental factors that influence vegetationII. Distribution of Vegetationa. Near equatorb. Transect to the SubtropicsCurrent LectureDescribing Vegetation1. Floristics – list species2. Structure – what is the vegetation like?I. Life Forms of Dominant Plantsi. Single woody stem – treeii. Multiple, short woody stems – shrubsiii. Non-woody – herb/herbaceousA. Forest – continuous cover of treesB. Savanna – scattered trees with herbaceous plantsC. Grasslands – all herbaceous plantsD. Shrublands – shrubs (continuous or scattered)II. Leaf CharacteristicsThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.i. Shapeii. Timing1. Broadleaf or needle-leaf2. Evergreen or deciduousFactors that Influence Vegetation1. Climate – energy and moisture2. Topographya. Microclimate – south facing slopes drierb. Draining – availability of wateri. Valley bottoms more moist 3. Soila. Waterb. Nutrients4. Biotic Interactions – encounter between other organismsa. Animal-plant: grazing; dispersalb. Plant-plant – competition; allelopathy (release of toxins into the soil to avoid competition from other plants)5. Disturbance – fires, floods, wind throw, volcanic eruptions, earthquakesDistribution of Vegetation- At the equator, there is a tropical wet climate (hot and wet all year)- Tropical Broadleaf Evergreen Forest Forest – plenty of energy and moisture to support lots of biomass Evergreen – no stressful season Broadleaf – most efficient shape to collect solar energyTransect to Subtropics- Tropical Wet and Dry – hot and warm all yearo Dry “winter; wet “summer”- Increasingly dry season deciduous – reduce transpiration (loss of water)Tropical Savanna- Limited moistureo Fire – more frequently an area burns, the more important herbaceous plants are; this is due to the fact that most of the plant’s biomass is underground so it is easier to regrow on the surfaceo Soil
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