5b forest ecology of costa rica ecosystems power point
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Transcript of 5b forest ecology of costa rica ecosystems power point
Forest Ecosystems and Species of Costa Rica
General Overview of Costa Rica Forests Has a total area of 2,605,000 hectares
This is 51% of Costa Rica's total area! 23.9% of this area is primary forest
Is habitat to 500,000 species 1,500 of which are amphibians, birds, mammals, and
reptiles 6.9% are endemic 6.6% are threatened
Comprised of 12,119 species of known vascular plants 7.8% are endemic
Contains many different microclimates Differences in shading, precipitation, and other factors
Nutrient cycling and soil cohesion Very efficient nutrient cycling; closed-loop system Root from vegetation prevent soils from eroding
Climate and air quality regulation Acts as a carbon sink and produces oxygen
Contains 238 million metric tons of carbon in living biomass
Regulates temperatures through evapotranspiration Provision of goods
Produces raw materials for construction and fuel Provides fresh water and food
Key habitat for animals and plants Plants have potential medicinal purposes Attracts tourists and increases the nation’s economy
Ecological Services
Ecosystems to ExploreRainforests Cloud Forests
Dry Forests
One of the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems in the world
Very poor soil fertility but efficient nutrient cycling 4 forest layers:
Tropical Rainforests
High productivity and biodiversity Found in higher elevations, such as the sides of
mountains Almost always shrouded in clouds, producing unique
climates 4 forest layers, same as rainforests
Cloud Forests
Scarce vegetation but high biodiversity Can sustain 50-100% of the number of fauna and flora
as neighboring rainforests can Little to no precipitation for most of the year, but
receives a great amount during the rainy season 2 forest layers:
Canopy Forest Floor
Dry Forests
What are the differences?Rainforest Cloud Forest Dry Forest
Temperature (°F)
Precipitation (cm)
Elevation (m)
Canopy Height (m)
0 - 6000 - 1,000
72 - 92
15 - 40
500 – 3,000
200 - 600 100 - 300
61 - 64
40 - 60
110 - 150
20 - 30
72 - 92
Types of Vegetation
Evergreen Trees(Some Deciduous)
EpiphytesClimbers
Evergreen and Deciduous Trees
EpiphytesMosses
Deciduous Trees(Some Evergreen)
ShrubsHerbs
Forest Layers 4 4 2
Dry Period 0 - 2 Months 0 - 2 Months 5-8 Months
Deforestation
Agriculture
Ranching
Urbanization
Mining
Dam construction
Pollution
Threats to these Ecosystems
Description: About 80-96 cm in length and weighs 1 kg Can live up to 50 years in the Wild (75 years in captivity); reaches sexual maturity at age 5 Produces 2 or 3 offspring each season
Population decline: No more than 4,000 in Central America
Threats: Deforestation and habitat fragmentation/loss Illegal pet trade Hunting for feathers
Scarlet Macaw
Description: One of the largest New World monkeys; around 140 cm long from head to tail and weighs 6-9 kg Has long, slim limbs and a strong prehensile tail Lifespan of up to 33 years
Population Decline: Since 1995, populations have declined as much as 50%
Threats: Deforestation and habitat loss Illegal pet trafficking and hunting
Spider Monkey
Description: One of the largest butterflies in the world with wings
that span 3-8 inches Tops of wings are bright blue edged with black, but
undersides are dull brown with spots Lifespan of 115 days
Threats Deforestation Capture by collectors
Morpho Blue Butterfly
Conservation Efforts National parks
Minimizes and prevents degradation of forested ecosystems in protected areas
Increases visibility of issues to public Restoration projects
Replanting forests
Connect to nature Reduce waste Conserve energy and water Buy less, buy “green” Eat local and grow your own! Volunteer Express yourself!
What can you do?