Life zone: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:49, 13 February 2025

An ecological classification system based on climate and vegetation

Life zones are a system of biogeographic classification that categorizes regions of the Earth's surface based on their climate and vegetation. This concept was first developed by C. Hart Merriam in 1898 and later expanded by Leslie Holdridge in 1947. Life zones are used to understand the distribution of ecosystems and biodiversity across different altitudes and latitudes.

Concept[edit]

The concept of life zones is based on the observation that similar climatic conditions produce similar types of vegetation and ecosystems, regardless of their geographic location. This allows for the classification of regions into distinct zones that share common ecological characteristics.

Merriam's Life Zones[edit]

C. Hart Merriam originally proposed the concept of life zones to describe the distribution of flora and fauna in the United States. He identified several zones based on temperature and precipitation patterns, such as the Arctic zone, Boreal zone, and Tropical zone.

Holdridge's Life Zones[edit]

Leslie Holdridge expanded on Merriam's work by developing a more detailed system that incorporates biotemperature, annual precipitation, and potential evapotranspiration. Holdridge's life zone system is represented in a triangular diagram, which categorizes regions into various zones such as tropical rainforest, desert, and tundra.

Classification[edit]

Life zones are classified based on a combination of climatic factors, including:

These factors influence the types of vegetation and animal life that can thrive in a particular zone.

Applications[edit]

Life zones are used in various fields, including ecology, conservation biology, and climate science. They help scientists and policymakers understand the potential impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Related pages[edit]

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-Life Zone
+{{short description|An ecological classification system based on climate and vegetation}}
+{{about|the ecological classification system|other uses|Life zone (disambiguation)}}
-A life zone, also known as a bioclimatic zone or ecological zone, refers to a specific area on Earth that is characterized by distinct environmental conditions and supports particular types of plant and animal life. These zones are determined by factors such as temperature, precipitation, altitude, and soil composition. Life zones play a crucial role in shaping the distribution and diversity of species across the planet.
+[[File:Lifezones Pengo.svg|thumb|right|Diagram of life zones according to Holdridge's system]]
-== Characteristics ==
+'''Life zones''' are a system of [[biogeographic classification]] that categorizes regions of the Earth's surface based on their [[climate]] and [[vegetation]]. This concept was first developed by [[C. Hart Merriam]] in 1898 and later expanded by [[Leslie Holdridge]] in 1947. Life zones are used to understand the distribution of [[ecosystems]] and [[biodiversity]] across different [[altitudes]] and [[latitudes]].
-Life zones are defined by their unique combination of climate, topography, and vegetation. The primary factors that determine the characteristics of a life zone are temperature and precipitation. Temperature influences the length of growing seasons, while precipitation determines the availability of water for plants and animals.
-Altitude is another important factor in defining life zones. As elevation increases, temperature and air pressure decrease, resulting in changes in vegetation and animal life. For example, high-altitude life zones, such as alpine zones, are characterized by cold temperatures, strong winds, and limited vegetation.
+==Concept==
+The concept of life zones is based on the observation that similar [[climatic conditions]] produce similar types of [[vegetation]] and [[ecosystems]], regardless of their geographic location. This allows for the classification of regions into distinct zones that share common ecological characteristics.
-Soil composition also plays a significant role in determining the types of plants that can thrive in a particular life zone. Different soil types have varying levels of fertility, drainage, and nutrient content, which directly impact the growth and survival of plant species.
+===Merriam's Life Zones===
+[[C. Hart Merriam]] originally proposed the concept of life zones to describe the distribution of [[flora]] and [[fauna]] in the [[United States]]. He identified several zones based on [[temperature]] and [[precipitation]] patterns, such as the [[Arctic zone]], [[Boreal zone]], and [[Tropical zone]].
-== Types of Life Zones ==
+===Holdridge's Life Zones===
-There are several recognized systems for classifying life zones, each with its own set of categories and criteria. One widely used classification system is the Holdridge Life Zone System, which takes into account temperature, precipitation, and potential evapotranspiration.
+[[Leslie Holdridge]] expanded on Merriam's work by developing a more detailed system that incorporates [[biotemperature]], [[annual precipitation]], and [[potential evapotranspiration]]. Holdridge's life zone system is represented in a triangular diagram, which categorizes regions into various zones such as [[tropical rainforest]], [[desert]], and [[tundra]].
-The Holdridge Life Zone System categorizes life zones into three main types: tropical, temperate, and polar. Within each of these types, there are further subdivisions based on specific temperature and precipitation ranges. For example, tropical life zones include tropical rainforests, tropical seasonal forests, and tropical savannas.
+==Classification==
+Life zones are classified based on a combination of climatic factors, including:
-Another classification system is the Köppen Climate Classification, which focuses on temperature and precipitation patterns. This system divides life zones into five main types: tropical, dry, temperate, continental, and polar. Each type is further divided into subcategories based on specific climate characteristics.
+* [[Temperature]]
+* [[Precipitation]]
+* [[Humidity]]
+* [[Altitude]]
-== Importance ==
+These factors influence the types of [[vegetation]] and [[animal life]] that can thrive in a particular zone.
-Life zones are essential for understanding and conserving biodiversity. They provide valuable insights into the distribution of species and the factors that influence their survival. By studying life zones, scientists can identify areas of high species richness and prioritize conservation efforts.
-Life zones also play a crucial role in agriculture and land management. Understanding the specific environmental conditions of a particular area helps farmers determine which crops are suitable for cultivation. Additionally, land managers can use life zone information to make informed decisions about land use planning and conservation strategies.
+==Applications==
+Life zones are used in various fields, including [[ecology]], [[conservation biology]], and [[climate science]]. They help scientists and policymakers understand the potential impacts of [[climate change]] on [[biodiversity]] and [[ecosystem services]].
-== See Also ==
+==Related pages==
-* [[Biodiversity]]
+* [[Biome]]
-* [[Ecology]]
+* [[Ecoregion]]
-* [[Ecosystem]]
+* [[Biogeography]]
-* [[Habitat]]
+* [[Climatic zone]]
-* [[Species Distribution]]
-== References ==
-<references />
 [[Category:Ecology]]
-[[Category:Environmental Science]]
 [[Category:Biogeography]]
 [[Category:Climate]]
-[[Category:Geography]]