Transitional
Biomes
Understanding the areas where ecosystems meet
What are transitional biomes?
•These are areas between two different ecosystems (land and
water).
•They share characteristics of both and support diverse life.
Why are they important?
•Help in nutrient cycling, protect coastlines, and provide habitats for
many species.
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Characteristics of Transitional Biomes
•Have changing conditions due to water levels, temperature,
and salinity.
•Support unique plants and animals that adapt to both land and
water.
•Act as natural filters, cleaning water before it enters rivers and
oceans.
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Types of Transitional Biomes
• Estuaries, Mangroves, and
There are three main Wetlands.
types:
• The Amazon River Estuary
(Estuary), Sundarbans
(Mangrove), and Pantanal
Wetlands in South America.
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Estuaries – Where Rivers Meet the Ocean
•A place where freshwater from rivers
meets salty ocean water.
•Importance:
•Rich in nutrients, making them one of
the most productive ecosystems.
•Serve as nurseries for fish and other
marine animals.
•Provide food and shelter for birds, crabs,
and shellfish.
•Chesapeake Bay (USA) – One of the
largest estuaries, home to oysters, fish,
and blue crabs.
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Mangroves – Coastal Forests in Salty Water
•Trees and shrubs that grow in coastal
areas with salty water.
Importance:
•Protect shorelines from storms and
erosion.
•Provide shelter for fish, crabs, and birds.
•Store carbon, helping to reduce climate
change effects.
Sundarbans (India & Bangladesh) – The
world’s largest mangrove forest, home to
the Bengal tiger.
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Wetlands – Nature’s Water Filters
•Areas covered with water for most of the
year, including swamps, marshes, and
bogs.
Importance:
•Filter pollutants and improve water
quality.
•Provide homes for birds, amphibians, and
fish.
•Act as natural flood control, absorbing
excess water.
•Pantanal Wetlands (Brazil, Bolivia,
Paraguay) – The world’s largest tropical
wetland, home to jaguars and capybaras.
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Importance of Transitional Biomes
•Provide food and shelter for many animals.
•Help clean water before it enters oceans and rivers.
•Protect coastlines from erosion and storms.
•Support local economies through fishing and tourism.
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Threats to Transitional Biomes
•Pollution: Waste from factories and farms harms water quality.
•Example: The Yangtze River Estuary (China), where pollution affects fish and marine life.
•Deforestation: Cutting down mangroves leads to coastal erosion.
•Example: The loss of mangroves in the Philippines due to urbanization.
•Urbanization: Cities and roads replace wetlands.
•Example: Wetlands in Florida being drained for new buildings.
•Climate Change: Rising sea levels and extreme weather events
damage these biomes.
•Example: The Maldives losing land due to rising ocean levels
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THANK YOU VERY
MUCH
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