Biomes on Earth: Lesson 7

Biomes on Earth

• Biomes are major terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that support a wide range of plants and animals.

Terrestrial Biomes

• There are three main types of terrestrial biomes: rainforest, desert, and grassland.

Rainforest Biomes

• Rainforests are characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall.
• There are two types of rainforests: tropical and temperate.
• Tropical rainforests are found near the equator and have a diverse range of plant and animal species.
• Temperate rainforests are found in cooler regions and have a more limited range of species.

Parts of a Tropical Rainforest

• A tropical rainforest consists of four layers: emergent layer, canopy layer, understory layer, and forest floor.

Threats to Rainforests

• Rainforests are threatened by deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change.

Desert Biomes

• Deserts are characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, and limited vegetation.
• Examples of desert biomes include the Sahara Desert, Mojave Desert, and Gobi Desert.

Threats to Deserts

• Deserts are threatened by climate change, overgrazing, and human activity.

Grassland Biomes

• Grasslands are characterized by temperate climates, low rainfall, and limited vegetation.
• Examples of grassland biomes include savannas, prairies, and steppes.

Threats to Grasslands

• Grasslands are threatened by habitat fragmentation, overgrazing, and climate change.

Tundra Biome

• Tundra is a cold, treeless biome found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
• The tundra is threatened by climate change, habitat fragmentation, and human activity.

Marine Biomes

• Marine biomes include coral reefs, estuaries, and open ocean ecosystems.
• The ocean biome is the largest ecosystem on Earth, covering over 70% of the planet.

Coral Reefs

• Coral reefs are found in shallow, tropical waters and are characterized by a diverse range of marine life.

Threats to Marine Biomes

• Marine biomes are threatened by climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

Freshwater Biomes

• Freshwater biomes include rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
• Freshwater biomes are threatened by habitat fragmentation, pollution, and human activity.