Exploring Earth's Biomes

• Biomes are major life zones characterized by their vegetation, climate, and animal life

Key characteristics of major Biomes

• Tropical Rainforest: High biodiversity, warm temperatures, high rainfall
• Desert: Low precipitation, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation
• Savanna: Grasslands with scattered trees and seasonal rainfall
• Temperate Forest: Deciduous trees, moderate climate, and distinct seasons
• Taiga (Boreal Forest): Coniferous trees, cold climate, and longer winters
• Tundra: Cold, treeless, permafrost, and low biodiversity

Distribution of Global Biomes

• Biomes are distributed based on latitude, altitude, and climate
• Major biomes exist in specific geographic regions, like rainforests near the equator

Australia's Biomes

• Savanna: Found in Northern regions, characterized by dry grasslands
• Desert: Central Australia, defined by arid conditions
• Temperate Forest: Southern regions, with more rainfall and diverse flora

Factors Affecting Biomes

• Latitude and Climate: Influence temperature and precipitation patterns
• Mountain Barriers: Influence rainfall (orographic effect) and temperature
• Altitude (Elevation): Higher elevations have cooler temperatures and different vegetation
• Ocean Currents: Affect coastal climates and temperatures
• Distance from the Sea: Influences humidity and temperature variations

Different Types of Forests

• Tropical Rainforest: Known to be dense with high biodiversity, warm, and wet conditions
• Temperate Rainforest: Includes moderate temperatures, high rainfall, and coniferous trees
• Boreal Forest: Cold climates, coniferous trees, and short growing seasons

Rainforests and their features

• Have high humidity and temperatures
• Rich in biodiversity, home to numerous species
• Important for carbon storage and oxygen production

Climate graphs

• Climate Graphs: Display temperature and precipitation over time
• Key Elements:
  • X-axis represents months
  • Y-axis represents temperature (°C) and precipitation (mm)
  • Interpretation of trends and anomalies is essential

Topographic map skills

• BOLTSS:
  • B: Border
  • O: Orientation (compass rose)
  • L: Legend
  • T: Title
  • S: Scale
  • S: Source
• Understanding cardinal directions (N, S, E, W) and their bearings is crucial

Distance

• Measuring distances using the map scale is necessary

Scale

• Ratio of distance on the map to actual distance on the ground

Bearing

• Direction in degrees from a reference point (usually north)

Area and Grid References

• Identifying locations using grid coordinates is essential

Contour Lines

• Lines connect points of equal elevation, indicating terrain relief

Height and Relief

• Understanding the elevation of landforms is important
• Relief refers to the variation in elevation across an area
• Maps may use shading or coloring to represent elevation and relief visually
• Determine the difference in height between two points in an area, either the highest minus the lowest point

Slope Aspect

• Direction a slope faces, affecting sunlight and moisture, from the highest point to the lowest point at a site

Quadrants

• Maps are divided into four sections for easier navigation
• Each quadrant can be identified using grid references

Legend Interpretation

• Understanding symbols for human (roads, buildings) and physical features (rivers, mountains)

Land Use

• Understanding how different areas are utilized (urban, agricultural, recreational)
• Analyses of the impact of land use on the environment and society need consideration

Gradient

• How steep something is from one point to another
• How calculate: Rise divided by run= gradient. Simplify fraction after and convert into ratio
• To simplify the fraction, divide top and bottom by the top number
  • Run: Distance between each point
  • Rise: Difference in height between each point
  • Smaller the number the steeper the slope

World Mapping: Latitude and Longitude

• Latitude: Measures north/south parallel to the equator
• Longitude: Measures east/west parallel to the prime meridian
• Used for precise location identification and measured in degrees

Map/Graph Interpretation

• Skills include analyzing data, identifying trends, and understanding geographical relationships