Biomes Intro PDF

Biomes Characteristics of the major biomes Concept Development Concept Development Concept Development Tundra Found in cold climates with permafrost, tundras have low biodiversity but support hardy plants like mosses and lichens, along with animals such as caribou and Arctic foxes adapted to t...

Biomes Characteristics of the major biomes Concept Development Concept Development Concept Development Tundra Found in cold climates with permafrost, tundras have low biodiversity but support hardy plants like mosses and lichens, along with animals such as caribou and Arctic foxes adapted to the harsh conditions.  Location: Generally occurs between 60° and 90° latitude. Climate: Extremely cold because the sun's rays are not very strong. Long winters and short, cool summers. Flora: Cold, open, unforested areas with limited vegetation such as mosses, lichens, grasses, and dwarf shrubs. Fauna: Includes caribou, arctic foxes, lemmings, and snowy owls. Migratory birds are common in summer. Precipitation: Low annual precipitation (15-25 cm), mostly as snow. Special Feature: Permafrost restricts root growth. Tropical Rainforest Characterized by high rainfall and biodiversity, with dense canopies and a variety of plant and animal species adapted to the warm and wet conditions.  Location: Near the equator, including the Amazon Basin, Congo Basin, and parts of Southeast Asia. Climate: Warm and humid year-round with consistent temperatures. Flora: Dense vegetation with multiple canopy layers. Includes tall trees, broadleaf evergreens, and a wide variety of plant species. Fauna: Extremely high biodiversity. Inhabitants include jaguars, toucans, monkeys, insects, and countless other species. Precipitation: High annual Temperate Forest Characterized by four distinct seasons and moderate rainfall, temperate forests have a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, supporting a diverse range of wildlife including deer, squirrels, and various bird species.  Location: Found in Eastern North America, Europe, and parts of East Asia. Climate: Moderate with four distinct seasons. Flora: Broadleaf deciduous trees like oaks, maples, and beeches dominate. Some coniferous trees are also present. Fauna: Includes deer, bears, squirrels, birds, and numerous insect species. Many animals hibernate or migrate during winter. Precipitation: Annual precipitation is 75-150 cm, spread throughout the year. Grassland Dominated by grasses rather than trees, grasslands experience moderate rainfall and support grazing animals like bison and antelope, with periodic wildfires shaping their ecology.  Location: Central North America (prairies), South America (pampas), Eurasia (steppes). Climate: Moderate with hot summers and cold winters. Flora: Dominated by grasses with few trees or shrubs. Plants are often drought- resistant and adapted to periodic fires. Fauna: Includes large herbivores like bison, antelope, and kangaroos. Predators such as wolves and coyotes. Many burrowing animals and birds. Precipitation: Annual precipitation ranges from 25- 75 cm, primarily during the Desert Sparse vegetation and extreme temperature fluctuations define this biome, where plants and animals have evolved water-saving adaptations to survive in arid environments.  Location: Found in Africa, North America, Asia, and Australia. Climate: Very low precipitation, usually less than 25 cm annually. Can be hot (e.g., Sahara) or cold (e.g., Gobi) with extreme temperature variations between day and night. Flora: Sparse, including cacti, succulents, and other drought-resistant plants. Fauna: Adapted to arid conditions, including reptiles, small mammals, insects, and nocturnal species like camels, Freshwater Encompassing lakes, rivers, and wetlands, freshwater biomes support diverse aquatic life including fish, amphibians, and various plant species adapted to living in or near water.  Location: Found worldwide in various forms such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands. Climate: Varies widely depending on location. Flora: Aquatic plants like water lilies, cattails, and algae. Vegetation around water bodies can include grasses and trees. Fauna: Includes fish (e.g., trout, catfish), amphibians (e.g., frogs, salamanders), birds (e.g., ducks, herons), and various invertebrates. Marine Covering oceans and seas, marine biomes are home to a vast array of marine life from tiny plankton to large whales, with diverse ecosystems such as coral reefs and deep-sea vents.  Location: Covers about 70% of Earth's surface, including oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries. Climate: Varies widely, from tropical coral reefs to polar seas. Salinity and depth play significant roles in the distribution of marine life. Flora: Includes phytoplankton, algae, seaweeds, and seagrasses. Coral reefs are significant for their biodiversity. Fauna: Vast and diverse, including fish, marine mammals (whales, dolphins), invertebrates (octopuses, jellyfish), and many more. Activity  Tundra Tropical Rainforest Desert Biomes Freshwater Grasslands Temperate Forest Location: close to the equator Plants and Animals Flora: over 200 000 plant species and an Fauna: estimated three to fifty million animal species. Tropical Climate Rainforest Temperature: How big is between 20°C and it: takes up 25°C all year round Famous Rainforest 6% of earths Rainfall: over land Amazon (South America) 1500mm per year Daintree (Australia)