Biomes

What is a Biome?• Biome = region characterized by

distinct plant and animal populations along with similar abiotic conditions.

• Change by latitude

• Ocean biomes = marine habitats

• Land biomes = terrestrial habitats

Tundra• Northern most biome

• Treeless permafrost

• Short growing seasons

• Least rainfall of all biomes

• Moss, lichens, caribou, arctic fox, wolves, and lemmings

Coniferous Forest• A.k.a Tiaga or Boreal Forest

• Populated by evergreen trees (pine, spruce, fir)

• Deer, moose, and elk populations

• 15-30 in. of rainfall per year

• Avg. temperature 14°F (Winter) and 57°F (Summer)

Temperate Deciduous Forest• Braod-leaved trees (oak,

maple, beech, hickory)

• Leaves shed yearly before winter

• 30-60 in. rainfall yearly

• Avg. temperature is around 50°F

• Animals include: deer, squirrels, beavers, and bears

Tropical Rain Forest• Most yearly rainfall totals (up

to 260 in./year); no seasonal change

• Produce 40% of Earth’s oxygen

• Average temperature between 68-93 °F

• Most biodiversity on planet located in these biomes (i.e. epiphytes)

• ¼ of all medications come from rainforests

Grassland (Prairie)• Often destroyed by humans for

crops

• Soil rich in nutrients

• Low rainfall (10-30 inches/year)

• Antelope, prairie dogs, bison, coyotes

• Tall grasses and very little tree cover

Savannah• Combo of grassland

and small groups of trees

• Located in Africa

• Acacia trees along with giraffes, wildebeast, lions, hyenas, and gazelle

Desert• Low rainfall (under 15

cm a year on average)

• Temperature average is 64 °F but may reach over 100 °F during daylight hours

• Shrubs, cactus (adapted to low water availability)

• Jack rabbits, snakes, and lizards