BIOMESBIOMES

A look at how they are each a A look at how they are each a unique system on Earthunique system on Earth

What is a BiomeWhat is a Biome ? ?

Biome : A broad, regional type of ecosystem characterized by distinctive climate and soil conditions and a distinctive biological community adapted to those conditions.

What are the major characteristics What are the major characteristics we use to identify biomes?we use to identify biomes?

• The most common methods we use to distinguish biomes are the following:

• Climate• Vegetation• Soil• Landforms (topography)• Plants and Animals

Climate Climate

Cold desert climate:

VegetationVegetation

Arctic Vegetation:In the high arctic there is no real form of vegetation as it is too cold to support annual ground cover. However the lower arctic is often associated with tundra cover in selected areas.

SoilSoil

Arctic soil and permafrost:

LandformsLandforms

Arctic Landforms:

PlantsPlantsArctic Flora: In the short summer, months

depending on the location, small arctic flowers appear.

AnimalsAnimals

Arctic Animal Life:

The System ConnectionThe System Connection

In the Arctic ecosystem all of the elements identified are interconnected to maintain life within the system.

Interdependency is the most important aspect within any system. Without one component the system may not be able to survive.

The System ConnectionThe System Connection