Biomes

1. Biomes

2. Learning Objectives • Describe and compare the characteristics of the major land biomes. • Identify the areas that are not classified into a major biome.

3. Regional Climates Air descends, warms, and becomes drier, decreasing moisture. Air rises and cools, releasing moisture. Downwind side Upwind side

4. Earth’s Biomes

5. Reading a Climate Diagram

6. Tropical Rain Forest Abiotic: warm and wet year-round; soils are thin and nutrient-poor Biotic: plants with large leaves and buttress tree roots; animals active year-round

7. Tropical Dry Forest Biotic: deciduous plants, waxy plant leaves; many animals estivate or migrate Abiotic: warm year-round; alternating wet-dry seasons; rich soils Rainy season

8. Tropical Grassland/Savanna/Scrubland Abiotic: warm; seasonal rainfall; compact soils; frequent fires set by lightning Biotic: plants with waxy leaves, seasonal leaf loss; many animals migrate or are dormant during dry season

9. Desert Biotic: small plant leaves; many animals nocturnal, many get water from their food Abiotic: low precipitation; variable temperatures; soils poor in organic material Precipitation, not temperature, defines deserts.

10. Temperate Grassland Biotic: plants resistant to grazing and fire; small animals use camouflage and burrowing as protection Abiotic: warm summers, cold winters; moderate precipitation; fertile soils; occasional fires

11. Temperate Woodland and Shrubland Abiotic: warm, dry summers; cool, moist winters; nutrient-poor soils; periodic fires Biotic: plants adapted to drought and fire; animals commonly browsers High threat of wildfire

12. Temperate Forest Biotic: deciduous trees; some animals hibernate, some migrate in winter Abiotic: cold winters, warm summers; year-round precipitation; fertile soils

13. Northwestern Coniferous Forest Biotic: dense plant growth, tall trees; many animals have varied diets Abiotic: mild temperatures; abundant precipitation in fall, winter, and spring; cool, dry summers; rocky, acidic soils

14. Boreal Forest Biotic: dark-green conifers; many animals have extra insulation, some migrate in winter Abiotic: long, cold winters; mild summers; moderate precipitation; acidic, nutrient-poor soils

15. Tundra Biotic: small plants growing low to the ground; many animals migrate in winter or have heat-saving adaptations Abiotic: strong winds; low precipitation; short, soggy summers; long, cold, dark winters; permafrost Low precipitation

16. Other Land Areas Mountain ranges and polar ice caps are not easily defined by typical plant and animal communities.

17. Overview: Biomes