Biomes

Biomes

A biome is a large geographic area with a characteristic climate. A biome consists of several communities / ecosystems. Part of the earth that has more or less the same kind of abiotic and biotic factors spread over a large area thus creating a typical ecosystem over that area.

Biomes can be classified as terrestrial or

aquatic.

Land Biomes

DesertTundraGrassland (shrubland)Forest

Deciduous Forest Rainforest Taiga (Boreal forests)

Tundra

Found in Northern HemisphereVery short growing seasonPermafrost restricts root growth

Reason why has only small plantsPlants

Mosses, lichens, no treesAnimals

Lemmings, arctic fox, snowy owl, caribou

Grasslands (Shrubland)

Grass Threat = agriculture, manmade firesPlants

Grazing adapted Woody plants, trees and shrubs

Animals Bison, giraffe, prairie dogs

Desert

Sand and low precipitationPlants

Drought and salt resistant Spiny and succulent (cactus)

Animals Kangaroo rat, lizards

Forest - Taiga (Boreal)

High northern latitudes below TundraLargest terrestrial biomePlants

Evergreens, conifers (spruce, fir and pine)

Short roots, cone shapeAnimals

Moose, lynx, Snowshoe hare

Deciduous Forest

Rich soils = productive areaTrees lose leaves every year

Can keep water in winterPlants

Broadleaf are seasonal Maple, Oak

Animals Deer, Blackbear

Rainforest

High rainfallDivided into layersRapid decomposition gives nutrients

to plantsPlants

Animals

Water Biomes

Saltwater

Freshwater

Saltwater

Oceans, some lakes and marshlands Abiotic factors: waters and sunlight Plants

Kelp Eeelgrass

Animals Sea otters▪ Coat and kelp leaves

orca (killer whale)▪ Colors blend into ocean (dark top and light bottom)

Freshwater

Feshwater (slow flowing rivers, lakes and ponds)

Wetlands (Bogs, swamps, and marshland)

Video: Aliant learning- Habitats and Biomes: Ecosystems of the World