Biomes are large terrestrial regions characterized by similar climate, soil, plants, and animals regardless of their global locations.

Differences in average annual rainfall and temperature help us predict what type of desert, grassland or forest biome we would see in a given region- climate

Tundra Northern coniferous

forests (boreal) Deciduous forests Grasslands Deserts Tropical forests Shrublands

(chaparrel)

Marshes Open oceans Estuaries Mangroves Swamps Bogs

• The region north of the tree line and near the Arctic Circle.

• Unique area due to sun’s low angle for much of the year. Snowy owl

• Has a cold, severe climate.• Few plants with a growing season of less than 60

days. Most are small and grow in marshy plains. Mosses and willows are common.

• Little precipitation and low temperature.• Permafrost (frozen soil)• Animals such as caribou, arctic fox, reindeer and

snowy owl.

(forest in Canada, northern US, parts of Europe and Asia) moose

Cool-cold with more precipitation and a longer growing season.

Lots of needle-leafed trees such as pine, spruce and fir.

Dense forests allow little sunlight to reach the ground. Little vegetation on the shady forest floor.

Big mammals such as elk, deer, moose, bear, and smaller animals such as weasels, snowshoe hares and lots of birds.

This is the biome we live in! White-tailed deer

Temperature is moderate, climate has warm, humid summers and cold winters. Rainfall is from 30-60 inches/year.

Dominated by broadleaf, deciduous trees and soil is rich with litter.

High productivity and diversity of organisms

Also called prairies, pampas (S. America), steppes (Russia, Asia, and Europe). badger

Are usually located in the interiors of continents.

Not enough precipitation to support tree growth, but enough for lots of grasses. Often used as farmlands.

Animals found are bison, antelope, coyote, badgers, prairie dogs, rattlesnakes. Have lots of insects.

Receive less than 10 inches of rainfall/year.

Plants and animals are adapted to meerkat save water.

Largest are the Sahara and Gobi. Sahara is getting larger due to drought, overgrazing and woodcutting for fuel.

Occur in the interior of continents. Ecosystems are easily damaged and are

severely affected by human activities such as irrigation, city growth, off-roading, and camping.

Located near the equator. No freezing and lots of moisture. toucan

Contain the greatest plant and animal diversity of all ecosystems.

Soils are thin and poor. Largest rain forests occur in the Amazon

Basin of S. A. Major reservoirs for the production of

atmospheric O2 and the consumption of CO2.

Many forests are being cleared for farming, grazing and lumber.

Covered by shrubby vegetation with hard, thick, waxy leaves that are jack rabbit drought resistant.

Climate is hot and dry in the summer and cool/cold, and wet in the winter.

Coast of California- chaparral

Subject to fire.

Freshwater – inland waters with few salts. Can be flowing (river) or standing (lake)

Springs → Brooks → Streams → Creeks → Rivers

Rivers◦Erode banks◦Carry sediment which get deposited and forms fertile soils.

The water is contained. Puddles, ponds, bogs and lakes. Salt concentrations may vary. All are temporary because they will

eventually fill with sediments (succession).

Swamps- shallow with trees and shrubs (Okefenokee Swamp)

Bogs- shallow with trees and shrubs. Accumulates a deposit of peat (dead plants) such as Sphagnum moss. Water is acidic and low in nutrients.

Marshes – non-woody plants (Florida Everglades)

Swamps and Marshes are areas of breeding and rearing habitats for insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles, shrimp

All the oceans are connected and form one large ecosystem.

Moderates earth’s climate by absorbing the sun’s energy in the summer and releasing it in the winters.

Dissolved salts/minerals increase with depth and nearness to the equator. Salinity is less near the shoreline.

Most productivity is along the continental shelf, shorelines and in the estuaries.

Small phytoplankton called diatoms produce a large part of earth’s oxygen.

Transitional zones between freshwater and open ocean.

Also called bays, coves, sounds, and are sheltered from direct wind and ocean waves.

Are very productive regions and are considered a nursery for many sea animals.

Chesapeake Bay in Virginia is the largest in the world.

Trees and shrubs that grow in saline coastal sediment habitats in the tropics and subtropics

Plants have physiological adaptations to overcome the problems of anoxia (low oxygen), high salinity and frequent tidal inundation

marine equivalent of tropical rain forests.

habitat for one-fourth of all marine species.

are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals which are tiny, living animals.

grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated waters.

dominated by broad-leaf, deciduous trees?

Deciduous Forest Contains the greatest biodiversity of

all ecosystemsTropical Forest Nature’s nurseryEstuary The few plants are short and smallTundra

Water is containedStanding waters such as…..

◦Lakes, ponds, bogs and puddles The major photosynthetic ecosystem

of the worldOceans Lots of needle-leafed trees with little

ground litterNorthern Coniferous Forest Shallow wetland with treesSwamp“Rainforests of the sea” Coral reefs

What are the photosynthetic organisms in the oceans that produce a large part of earth’s oxygen?DiatomsThe 2 factors that determine climate?Temperature and rainfallWhat is another name for frozen soil?PermafrostHow humans are harming the deserts?Off-roading, irrigation, city growth, camping

Explain what this statement means. Be specific!