Biomes

by Darian, Ethan, and Isaac

Why do some climates change regionally

Factors such as an ocean or a mountain range can influence climate

Regional Climate

What abiotic and biotic factors characterize biomes?

Abiotic factors-climate and soil types (moderate precipitation, fertile soils) Biotic factors-plant and animal (Animals-camouflage, migrate) (Plants-deciduous, resistant to fires)

Tropical Rain Forest

Tall trees form a covering on top called a canopy The the layer under the canopy is the understory hot and wet year round

Tropical Dry Forest

Plants that shed their leaves during a particular season is called deciduous Rainy seasons alternate with dry seasons.

Tropical Grassland/Savanna/Shrubland Grassy areas are spotted with isolated trees and small groves of trees and shrubs Animals migrate to find water or burrow and remain dormant during dry season. Frequent fires

Desert
Most deserts undergo extreme alternating temperature changes from hot to cold. Has less than 25 centimeters of precipitation annually Many animals get the water they need from the food they eat Many animals are nocturnal to avoid the hot days

Temperate Grassland
Very fertile soil (usually converted to agriculture) Covered in grases and wide open spaces

Temperate Woodland and Shrubland

Hot dry summers and cool moist winters Dense low plants with flammable oils make fire a constant threat Animals tend to be browsers (eat varied diets of many vegetations)

Temperate Forest
Mostly made up of deciduous and coniferous trees Conifers-trees that produce seed bearing cones and have thin leaves shaped like needles Fertile soil rich with hummus, a material formed from decaying leaves and other organic matter

Northwestern Coniferous Forest

Mild moist air from the Pacific Ocean Variety of conifers Many animals are browsers-they eat a varied diet-an advantage because the vegetation changes seasonally

Boreal Forest
Also called taiga Winters are bitter cold but summers are mild and long enough for the ground to thaw Staying warm is a challenge for animals (Extra insulation from fat or downy feather) (Migrate to warmer areas)

Tundra
Permafrost-a layer of permanently frozen subsoil Many factors limit plant height
-cycle of thawing and freezing crushes plant roots, high winds, short growing season, and humus-poor soil

What areas are not easily classified into a major biome

Mountain ranges and polar ice caps are not easily defined in terms of a typical community of plants and animals

Mountain ranges
Mountain ranges exist on many biomes. Conditions vary from temperature precipitation, exposure to wind and soil types.

Polar Ice Caps

Cold year round Plants are few Covered in ice, although more and more ice is melting each summer