Exploring Biomes: Characteristics and Ecosystem Diversity
This overview of biomes highlights the unique characteristics of major land ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, savannas, deserts, temperate grasslands, deciduous forests, taiga, tundra, and water ecosystems. Each biome is defined by its geographical location, climate, rainfall, and the diverse plant and animal species that thrive within it. Understanding these ecosystems enhances our appreciation for biodiversity and ecological balance. Join us in exploring the fascinating world of biomes and their vital roles on Earth.
Exploring Biomes: Characteristics and Ecosystem Diversity
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Presentation Transcript
Biomes • Biome: a large geographical area that has a particular type of community • Land ecosystems
DO NOW FRIDAY 9/20 • 1. Turn in Energy Pyramid Lab • 2. Clear desk except for a pen/pencil NO HOMEWORK: HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!
Tropical Rain Forests • Found around the equator • Uniform climate throughout the year • High rainfall ~200-400 cm/yr • High humidity • Constant temp (25C) • Large variety of plants and animals
Savannas • Grasslands • Africa, S Amer, Australia • Small trees and shrubs • Rainy/Dry seasons • Warm temperatures
Deserts • Too dry for grasses • Mexico to Washington • S America, Africa, Asia, Australia • Less than 25 cm rain/yr • Very hot during the day, cold at night • Desert plants and animals are specially adapted to conserve water and keep cool • Cactus, lizards
Temperate Grasslands • Also called prairies • Central N Amer, Central Asia • Tall, thick grasses • No or few trees • Warm summers, cool winters • Coyotes, snakes, prairie dogs
Deciduous Forests • South of taiga • Europe, NE US, Canada • Hot, humid summers • Cold winters • Rainfall =75-150cm • Trees loose leaves in winter • Deer, racoons, squirrels, birds, insects
Taiga • South of the tundra • North Asia, Canada • Trees grow and form evergreen forests • Cold winters, a lot of snow, high precipitation • Growing season ~120 Days • Warmer summers • No permafrost • Moose, wolves, rodents, birds
Tundra • Region that lies south of ice caps of the arctic in the North • Low average temperature • Short growing season (~60 Days) • Not a lot of plants, no trees • Long, cold winters • Permafrost: layer of Earth that is always frozen • Reindeer, caribou, insects, birds
Water Ecosystems • Freshwater • Lakes, streams, rivers, ponds • Connected to land ecosystems • Marine • Many different ecosystems • Costal regions, surface, coral reefs, open ocean, deep waters