Biomes are geographical areas that have a particular climate and sustain a specific community of flora and fauna
- The total area where all living things are found (i.e. the totality of biomes) is called the biosphere
There are a number of different biomes that are recognised according to their specific characteristics
- These include forests and grasslands (tropical and temperate), tundras, deserts and mountain ranges
Tropical Rainforest
- Hot climate (25ºC – 30ºC) with very high levels of precipitation (> 250 cm per year)
- Has a large diversity in species and vegetation includes epiphytes, tall trees and undergrowth
Temperate Forest
- Temperate forests (deciduous forests) have moderate temperatures and clear seasonal changes
- They have a growing period of ~200 days during 4 – 6 frost free months
Boreal Forest (Taiga)
- Taigas (coniferous forests) are cold and icy (0ºC – 15ºC) with a small amount of precipitation
- Coniferous trees are densely packed and there is little variation in species
Tropical Grassland (Savannah)
- Savannahs are warm (20ºC – 30ºC) with medium amounts of moisture, although seasonal droughts are common
- Trees are intermittent and widely spaced, with occasional fires preventing thicker vegetation from encroaching
Temperate Grassland
- Temperate grasslands have moderate temperatures and moderate amounts of rainfall
- Trees and shrubs are largely absent and grasses are the dominant vegetation
Mediterranean (Chaparrel)
- Temperatures are moderate (15ºC – 25ºC) with rainy winters and dry summers
- Vegetation consists of dry woody shrubs that are quick to grow
Desert
- Deserts have extreme temperature conditions (> 30ºC during day ; < 0ºC at night) and very low precipitation
- Dominant plant species are xerophytes which are adapted for water conservation (rainfall is < 30 cm per year)
Tundra
- Tundras have freezing temperatures (< 0ºC) and very little precipitation
- Vegetation is low growing (e.g. mosses), although perennial plants may grow during the summer
Mountain Ranges
- Mountain ranges are found all over the world at high altitudes (> 10,000 feet)
- Temperatures are typically fairly low due to the altitude, although weather conditions may change rapidly
Distribution of Biomes within the Biosphere
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