Geography - biomes

Taiga/Boreal forest

Largest land biome in the world known for the long, cold winters well under 0° and short, mild summers. A very dense forest made of mostly snow, pine and spruce trees, and thin soils.

Tundra

The second coldest and driest biome on Earth characterized by treeless plains, permanently frozen ground, and a short growing season due to poorly developed soils. (Northern Russia)

Polar lands

The coldest biome covering Earths Northern Arctic and Southern Antarctic regions. Characterized by freezing temperatures, intense winds, permafrost and minimal very minimal flora with only small shrubs and flowering plants. (Antarctica)

Tropical rainforest

Very hot and highly humid biome located near the equator. It is defined by year-round warm temperatures ranging from 18-30, tremendous annual rainfall 200-400ml, nutrient-poor soil. Flora includes Brazilian nut trees, cocoa trees and walking palm trees whilst fauna includes native species live sloths and monkeys in South America, chimpanzee’s and gorillas in Africa as well as possums and kangaroos in Australia. (Amazon)

Temperate Forests

Found mostly in mid-latitude regions between the tropics and the polar circles characterized by four distinct seasons and moderate rainfall with fertile soils, ferns, mosses as well as oak and maple trees. (North America)

Grassland

Found mostly in the interior of continents with cold winters and hot summers with periodic droughts. Key features include an open landscape fertile soils with lots of grass. Flora includes deep roots and well as small shrubs and wildflowers. Fauna includes small and big mammals like tigers, lions and lots of birds. (Great Plains in North America)

Desert

Found North and South of the Equator and too the Western side of continents. Key features include sparse vegetation, rocky soil and slow decomposition. Flora includes cacti and thorny shrubs with thick stems and deep roots. Flora includes reptiles, insects and mammals like snakes and lizards. (Sahara)

Mountain Vegetation

Found in high mountain regions, with high elevation (Himalayas). Key features includes altitudinal zonation meaning as elevation increases, temperatures drop and weather becomes harsher. Flora includes snow gum, alpine moss. (Australian Alps)

Freshwater

Lakes, ponds, streams, waterfalls and wetlands that cover 1% of the Earths surface. Flora includes algae, waterlilies and rooted vegetation whilst Fauna includes amphibians, fish , reptiles and insects.

Saltwater

The largest biome that covers 70% of Earths surface made up of the ocean, coral reefs and mangroves. Flora includes seaweed, plankton and algae whilst Fauna includes invertebrates, water mammals and fish. (Pacific Ocean)

Tropical Reef

The most diverse marine biome with warm waters that cover less than 1% of the oceans floor. Flora includes marine plants, algae and plankton whilst Fauna includes coral, vertebrates such as turtles, and invertebrates such as sea stars. (Great Barrier Reef)

Biomes in Aus

• Mountain Vegetation

• Grassland

• Desert

• Temperate Forest

• Tropical Rainforest

Oceans

1. Pacific

2. Atlantic

3. Indian

4. Southern (Atlantic)

5. Arctic

Terrestrial biome

Biome on land

Aquatic Biome

Water Biome

Weather

Short-term, day-to-day changes in the atmosphere.

Climate

Long-term, predictable average of weather conditions in a specific region, typically measured over 30 years or more.

Best biomes for growing food

Grassland and Tropical rainforest due to soil composition, climate and ecosystem dynamics.

Food Security

The consistent and reliable access to enough safe, nutritious food for everyone to live a healthy life.

4 components of food security

1. Accessibility to food

2. Availability to food

3. Knowledge on how to use food

4. Stability

Regions at risk of Food Insecurity

1. Central America (Droughts, natural disasters, economic instability)

2. Central Asia (Poverty, population density)

3. Middle East (Conflict, water scarcity, limited farmland)

4. Sub-Saharan Africa (Droughts, poverty, rapid population growth)

Key Challenges to Food Security

1. Climate change

2. Competition for land

3. Land degradation

4. Population Growth

5. Water scarcity

Environmental affects of Food Production

1. Biodiversity loss

2. Deforestation

3. Greenhouse gasses

4. Land degradation

5. Water Scarcity

Human affect on Food Production

1. Climate Change

2. Healthy Lifestyle choices

3. Pollution

Economic affect on Food Production

1. Job Creation

2. Trade