Biomes, ecosystems and rainforests

Definition of a Biome

A large, global ecosystem defined by its distinct climate, vegetation, and wildlife.

Tropical Rainforest Biome

Hot and wet biome located near the equator with extremely high biodiversity.

Tropical Grassland (Savanna) Biome

Hot biome with distinct seasonal rainfall; consists of grasses with scattered trees.

Desert Biome

An area with very low rainfall (under 250mm/year), extreme temperature fluctuations, and sparse vegetation.

Temperate Grassland Biome

An area with moderate rainfall where grasses dominate, experiencing a highly seasonal climate.

Temperate Forest Biome

An area with mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and deciduous trees that lose their leaves in winter.

Taiga (Boreal Forest) Biome

A cold and dry biome featuring coniferous trees, found at high latitudes.

Tundra Biome

An extremely cold biome with low biodiversity, a short growing season, and permafrost (permanently frozen ground).

Biome Factor: Latitude

Temperature decreases with distance from the equator due to the angle of the sun, controlling vegetation.

Biome Factor: Altitude

Higher altitude equals colder temperatures, creating different vegetation zones up a mountain.

Biome Factor: Climate

The combination of temperature and rainfall that determines which plant species can survive in an area.

Biome Factor: Ocean Currents

Warm or cold currents that alter coastal temperatures and influence the climate of nearby biomes.

Biome Factor: Prevailing Winds

Winds that bring either moist or dry air to a region, directly affecting the amount of rainfall.

Biome Factor: Distance from Sea

Coastal areas have milder, wetter climates; inland continental areas experience more extreme temperatures.

Biome Factor: Relief (Mountains)

Topography that blocks moist air, creating high rainfall on the windward side and a dry rain shadow on the other.

Biome Factor: Soils

The nutrient levels, depth, and drainage of the ground which directly dictate vegetation growth.

Definition of an Ecosystem

A community of plants, animals, and their non-living physical environment interacting with each other.

Biotic Factors

The living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, bacteria, and insects.

Abiotic Factors

The non-living components of an ecosystem, such as climate, soil, water, temperature, and sunlight.

Producer

An organism that uses sunlight to produce its own energy via photosynthesis (e.g., green plants).

Consumer

An organism that obtains its energy by eating other organisms (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores).

Decomposer

An organism (like bacteria or fungi) that breaks down dead organic material and returns nutrients to the soil.

Food Chain

A simple linear diagram that shows the direct flow of energy from one organism to the next.

Food Web

A network of interconnected food chains showing the complex feeding relationships across an entire ecosystem.

Nutrient Cycle

The continuous movement and recycling of nutrients through the soil, plants, and animals.

Interdependence

The reliance of all organisms in an ecosystem on one another for survival; if one part changes, others are affected.

Rainforest Layer: Canopy

The dense continuous layer of tree tops about 30 meters up; hosts the majority of rainforest animal life.

Rainforest Layer: Emergent Layer

The tallest trees that punch through the main canopy to reach maximum sunlight.

Rainforest Layer: Understory

The shaded, humid layer below the canopy containing smaller trees, large leaves, and shrubs.

Rainforest Layer: Forest Floor

The dark ground layer where rapid decomposition of organic matter takes place due to heat and humidity.

Adaptation: Buttress Roots

Massive, wide ridges at the base of tall trees that provide stability in shallow rainforest soils.

Adaptation: Drip-tip Leaves

Leaves with pointed tips and waxy surfaces that allow heavy rain to shed quickly, preventing rot.

Adaptation: Lianas

Woody climbing vines that anchor to the ground and climb up tree trunks to reach sunlight in the canopy.

Adaptation: Epiphytes

Plants that grow harmlessly on the branches of high trees to capture sunlight and moisture directly from the air.

Definition of Biodiversity

The variety and abundance of different species of plants and animals living within a specific ecosystem.

Definition of Deforestation

The large-scale clearing and removal of forested areas by humans.

Malaysia Case Study: Palm Oil

A major driver of deforestation; diverse