Terrestrial Biomes

Terrestrial Biomes

Temperature

Warmest at the equator, coldest at the poles due to the angle of sunlight.

Precipitation

Global rainfall influenced by wind circulation driven by solar energy.

Tropical Rainforest

Highest precipitation and biodiversity, stable warm temperatures, nutrient-poor soils.

Hot Deserts

Characterized by high temperatures and extremely low rainfall, located around 30° latitudes north and south of the equator.

Savannah/Tropical Grassland

Open grasslands with scarce shrubs and trees, between rainforests and deserts latitude wise, warm temperatures, periodic fires, and wet/dry seasons.

Temperate Grasslands

Cooler temperatures, less dramatic wet/dry seasons, richest soils of all the biomes, and lower biodiversity than tropical grasslands.

Temperate Rainforest

A lot of year-round rainfall, large old-growth trees, found at higher latitudes than tropical rainforests.

Temperate Deciduous Forest

Mid-latitude forests dominated by deciduous trees (oak, hickory, elm, maple, ash that lose leaves in winter) moderate rainfall, and four distinct seasons.

Coniferous Forest/Taiga/Boreal

Largest terrestrial biome, dominated by coniferous trees, higher latitude and shorter growing season than deciduous forests.

Chaparral

Coastal biome with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, maintained by fire.

Tundra

Cold desert with little precipitation, bitter cold, high winds, and permafrost.

Primary Productivity

Measure of producers in an ecosystem, indicating potential biomass and biodiversity.

Highest NPP

Rainforest has the highest net primary productivity of all biomes.

Lowest NPP

Desert has the lowest net primary productivity of all biomes.

Deforestation

Major human impact, particularly in tropical rainforests, leading to biodiversity loss and CO2 release.

Soil Erosion

Caused by modern agricultural practices, leading to degraded soil quality.

Climate Change

Alters weather patterns and biomes, affecting biodiversity and causing permafrost melting.

Solutions to Soil Degradation

Avoid disturbing soil to maintain its health.

Solutions to Climate Change

Transition to renewable energy, tax incentives for renewables, and carbon taxes on fossil fuels.