Ecosystems (biomes)

What is an ecosystem?

The living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components that interact within a specific environment

What is a large-scale global ecosystem known as?

A biome

What three environmental factors determine the level of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

Climate, available habitats, and food sources

What is meant by the term ecosystem interdependence?

Interdependence means that different biotic components rely on each other and on abiotic elements for survival, meaning a change in one component impacts the entire system

How does latitude impact the global distribution of biomes?

As distance from the equator increases, overall temperatures and sunshine hours decrease

How does atmospheric air pressure affect rainfall across biomes?

Areas of high atmospheric pressure experience low rainfall, whereas areas of low pressure experience high rainfall

What is continentality and how does it affect inland climates?

Continentality is the tendency for inland locations to heat up rapidly during the summer and cool down quickly during the winter

Where is the Tropical Rainforest biome located and what is its climate?

It is located within 23.5° north and south of the equator, experiencing high temperatures 26-28 degrees C and heavy annual rainfall (2000m).

What are the defining characteristics of a Tropical Rainforest biome?

It features ideal growth conditions, exceptionally high levels of biodiversity, and distinct layers of vegetation

Where is the Tropical Monsoon Forest biome located?

It is located between 5-30 degrees north and south of the equator in India, Central America, and SE Asia

What are the unique climate conditions of a Tropical Monsoon Forest?

It experiences seasonal monsoon rains between 700-2000m, with extreme summer temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees C

Where is the Mediterranean biome located?

It is located approximately 40-45° north of the equator in Southern Europe and North Africa

What are the climate characteristics of the Mediterranean biome?

Hot, dry summers and wet, mild winters with an annual rainfall average of 800m.

What type of vegetation dominates the Mediterranean biome?

Dense scrubland, aromatic herbs like lavender, and trees such as citrus and olives

Where is the Deciduous Forest biome located globally?

It is located approximately 50° north of the equator across Europe and North America

What are the climate and tree characteristics of the Deciduous Forest biome?

Wet, mild winters, warm, drier summers, and broad-leaved trees like oak and beech that drop their leaves in winter

Where is the Coniferous Forest biome located?

It is located approximately 60° north of the equator in Northern Europe, Canada, and Russia

What are the climate and plant characteristics of the Coniferous Forest biome?

• Harsh winters dropping down to -40 degrees C

• Evergreen trees like spruce and pine

Where is the Savanna (tropical) Grassland biome located?

It is found between 15-30° north and south of the equator in South America, Central Africa, and Australia

What are the climate and landscape features of the Savanna biome?

• Distinct wet and dry seasons

• Grasses, and contains scattered trees like the baobab and acacia

Where is the Temperate Grassland biome located?

It is situated between 30-40° north and south of the equator in Southern Africa, Russia, and North America

What are the climate and wildlife characteristics of Temperate Grasslands?

• Extreme hot summers (40 degrees C)

• Freezing winters (-30 degrees C)

• Very few trees, and animals like bison

Where is the Desert biome located?

It is located approximately 20-30° north and south of the equator in Africa, Australia, and the Americas

What are the extreme climate conditions of the Desert biome?

• Scorching day temperatures up to 50 degrees C

• Freezing nights below 0 degrees C

• Precipitation below 250mm

Where is the Polar/tundra biome located?

Above 60° north and south of the equator in the Arctic, Antarctic, Northern Canada, and Siberia

What are the primary climate and vegetation traits of the Polar/tundra biome?

• Cold year-round, remains below 0 degrees C for 6–10 months

• Supports low biodiversity consisting of small grasses, lichens, and mosses

Why does an area like the Amazon basin (Area X) experience exceptionally high biodiversity?

High biodiversity because its combination of high temperatures and high rainfall allows plants to grow rapidly year-round

What critical tip should you remember when writing exam answers about biomes?

Always mention both temperature and precipitation together :)