Terrestrial Biomes

Biome Definition

  • A biome is defined as the plants and animals found in a specific region. Its distribution is largely determined by the yearly temperature and precipitation, collectively known as climate.

  • The organisms within a biome, including both plants and animals, possess unique adaptations that enable them to thrive in that particular environment.

  • Examples of different biomes include:

    • Tropical Rainforest

    • Taiga (also known as Boreal Forest or Coniferous Forest)

    • Temperate Deciduous Forest

    • Temperate Grasslands

    • Desert

    • Tundra

    • Shrubland (Chaparral)

    • Savanna

    • Temperate Rainforest

  • Specific adaptations:

    • Camels and cacti in deserts have water-preserving traits.

    • Shrubs and wildflowers in grasslands store energy in their roots to enable quick recovery after fires.

Biome Distribution Factors

  • Latitude: Distance from the equator. This is a primary determinant of temperature and precipitation patterns. This affects the biome.

    • Tropical regions are located closer to the equator.

    • Temperate regions: Mid-latitudes (approximately 30° - 60°).

    • Tundra and Boreal forests: Higher latitudes (60°+).

  • Biomes exist in predictable patterns on Earth due to the influence of latitude on average annual temperature and precipitation.

Biome Chart

  • A biome chart can be used to predict the location of biomes on Earth based on latitude.

Climatograms

  • Climatograms display average climate conditions over a year, showing monthly precipitation and temperature.

  • They are hybrid line-bar graphs.

    • Bars indicate average monthly precipitation (measured in mm).

    • Line indicates average monthly temperature (measured in Celsius).

Nutrient Availability

  • Nutrient availability in the soil is a critical factor determining which plants can survive in a biome.

  • Examples of nutrient availability in diverse biomes:

    • Tropical Rainforest: Nutrient-poor soil.

      • High temperature and rainfall lead to rapid decomposition of organic matter.

      • Acidic soil and high rainfall result in nutrient leaching.

    • Boreal Forest: Nutrient-poor soil.

      • Low temperature and low decomposition rate of dead organic matter.

    • Temperate Forest: Nutrient-rich soil.

      • Abundant dead organic matter (leaves).

      • Warm temperatures and moisture promote decomposition.

    • Tundra: Low soil nutrients and low water availability.

      • Frozen soils prevent decomposers from breaking down dead organic matter.

      • Few plants can survive due to these limitations.

Shifting Biomes

  • Biomes can shift in location on Earth due to climate change.

  • Example: Warming climate can cause boreal forests to shift further north.

    • Melting of tundra permafrost soil.

    • Lower latitudes becoming too warm for species like aspen and spruce.

  • Climate suitability zones illustrate these shifts.

Practice FRQ 1.2

  • Identify one characteristic of a biome and explain how that characteristic determines the community of organisms found in the biome.