Bioms

. What is a Biome?

  • A biome is a large area with specific climate, soil, plants, and animals.

  • There are 8 major biomes:

    • Tropical Rainforest

    • Taiga Forst

    • Tropical Savanna

    • Desert

    • Tundra

    • Temperate Grassland

    • Chaparral

    • Temperate Forest

    • Polar Ice

      1. Tropical Rainforest 🌿

      • Climate: Hot, humid, heavy rainfall (250-400 cm/year).

      • Location: Near the equator (Amazon, Southeast Asia).

      • Soil: Nutrient-poor, fast decomposition.

      • Vegetation: Tall, dense trees, vines, ferns.

      • Wildlife: High biodiversity (jaguars, monkeys, frogs, insects

    • Climate Control Characteristics: Latitude (equator, ITCZ, low pressure), topography (WINDWARD), near water

      2. Taiga/Boreal Forest 🌲

      • Climate: Long, cold winters; short, mild summers.

      • Location: 45°-60° latitude (Canada, Russia, Alaska).

      • Soil: Acidic, low in nutrients.

      • Vegetation: Evergreen trees (pine, spruce, fir).

      • Wildlife: Moose, bears, wolves, lynx.

      • Climate Control Characteristics: High latitude, nearby water, elevation SOMETIMES

      3. Tropical Savanna 🦁

      • Climate: Warm year-round, wet & dry seasons. WETTER THAN GRASSLANDS

      • Location: Africa, Australia, South America.

      • Soil: Poor nutrients due to leaching.

      • Vegetation: Grasses, scattered trees.

      • Wildlife: Elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes.

      • Fires: Frequent, helps recycle nutrients.

  • Climate Control Characteristics: Latitude (ITCZ causes rain and warm weather), nearby no water, JUST LIKE GRASSLAND BUT AT THE ITCZ

      4. Desert 🏜

      • Climate: Hot or cold, very dry (less than 25 cm rain/year).

      • Location: 25°-40° latitude (Sahara, Mojave).

      • Soil: Dry, mineral-rich, low organic material.

      • Vegetation: Cacti, succulents, drought-resistant shrubs.

      • Wildlife: Reptiles, camels, foxes, scorpions.

  • Climate Control Charcteristics: Nearby no water, latitude (high pressure), topography (leeward)

      5. Tundra ❄

      • Climate: Cold, dry, short summers.

      • Location: Arctic, high mountain regions.

      • Soil: Permafrost (frozen ground), poor drainage.

      • Vegetation: Mosses, lichens, small grasses, NO trees.

      • Wildlife: Caribou, Arctic foxes, migratory birds.

  • Climate Control Charcteristics: Latitudes (60-75 N) (high pressure), elevation/topography (higher altitude=lower temp & less moisture)

      6. Temperate Grassland (Prairie) 🌾

      • Climate: Hot summers, cold winters, moderate rain (50-90 cm/year).

      • Location: North America (Kansas), Eurasia (steppes).

      • Soil: Rich, deep black organic soil.

      • Vegetation: Grasses, few trees (only near water).

      • Wildlife: Bison, prairie dogs, foxes.

      • Fires: Prevents tree growth, recycles nutrients.

  • Climate Control Charcteristics: nearby no water in the middle of land, prevailing winds brings dry air, mid-latitudes, JUST LIKE SAVANNAH BUT NOT AT THE ICTZ

      7. Chaparral (Mediterranean Scrub) 🌿🔥

      • Climate: Mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers.

      • Location: Mediterranean, California, Chile.

      • Soil: Poor, rocky, prone to erosion.

      • Vegetation: Shrubs, small drought-resistant trees.

      • Wildlife: Coyotes, rabbits, lizards.

      • Fires: Frequent, plants adapted to regrow quickly.

      8. Temperate Forest (Deciduous Forest) 🍂🌳

      • Climate: Moderate temperature, year-round rainfall (75-150 cm/year).

      • Location: Eastern U.S., Europe, China.

      • Soil: Rich, thick, high nutrients.

      • Vegetation: Deciduous trees (oak, maple), seasonal leaf shedding.

      • Wildlife: Deer, foxes, squirrels, bears..

      • Climate Control Charcteristics: mid-latitudes, near water, prevailing winds bring moist air = mid temp & moisture

      • EVERYTHING ABOUT TEMPERATE FOREST IS MID

      • 9. Alpine/Highland Polar Ice

        • Climate: Very cold and dry with extreme temperatures and high winds.

        • Location: North and South Poles

        • Plants: Limited vegetation, mostly lichens and mosses.

        • Animals: Adapted to extreme cold and limited food sources, including polar bears, caribou, and arctic foxes.

      • Climate Control Characteristics: Latitude (90 N & S and high pressure=dry) also super cold = dry,

      Key Environmental Factors

      • Ocean Currents:

        • Cold currents = Less rainfall.

        • Warm currents = More rainfall.

      • Fire's Role:

        • Savannas, grasslands, and chaparral depend on fire to maintain ecosystems.

      • Permafrost in Tundra:

        • Causes soil movement, affects infrastructure.