Science 3.1 p 2

Biomes: Geographic areas with ecosystems that share similar abiotic and biotic factors, including climate and organisms.

• Land Biomes:

  • Desert: Very little rain (1/3 of Earth's land), usually hot and dry.

  • Grasslands: Dominated by grasses, act as natural carbon sinks, rich in invertebrates.

  • Tropical Rainforest: Near the equator, heavy rainfall, high biodiversity.

  • Temperate Rainforest: Located between tropics and polar circles, has mild climate and distinct seasons, often coastal.

  • Temperate Deciduous Forest: Most common in the US, has seasonal variations, trees lose leaves in fall.

  • Taiga: Forest with coniferous trees in northern regions, colder with fewer reptiles and amphibians.

  • Tundra: Cold, dry, treeless land with frozen ground, home to many furry mammals.

• Aquatic Biomes: Depend on abiotic factors like temperature, sunlight, and dissolved oxygen.

  • Streams/Rivers: Vary in width, depth, and flow rate, supporting water-loving plants and animals adapted to fast-moving water.

  • Wetlands: Thin water layer over soil, nutrient-rich and biodiverse.

  • Estuary: Where freshwater meets saltwater, brackish water full of marine life, breeding ground for birds.

  • Pond/Lake: Standing freshwater, varies in depth and surface area, supports various organisms including fish.

  • Open Ocean: Starts from the continental shelf, rich in algae, supports diverse marine life.

  • Intertidal Zone: Between tidal lines, organisms adapt to varying moisture, oxygen, and salinity, serves as nurseries for aquatic species.

  • Coral Reef: Shallow tropical areas, structured by coral, known for high biodiversity.

Benefits of Biodiversity:

• Ecosystem Services:

  • Supporting Services: Necessary for the existence of all life (primary production, nutrient cycling).

  • Provisioning Services: Economic benefits from ecosystems (food, freshwater, medicine, natural resources).

  • Regulating Services: Benefits through regulation of ecosystem processes (pollination, water purification, erosion protection, climate regulation).

  • Cultural Services: Benefits from experiences with ecosystems (recreation, economic opportunities).