Biome A major type of ecosystems that is defined by climate and vegetation

Icecap Biome At the north and south poles Antarctica Greenland

Temp. and Precipitation Description: Cold weather year round Permanent ice sheets Average Temperature:-50 to 10 °F Average Precipitation: 6.5 inches per year

Plants No plants live in this biome Adaptations: no plant can survive these conditions

Animals Killer whale Polar Bears Harbor Seals Walrus Albatross Emperor Penguins

Animal Adaptations Fur Layer of fat for insulation Large paws for walking on snow Swimming Can stay underwater Warm-blooded Hibernation Camouflage Flight

Biodiversity Rating Biodiversity rating is 1 because there are so few species that live here Least biodiversity of all biomes

Abiotic Factors Cold temperature Sunlight or lack of sunlight Water Ice

Food Chain Herring – Penguin » Killer whale

Other Interesting Facts They have to cut through the ice with special ships to get the researchers where they need to go The ice sheets grow and shrink every year with the seasons

Other Interesting Facts During the summer months, there is only 2-3 hours of darkness During the winter months, there is only 2-3 hours of daylight

Other Interesting Facts Fossils of tropical plants and animals are found in Antarctica For $10,000 you can go on a cruise to Antarctica