Organisms and the Environment

Chapter Six: Biomes 6.1 Climates and Biomes 6.2 Deserts and Grasslands 6.3 Temperate Forests and Rainforests 6.4 Taigas and Tundras

6.1 Climates and Biomes Climate depends on many factors: latitude, precipitation, elevation, topography, and distance from large bodies of water.

6.1 Climates and Biomes Scientists divide the planet into climate regions called biomes. Earth has six main biomes: deserts, grasslands, temperate deciduous forests, rainforests, taiga, and tundras. Each biome has a unique set of plants and animals that thrive in its climate.

6.1 Climates and Biomes Each biome has a unique set of plants and animals that thrive in its climate. The Serengeti is home to thousands of predators species and 1.6 million herbivores.

6.1 Climates and Biomes Humidity is related to plant and animal diversity. From the poles to the equator, humidity and the diversity of plants and animal increases.

6.1 Climates and Biomes At the equator, sunlight is direct and intense. As a result, the average yearly temperature at the equator is 27 °C (80 °F), while at the North Pole it is -18 °C (0 °F).

6.1 Climates and Biomes Compare the data for Portland, OR and Minneapolis, MN. If these cities are about the same latitude, why don’t they have the same climate?

6.1 Climates and Biomes The differences in temperature between the two cities have to do with water. Water warms up and cools down slowly. Regions near water—like Portland—do not have extremely hot or cold weather, even though they are farther north.

6.1 Plants and animals in biomes A biome consists of plant and animal communities. The plants and animals in a community survive in a shared environment. Can you give an example of an ecosystem in the desert biome? Research an oasis to learn more!

6.1 Plants and animals in biomes What features of this jackrabbit help it survive in it’s desert biome?

6.1 Plants and animals in biomes Within a biome, there are many interrelated ecosystems. An ecosystem is made up of the plants and animals that live there, plus nonliving things like soil, air, water, sunlight, and nutrients.