KEY CONCEPT Biomes are land-based, global communities of organisms.

Earth has six major biomes. A biome is a major community of organisms.

Tropical rain forest biomes produce lush forests. Climagraph – shows precipitation and temperature Source: World Meteorological Organization warm temperature abundant precipitation all year Poor soil canopy – 1% sunlight passes epiphytes – such as orchids arboreal- live in trees

Grassland biomes are where the primary plant life is grass. Rapid City, South Dakota Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

Grassland biomes are where the primary plant life is grass. Temperate grasslands are dry and warm during the summer; most precipitation falls as snow. N. America, Europe S. Africa Prairie Steppes Pampas Tropical grasslands are warm through the year, with definite dry and rainy seasons. Africa, Australia, S. America also called a Savanna

Desert biomes are characterized by a very arid climate. Tucson, Arizona Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration very low amount of precipitation (less than10 in.) four types: hot, semi-arid, coastal, and cold Typically 30o latitude N or S Rain shadow effect

Temperate forest biomes include deciduous forests and rain forests. Temperate deciduous forests have hot summers and cold winters. Deciduous trees are the dominant plant species. (shed leaves) Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Burlington, Vermont

Temperate forest biomes include deciduous forests and rain forests. Temperate deciduous forests have hot summers and cold winters. Deciduous trees are the dominant plant species. Temperate rain forests have a long wet season and relatively dry summer. Ferns and moss cover the forest floor. Conifers 98 inches or rain/year Ex. Washington/Oregon

The taiga biome is located in cooler northern climates. Source: Environment Canada Banff, Canada boreal forest/coniferous forest long winters and short summers small amount of precipitation

limited precipitation (5 in.) Permafrost Barrow, Alaska Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration The tundra biome is found in the far northern latitudes with long winters. winter lasts 10 months limited precipitation (5 in.) Permafrost Mosses, low lying plants no trees Mosquitoes

Minor biomes, such as Chaparral (Mediterranean shrubland), occur globally on a smaller scale. Sage and rosemary –oils (aromatic) Ex. Sierra Nevada’s of California

Polar ice caps and mountains are not considered biomes. Polar ice caps have no soil, therefore no true plant community. Mosses and lichens Animals depend on the sea. ex. Greenland, Antarctica, Artic Circle

Alpine Biome (mountain top) The climate and organisms found on mountains change as the elevation changes. Above the timberline.