Chapter 4.3 Biomes

Biomes Biomes – A large area that is characterized by certain soil and climate conditions and particular plants and animals. Species have different adaptations that allow them to live in specific areas. An adaptation is an inherited characteristic that increases the chance of survival for an organism.

Plants and animals also have different tolerances Plants and animals also have different tolerances. Tolerance is the ability to survive and reproduce under conditions that are different from their optimal conditions.

Biomes and Climate Microclimate is how climate in a small area can be different than the climate around it. Climate can be different in different biomes. Climate can be broken down into temperature and precipitation.

The Major Biomes There are 10 different biomes. These biomes are: tropical rain forest, tropic dry forest, tropical savanna desert, temperate grassland, temperate woodland and shrubland, temperate forest, northwestern coniferous forest, boreal forest, and tundra. Each has a unique set of abiotic factors and plants and animals.

In a biome there is usually ecological variation In a biome there is usually ecological variation. This is because of microclimate, changes in soil conditions, or changes in elevation. Also there is usually a gradual transition from one biome to the next.

Other Land Areas There are a few places that do not fall into the biomes. Mountain ranges – this area can be very different from the rest of the biome because as you move higher in elevation then the temperature is colder and there is more precipitation. Polar Ice Caps – There are few plants and algae in this area. The sea is mostly covered by ice. Polar bears, seals, insects, and mites are dominant animals. In Antarctica penguin and marine animals live here.