Climatograms AND BIOMES

Definitions: Climatogram: A graph of monthly measurements of temperature and precipitation for a given area during a year Biome: A large terrestrial region with a defining climate that supports plants and animals with specific adaptations

Biome Map:

Tundra: Located above the arctic circle and at very high altitudes Cold, dry winters (permafrost) Short, intense, busy summers Nearly treeless, covered by mosses, lichens and grasses Most animals are migratory or well adapted to cold climate

Taiga: Located just south the arctic circle; common in mountain regions Cold, snowy winters; Longer and warmer summers than tundra Mainly 2 vegetation layers: coniferous trees (evergreen and cone- bearing) and mosses Animals include deer, elk, moose, squirrels, beaver, wolves, bears etc.

Temperate Deciduous Forest: Moderate temperatures and precipitation Warm summers, cool winters with 4 distinct seasons Up to 5 vegetation layers: deciduous trees are common (broad, flat leaves that shed annually) as well as mosses, herbs and shrubs Animals include insects, squirrels, birds, deer, bears, fox etc.

Tropical Rainforest: Constant warm temperatures with no distinct seasons Heavy rainfall throughout the year Plants are abundant and diverse, competing for sunlight Animals are unique, diverse and adapted to a life in the trees: monkeys, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds etc.

Chaparral: Found near coasts due to off-shore circulation of cool ocean water Browsers and predators are common and animals include birds, mountain lions, mule deer, ground squirrels, reptiles etc. Plants include dense evergreen shrubs, grasses, some deciduous plants and annuals adapted to survive fire and summer drought Hot, dry summers; cool, wet winters Fires and drought are possible Santa Monica, CA

Grassland and Savannah: Grassland serves as a transition between desert and forest Savannah is a transition between grassland and forest Extreme climatic conditions and fluctuations in temperature and precipitation Dry and windy; fires are common Mainly grasses with some shrubs and scattered trees Animals include mostly grazers and predators

Desert: Temperatures vary from hot to cold Precipitation is very low Vegetation is sparse and plants are adapted to use water efficiently Only a few large animals exist and include camels and big horn sheep Other animals include rodents and reptiles who are adapted to life in low water conditions