Biomes Terrestrial based on types of climate patterns Tundra: extremely cold temperatures; precipitation as snow Adaptations- animals with thick fur, dwarf plants Permafrost- layers of permanently frozen ground Taiga: long severe winters and shot dry summers Adaptations- animals may migrate Characterized by evergreens

Biomes Terrestrial (cont.) Desert: hot and dry Adaptations- organisms must have ways to conserve water ex. nocturnal animals Characterized by having lots of reptiles Grasslands: experience a wet and dry season Adaptations: lots of grazing animals Soil rich with humus, grasses form a continuous layer of sod

Biomes Terrestrial (cont.) Deciduous Forest: abundant precipitation and 4 distinct seasons Adaptations- trees lose leaves in winter Tropical Rain Forest: warmest and wettest biome, found near the equator Adaptations- most life in the canopy to reach sunlight Forest characterize by layers

Biomes of the World

Critical Questions Which aquatic biome contains a mixture of salt and water and fresh water? Which biome do we live in? Succulent plants which store water in their tissues may be found in what biome? In which biome would you find the mist diversity of plant and animal life?

Biodiversity and Conservation Cause of biodiversity loss Forests cut down for timber, farming, pasture, development Wetlands drained Pesticides contamination (Rachael Carson wrote Silent Spring) a commentary on the impact of pesticides Ex. DDT moves up the food chain

Biodiversity and Conservation Effect Endangerment or extinction of plants and animals (many species are affected by complex interdependencies) Loss of valuable medicinal or food plants, and other species that may be potentially useful to humanity

Biodiversity and Conservation Solution: Conservation Protect habitat of endangered species Don’t purchase products made from endangered species Ex. Ivory, tropical woods Don’t use pesticides