The Earth has six major biomes

Rain Forests Rain Forest biomes include temperate rain forests and tropical rain forests. Plants are EVERYWHERE in the rain forests. The bottom of the forest receives little sunlight. The rain forest gets a lot of rain. (That’s where it gets its name).

Tropical Rain Forests There are many different species of organisms that live here. The diversity of plants supports many habitats.

Desert A desert can receive less than 25 centimeters of rain a year. The organisms that live here need to adapt to the heat and lack of water. Most organisms are active at night, when it is cooler.

Grasslands Most grasslands receive about 25-75 centimeters of rain each year. There isn’t enough rain for trees to grow. Many large herbivores live here including elephants, bison, antelopes, zebras, rhinoceros, giraffes, and kangaroos.

Deciduous Forest This biome receives at least 50 centimeters of rain a year. During winter, there isn’t a lot of life. The growing season for plants is 5-6 months.

Boreal Forest Coniferous trees have waxy needles that retain water from going out. Many organisms eat the seeds from the trees.

Tundra Most plants are grown low to the ground. The soil in the tundra is permanently frozen, this is called permafrost. In summer insects inhabit the area along with the insect-eating birds. In winter birds migrate south.

There are two types of water-based ecosystems all aquatic ecosystems are affected by the same abiotic factors sunlight, temperature, oxygen, and salt content.

Fresh water A small fraction of Earth’s surface is covered with freshwater. Freshwater consists of streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes.

Streams and rivers Organisms adapt to the strong current. Small organisms may have hooks or suckers. Fish can have streamlined bodies. (Skinny bodies).

Ponds and lakes Lakes are generally deeper and larger than ponds. Sunlight can often reach the bottom of a pond. Scavengers stay toward the bottom to consume dead organisms.

Marine ecosystems Intertidal zone, neritic zone, and the open ocean are different parts in the marine ecosystem.

Intertidal zone The organisms that live here, need to be strong enough to survive high and low tide, temperature change, and pounding waves.

Neritic zone Sunlight allows photosynthesis near the surface.

The open ocean Light only penetrates to a depth of a few hundred meters. Tuna, swordfish, and whales depend on algae for food.

Thank you for watching! 

Power point done by Rachel Holden