Biomes

The Six Major Biomes Introduction to Biomes Biome: group of ecosystems with similar climates and organisms. Six Major Biomes Desert, rain forest, grassland, deciduous forest, boreal forest and tundra.

Deciduous Forests Rainfall: inches Temperature: 82-43°F Location: Eastern United States Canada Eastern Asia Europe Location: Eastern United States Canada Eastern Asia Europe

Deciduous Forests Deciduous trees shed their leaves to save water during the winter an grow new ones each year. Temperatures vary and there is enough rainfall to support trees and other plants. Variety of plants create mix of habitats Animals: bears, birds, snakes, raccoons, small deer, etc.

Boreal Forests Boreal means “northern” and temperatures are low enough that water is frozen much of the year. Most common trees are coniferous trees Boreal forest food chain: Seeds and bark of coniferous trees  red squirrel  wolf Additional animals: snowshoe hare, moose, beaver, bear, lynx, great horned owl

Boreal Forests Their yearly rainfall is at in and they have lower temperatures than we do. (14-57°F)

Coniferous Forests Location: Rocky Mountains Canada Alaska Just south of the Polar regions

Rain Forest Biomes: Temperate Rain Forest Rain Fall averages 158 inches!!! Temperatures: 93-68°F Temperate Rain Forest are further north and much cooler compared to Tropical Rain Forest Moderate temperatures Large amounts of rain (300 cm per year) Huge trees: Redwoods, cedars, and firs. Variety of plants and animals

Tropical Rain Forests The most biologically diverse and animals live at all different layers of the forest. Some animals live on the forest floor but most live in the canopy Plants: Many plant species provide habitats for various animals. Animals: Millions of species of insects serve as food to reptiles, birds, and mammals. Found in the TROPICS around the equator-that’s why its so warm and humid!

Rainforest Animals and Plants Banana Tree Flying Dragon Orchid Bamboo Chimp Jungle Python

Temperate Grasslands Includes grasses and other flowering plants with very few trees. Fire and drought are common. Grasslands support small herbivores and a few larger grass eaters. Rainfall: inches Temperature: 86-32°F Location: Africa Asia Midwest USA

Animals such as: prairie dogs, bison, giraffe, emu, elephants, antelopes, zebras, kangaroos, and gophers Grassland are also know as prairies, plains, and savannas. Bison Prairie Dog Kangaroo

Savannas Rainfall: 59 inches Temperature: 93-61°F Location: Africa Parts of India and South America

Savannas A savanna is a grassland with scattered clumps of trees and seasonal rains Savannas are home to large herbivores and some carnivores. Animals like giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions and water buffalo.

Deserts A region that has little or no plant life, long periods without rain, or extreme temperatures, usually found in hot climates. Plants have adaptations to help them hold water- fleshy stems, thorns for protection, roots grow out instead of down and growing far apart from one another. Animals adaptations :active mostly at night. A region that has little or no plant life, long periods without rain, or extreme temperatures, usually found in hot climates. Plants have adaptations to help them hold water- fleshy stems, thorns for protection, roots grow out instead of down and growing far apart from one another. Animals adaptations :active mostly at night. Rainfall: Less than 10 inches Temperature: °F Location: Western USA North Africa Asisa Australia

Desert Plants and Animals Gila Monster Cactus Sidewinder Prickly Pear Cactus Thorny Devil Lappet Face Vulture

Tundra Found near the North and South Poles and is extremely cold and dry. The layer of soil beneath the surface stays frozen ALL the time, called permafrost. Because of this only shallow rooted plants can live here. Animals like small rodents, caribou, birds, wolves, musk ox and insects live here. Rainfall: inches Temperatures: °F

Tundra Plants and Animals Polar Bear Yellow Tundra Flower Caribou Snow Owl Siberian Lynx Moss Cotton Plants