1. KEY CONCEPT Biomes are land-based, global communities of organisms.

2. Earth has six major biomes.
A biome is a major community of organisms.

3. Tropical rain forest biomes produce lush forests. Climagraph – shows
precipitation and temperature
Source: World Meteorological Organization
warm temperature
abundant precipitation all year
Poor soil
canopy – 1% sunlight passes
epiphytes – such as orchids
arboreal- live in trees

4. Grassland biomes are where the primary plant life is grass.
Rapid City, South Dakota
Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

5. Grassland biomes are where the primary plant life is grass.
Temperate grasslands are dry and warm during the summer; most precipitation falls as snow. N. America, Europe S. Africa
Prairie
Steppes
Pampas
Tropical grasslands are warm through the year, with definite dry and rainy seasons. Africa, Australia, S. America
also called a
Savanna

6. Desert biomes are characterized by a very arid climate.
Tucson, Arizona
Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
very low amount of precipitation (less than10 in.)
four types: hot, semi-arid, coastal, and cold
Typically 30o latitude N or S
Rain shadow effect

7. Temperate forest biomes include deciduous forests and rain forests.
Temperate deciduous forests have hot summers and cold winters.
Deciduous trees are the dominant plant species.
(shed leaves)
Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
Burlington, Vermont

8. Temperate forest biomes include deciduous forests and rain forests.
Temperate deciduous forests have hot summers and cold winters. Deciduous trees are the dominant plant species.
Temperate rain forests have a long wet season and relatively dry summer.
Ferns and moss cover the forest floor. Conifers
98 inches or rain/year
Ex. Washington/Oregon

9. The taiga biome is located in cooler northern climates.
Source: Environment Canada
Banff, Canada
boreal forest/coniferous forest
long winters and short summers
small amount of precipitation

10. limited precipitation (5 in.) Permafrost
Barrow, Alaska
Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
The tundra biome is found in the far northern latitudes with long winters.
winter lasts 10 months
limited precipitation (5 in.)
Permafrost
Mosses, low lying plants no trees Mosquitoes

11. Minor biomes, such as Chaparral (Mediterranean shrubland), occur globally on a smaller scale. Sage and rosemary –oils (aromatic) Ex. Sierra Nevada’s of California

12. Polar ice caps and mountains are not considered biomes.
Polar ice caps have no soil, therefore no true plant community. Mosses and lichens
Animals depend on the sea.
ex. Greenland, Antarctica, Artic Circle

13. Alpine Biome (mountain top)
The climate and organisms found on mountains change as the elevation changes. Above the timberline.