1. pp. 8-33

2. 1.1 Biomes
Biomes are regions with similar biotic (living) & abiotic (non-living) components
ex. BC & New Zealand are similar biomes

3. Classification of Biomes
Biomes are classified based on:
water availability
temperature
interactions between biotic & abiotic factors.

4. There are 8 biomes on Earth:
boreal forest
desert
grassland
permanent ice
temperate deciduous forest
temperate rainforest
tropical rainforest
tundra.

5. Distribution of Biomes
Temperature & precipitation are 2 of the most important abiotic factors in identifying biomes.

6. Distribution of Biomes

7. Other identifying factors include:
Latitude (dist. north & south from equator)
influences both temp. & precipitation
Ex. The tropical zone has very warm temp. & high precip. b/c the sun shines straight down & warm air holds more moisture than cooler air.

8. Elevation (height above sea level)
Higher elevations have less air, & therefore less heat is retained.
Windward sides of mountains are wet, leeward sides are very dry

9. Ocean currents carry warmth & moisture to coastal areas
Where warm currents meet land, temperate biomes are found.

10. Climatographs
Climate: the average pattern of weather conditions over a period of several years.
A climatograph shows the avg. temp. & precipitation for a location over a period of 30+ yrs.
ppt on the right-hand y-axis
temp. on the left hand y-axis
time along the x-axis

11. Climatographs

12. Adaptations & Biomes Biomes are often identified with biotic factors.
Ex) a cactus in the desert, or a caribou on the tundra.
Many have special adaptations that allow the organisms to better survive & reproduce in that biome.

13. Structural adaptation - a physical feature
Types of adaptations:
Structural adaptation - a physical feature
that helps an organism survive.
ex. A wolf’s large paws help it run in snow.
Physiological adaptation - a physical or chemical event inside the body of an organism that allows it to survive.
ex. A wolf maintains a constant body temperature.
3. Behavioural adaptation - a behaviour that helps an organism to survive.
ex. Wolves hunt in packs to capture large prey.
Take the Section 1.1 Quiz