2. Biomes

3. Biomes are a group of ecosystems with similar climates (temperature and rainfall) and organisms.

4. Types of Biomes Rain Forest Desert Grassland Deciduous Forest
Coniferous Forest
Tundra
Freshwater
Saltwater (Marine)

5. Deciduous Forest Biome
Large Trees – Shed leaves each winter
At least 50 cm of rain each year
The weather in this area changes with the seasons

6. Deciduous Forest Biome
Virginia is located in this biome.

7. Coniferous Forest Biome
Also called Boreal Forest or Taiga
Largest Biome in World
Most abundant plant life is coniferous trees – cone bearing

8. Coniferous Forest Biome
The weather here is colder. Winters have much more snow. Summers don’t get quite as warm.
Total snowfall can reach more than 20 feet per year!!!
Video :

9. Rain Forest Biome 2 types: Both have many species of plants & animals
Tropical Rain Forest - found near the equator
Temperate Rain Forest – found NW USA
Both have many species of plants & animals
25%
57%
18%

10. Tropical Rain Forest Biome
Lots of rain!!!! Wettest place on earth. It rains every day – 400 inches per year (That’s 9-30 feet)
Very warm & humid all year long – average temp. is 80OF
Trees form distinct layers –
Canopy – top layer of trees
Understory – 2nd layer of trees

11. Tropical Rain Forest Biome
LOTS of plant & animals
Most diverse place on earth!!!
Video:

12. Grassland Biomes Also Called Prairies & Savannahs
25 – 75 cm of rain a year
Enough to rain to support grasses and bushes, but not enough to support trees.

13. Grassland Biomes
Savannahs closer to equator & receive more rain up to 120 cm.
Have scattered shrubs & small trees
Grasslands support the largest animals on Earth
Video

14. Desert Biomes
A desert is an area that receives less than 25cm (10 inches) of rain per year. (Some don’t get any)
Most deserts get very hot during the day and get very cold at night.

15. Desert Biomes Animals & plants have adapted to preserve water
Most animals are nocturnal

16. Tundra Biome The land here is very cold and dry.
Very little precipitation
Land is frozen all year (permafrost)

17. Tundra Biome Short summer – top layer of soil defrosts
Mosses, grasses, shrubs & dwarf bushes
Insects, birds, reindeer, foxes, wolves, hares

18. Freshwater Biomes Not Saltwater!!! Account for 1/5 of Earth 2 Groups
Ponds & Lakes
Rivers & Streams
Sunlight only reaches top of water
Algae is the most abundant plant in the water biomes because photosynthesis can only occur at top layers of water

19. Ponds and Lakes Still water Lakes are deeper than ponds.
Sometimes ponds are shallow enough for sunlight to reach the bottom which lets plants grow.

20. Streams and Rivers The water runs fast in these areas.
Plants and animals must be able to survive in the fast running water
Video :

21. Marine Biomes Salt or Brackish Water Oceans & Estuaries
Plants & animals must have adaptations to survive in salt water
Video :

22. Estuaries
This is where the water from the rivers and streams runs into the ocean, making a mixture of salt and fresh water.
Lots of sun – lots of plants