1. Biomes

2. Biomes
Biomes are large geographic areas that have a distinctive climate, with plants and animals in that area that are adapted to that climate.
The biomes consist of:
Tundra
Desert
Taiga
Savanna
Grasslands
Rainforest
Deciduous Forest
Alpine
Chaparral
Aquatic (water) Biomes

3. Tundra Grasslands Chaparral Desert-Scrub Rainforest
Taiga Deciduous Forest Desert Savanna Alpine

4. Tundra
The tundra is found in the northern regions of North America and Asia. It is the land surrounding the north pole.
This is the world’s coldest and driest biome. Average temperatures are -10oF and it only receives 6-10 inches of precipitation per year
There are 48 mammals that live here (shrews, rodents, hares, wolves, foxes, etc.)
There is very little plant life, just some shrubs, mosses, lichens, and grasses.
Tundra are considered carbon dioxide sinks and suffer greatly from pollution.

5. Adaptations for Tundra
Thick coats of fur and fat for warmth.
White fur to provide camouflage
Migration skills, for when it gets too cold or food becomes scarce

6. Taiga
The taiga is located just below the tundra and is the largest biome.
It is characterized by the coniferous trees and shrubs that grow here
Some animals that live here are the lynx, weasels, bobcats, rabbits, squirrels, birds, and voles
The winters are very cold with lots of snowfall, while the summers are warm and very humid
The taiga is very susceptible to wildfires

7. Adaptations for Tiaga Hibernation or torpor
Layer of insulating feathers (down)
Migration
Thick waxy needles easily shed snow and stay evergreen
Change in color of fur or feathers

8. Grasslands
Grasslands are characterized by large open areas of short grasses, herbs, and wildflowers
There is only enough precipitation to support grasses and a few sporadic trees
Grasslands are usually found at the middle latitudes in the interior of continents
Some animals that live there are coyotes, wild turkeys, eagles, bobcats, bison, dung beetles, etc.
These have cold winters when nothing grows and summers with warm temperatures around 70oF

9. Adaptations for Grasslands
Upper parts of grass can die, but the root survives until next rain (plants grow from root not tip)
Grazing animals (eat grass)
Speed

10. Deciduous Forest
This is the biome we live in, which continues down the eastern coast and in Northern Europe
We receive inches of precipitation per year
It is characterized by the leaf bearing (deciduous) trees and its four distinct seasons
Animals such as squirrels, birds, and other animals depend on these trees for homes and food.
Many animals hibernate during the cold winter months, when less food is available
The average temperature is about 50oF

11. Adaptations for Deciduous Forest
Trees lose leaves in winter and have thick bark
Hibernation or torpor
Migration during winter
Shelter finding or making skills
Camouflage

12. Chaparral The chaparral is very hot and dry
It is covered in shrubs and cacti with very hard waxy leaves made for retaining water
Animals that live there are also adapted to the climate
These include coyotes, jack rabbits, praying mantis, lizards, etc.

13. Adaptations for Chaparral
Seeds triggered to sprout by intense heat (forest fire)
Speed (no where to hide)
Thick waxy leaves
Water storage

14. Desert
The desert is characterized by very, very little precipitation (under 15cm per year), which means very little plant life.
The few plant that liver there are ones adapted to store water and grow very close to the ground
Deserts can be very hot or very cold, so animals must be adapted to a wide variety of temperatures
The animals that live there are usually small nocturnal carnivores. Deserts also contain many insects, arachnids, reptiles, and birds.

15. Adaptations for Desert
Thick waxy leaves allow maximum water storage and minimum water loss
Thorns on plants to protect their stores of water and add shade
Nocturnal predators
Heat release systems
Water storage systems

16. Savanna
Savannas are considered tropical grasslands because their main plant life is tall grasses with some trees
Savannas are warm year round, with lots of rain in the summer, but very little in the other seasons
Many plants have developed bulbs or corms for storing water during dry months
There are many grazing animals like gazelles, giraffes, elephants, and zebras, which means there are many carnivores like lions as well.

17. Adaptations for Savanna
Plants adaptations are similar to grasslands
Animals are too large to be hidden by grass, so need adaptations such as speed and camouflage
Migration during the dry season

18. Rainforest
Rainforests are characterized by warm weather year round (68-93oF), dense forests, lots of rain ( inches), and an incredible amount of biodiversity.
Scientists have found different species of trees in only one hectare (2.5 acres).
The species all show incredible differences in their adaptations and we think there are many more species to be discovered in rainforests.

19. Adaptations for Rainforest
With so many different species, competition is intense so any adaptation will help
Camouflage
Specialization (specific symbiosis)
Warning coloration
Plants needs to be able to shed excess water
Climbing or swimming (both fast)
Nocturnal

20. Alpine
Alpine biomes are found in the mountainous regions of the world.
They are characterized by cooler temperatures and weather that can change very quickly
There are only about 200 species of alpine plants because they have to adapt to low CO2 levels and very rocky dry substrate
These plant usually grow close to the ground and are shrubby looking
Only warm blooded animals live here due to the cold and they usually migrate down the mountain in winters
There are some insects, but mostly goats, rodent, bears, etc.

21. Adaptations for Alpine
Plants grow low to the ground
Evergreen
Climbing abilities
Maximize oxygen (some birds with extra lungs)
Thick coat of fur