1. 2.4 Biomes

2. Assessment Statements 2.4.1 Define the term biome 2.4.2 Explain the distribution, structure, and relative productivity of tropical rainforests, deserts, tundra, and any other biome

3. 2.4.1 Define the term biome A collection of ecosystems sharing similar climatic conditions.

4. 2.4.2 Explain the distribution, structure, and relative productivity of tropical rainforests, deserts, tundra, and any other biome Tropical Rainforest Temperature: 26 C Rainfall: Over 2500 mm/yr Insolation (Light Level): High Distribution: Between the tropics of cancer and capricorn Structure: Highly stratified (Emergent, Canopy, Understory, Immature, and Herb layers) Productivity: High

5. 2.4.2 Explain the distribution, structure, and relative productivity of tropical rainforests, deserts, tundra, and any other biome Desert Temperature: 45 C Rainfall: Under 250 mm/yr Insolation (Light Level): High Distribution: 30 o N and S Structure: Little vegetation, organisms highly adapted to low water and fluctuating temperatures Productivity: Very low

6. 2.4.2 Explain the distribution, structure, and relative productivity of tropical rainforests, deserts, tundra, and any other biome Tundra Temperature: Low down to -50 C Rainfall: Low Insolation (Light Level): Low Distribution: High Latitudes Structure: Plants with leathery leaves or underground storage organs, larger animals with fur Productivity: Low

7. 2.4.2 Explain the distribution, structure, and relative productivity of tropical rainforests, deserts, tundra, and any other biome Temperate forest Temperature: cold winters, hot summers Rainfall: 500-1500 mm/yr Insolation (Light Level): varies through year Distribution: 40 to 60 o N Structure: Dominated by one species of tree (evergreen or deciduous) bigger shrub layer due to less dense canopy Productivity: Relatively high

8. 2.4.2 Explain the distribution, structure, and relative productivity of tropical rainforests, deserts, tundra, and any other biome Grasslands Temperature: cold winters, hot summers, fluctuate wildly if removed from the sea Rainfall: 250-500 mm/yr Insolation (Light Level): varies through year Distribution: Almost every continent 16% of the earth’s surface Structure: Diverse grasses, with a mat of slowly decomposing vegetation Productivity: Relatively low