1. Chapter 1: Biomes & ecosystems 1.1 Biomes Biomes are regions with similar biotic & abiotic components (ex. BC & New Zealand are similar biomes because they are similar distance from the equatorBiomes are regions with similar biotic & abiotic components (ex. BC & New Zealand are similar biomes because they are similar distance from the equator and they have similar wildlife) and they have similar wildlife) Biomes are classified based on manyBiomes are classified based on many characteristics: water availability, characteristics: water availability, temperature & interactions between temperature & interactions between biotic & abiotic factors. biotic & abiotic factors.

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

3. Distribution of Biomes

4. Latitude influences both temp. & precipitation.Latitude influences both temp. & precipitation. Ex. The tropical zone has very warm temp. & high Precip. Because the sun shines straight down & warm air holds more moisture than cooler air. Elevation is the height above sea levelElevation is the 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. Ocean currents carry warmth & moisture to coastal areas.Ocean currents carry warmth & moisture to coastal areas. –Where warm currents meet land, temperate biomes are found.  Other identifying factors include:

6. Climatographs Climate: the average pattern of weather conditions over a period of several years.Climate: the average pattern of weather conditions over a period of several years. –A climatograph shows the average temperature & precipitation for a location over a period of 30+ years. –Climatographs show the precipitation on the left hand y- axis, temperature on the right hand y-axis and time along the x-axis (bottom)

7. Climatographs

8. Types of adaptations: 1.Structural adaptation - a physical feature that helps an organism survive. ex. A wolf has large paws to help it run in snow. 2.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.