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 Grasslands Chaparral Desert-

Scrub Rainforest

Taiga Deciduous Forest Desert Savanna

Alpine

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.

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

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

Hibernation or torporLayer of insulating

feathers (down)MigrationThick waxy needles

easily shed snow and stay evergreen

Change in color of fur or feathers

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

Upper parts of grass can die, but the root survives until next rain (plants grow from root not tip)

Grazing animals (eat grass)

Speed

This is the biome we live in, which continues down the eastern coast and in Northern Europe

We receive 30-60 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

Trees lose leaves in winter and have thick bark

Hibernation or torpor

Migration during winter

Shelter finding or making skills

Camouflage

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.

Seeds triggered to sprout by intense heat (forest fire)

Speed (no where to hide)

Thick waxy leavesWater storage

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.

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

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.

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

Rainforests are characterized by warm weather year round (68-93oF), dense forests, lots of rain (50-260 inches), and an incredible amount of biodiversity.

Scientists have found 100-300 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.

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

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.

Plants grow low to the ground

EvergreenClimbing abilitiesMaximize oxygen

(some birds with extra lungs)

Thick coat of fur