Biomes

Biome A biome is a large

group of ecosystems in the same climax community Terrestrial Biomes

– On Land Aquatic Biomes -

Underwater

Aquatic Biomes Marine Biomes-Contain saltwater. The type of

organisms present is highly dependent on sunlight. Sunlight is needed for photosynthesis Photic Zone-Sunlight can penetrate,

Photosynthesis can occur Aphotic Zone-Sunlight cannot penetrate

Terrestrial Biomes Latitude influences

the climate of an area Some latitudes

receive more direct radiation than others

Temperature and precipitation have a huge affect on the climate of an area

Tundra The tundra is a

treeless area in the Arctic circle that is consistently frozen Little vegetation

because soil is often frozen (permafrost)

Organisms: Weasels, oxen, caribou, foxes, reindeer

Taiga Taiga-Lies below the

tundra and is usually warmer and wetter Most of Canada,

Northern Europe, Asia

More trees than the tundra

Weasels, squirrels, elk, moose

DesertDeserts are arid regions with high

temperatures and little rainfallLittle vegetation due to scarce rainfallLife includes cacti, kangaroo rat,

coyotes, snakes, lizards, scorpions

Grasslands Grasslands contain rich soil, grasses and plants

Dry summers Little forests. 25-75 cm of precipitation

Soils have high humus content

Life includes: Bison Rabbits Deer Elk

Temperate Forests Temperate Forests – Primarily covered by trees in

a mild climate Animals include:

Squirrels Rabbits Deer Bears

Rain Forests Rain forests have high

amounts of precipitation and high temperatures Near the equator,

have a wide diversity of life

Contains many species of life that are deadly and poisonous

The rainforest is a very dangerous place