Essential Questions  What are the six major biomes found on Earth?  What factors determine the type of biome found in an area?

Key Terms  Biome  Desert  Grassland  Savanna  Tundra  Coniferous tree  Deciduous tree  Canopy  Understory  Permafrost

Biomes  A biome is a group of land ecosystems with similar climates and organisms. Rain forest, Desert, Grassland, Deciduous Forest, Boreal Forest, Tundra  Temperature and precipitation in an area determine its biome.

Rain Forest Biomes  Great diversity – trees, ferns, vines, snakes, bugs, birds, etc.  There are two types of rain forests. Temperate Tropical

Temperate Rain Forest  Northwestern coast of the U.S.  Huge trees - cedars, redwoods, Douglas firs.  More than 300cm of rain per year.  Temperate means having moderate temperatures.

Tropical Rain Forest  Great diversity – millions of plants, animals and insects.  Trees form different layers Tall trees form a leafy roof called the canopy. Below, a second layer of shorter trees and vines form an understory.  Hot all the time.  Near Equator

Desert Biomes  A desert is an area that receives less than 25cm of rain per year.  The amount of evaporation is greater than the amount of rain.  Extreme temperatures - huge shifts during the day and night.

Grassland Biomes  A grassland is an area that is populated mostly by grasses and other non-woody plants.  Most receive 25 to 75 cm of rain each year  Fires and droughts are common.

Grassland  A savanna receives as much as 120cm of rain each year.  Savannas are located closer to the equator.

Deciduous Forest Biomes  Climate – most have 4 seasons  Growing season is 5 to 6 months long  Many animals, plants, insects  Deciduous trees shed their leaves and grow new ones each year  Coniferous trees too

Boreal Forest Biome  Most of the trees are coniferous which produce seeds in cones and leaves shaped like needles.  Also called Taiga  Cold climate Short rainy summers Long cold snowy winters  Birds, rabbits, wolves, deer, owls.

Tundra Biome  Extremely cold and dry  Most of the soil is permafrost, soil that is frozen all year.  Short summers, soil on top thaws, deeper stays frozen  Mosses, grasses, low plants  Birds and mammals with thick fur coats  Caribou, wolves, Arctic hares

Mountains and Ice  Not part of any major biome

Review  What are the six major biomes found on Earth?  What factors determine the type of biome found in an area?