Biomes and Adaptations
The survival of any plant or animal depends on its ability to adapt to the environment where it lives.
What is a biome? A community of organisms that live and interact within a particular area. These thrive or perish depending on their ability to adapt to conditions such as the availability of food and water, soil conditions, temperature, and sunlight.
B/C geographic and climatic conditions vary around the world there is a global distribution pattern of biomes, each with their own characteristic plants and animals.
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Tundra Animals Compact bodies w/ thick fur/feathers Thick fat deposits for insulation & energy storage White in winter, brown in summer Fat/insulators Herds migrate
Plants Ground hugging to conserve warmth Shallow roots b/c ground frozen Short growing seasons video
Taiga (Boreal Forest) Animals Insulation Hibernate Migration Camouflage Omnivorous Diets
Plants Conical shape of tree to help shed snow Needle-leaf to prevent water loss Dark color to absorb max heat Year round foliage to allow photosynthesis to begin asap in the spring video
Deciduous (Broad-leaf) Forest Animals Migration Hibernate Camouflage Omnivorous Diet
Plants Leaves on trees change colors during season changes Trees lose leaves and become dormant for winter--new leaves in spring for photosynthesis Lean toward sun Broad leaves to absorb sunlight video
Grasslands Animals Hooves- Run from predators Camouflage Knock over trees & trample seedling trees Live in herds Carnivores hunt at night
Snow reservoir of moisture for growing season Plants Snow reservoir of moisture for growing season Decaying grass helps fertilize the soil Grass grows all year long video
Deserts Animals Burrow underground to avoid heat Nocturnal – stay in shade in day Get water from food Small body size w/ long appendages to encourage cooling Light colored to prevent absorption of heat
Plants Store water Small leaves (spines & thorns) to prevent water loss Extensive root systems Dormant seeds for years, then with rainfall grow video
Tropical Rain Forest Animals Bright colors Loud vocalization Diet heavy in fruit Climb
Plants Individual fruiting/flowering seasons Oil coating to shed water Large leaves to absorb what little light gets to under story “climbing” vines to reach sunlight video
Aquatic Whales migrate for food Salmon migrate to reproduce Microscopic plants & animals Thick fat insulation in cold waters