ADAPTATIONS IN BIOMES

Biomes are large areas having similar climate; animals and plants that live there are adapted to these specific climatic conditions

In the Tundra… How are mosses and lichens adapted? Short roots allow quick growth and require little soil

Why are there NO TREES in the tundra? Trees require abundant soil for root growth The ground in the tundra is frozen year round so roots cannot grow Trees also need lots of water Precipitation in the tundra is ALL frozen

Animals in the tundra Name 3 adaptations of the arctic fox: Thick fur White fur for camouflage Short ears Short nose

Just like the arctic fox… The snowshoe hare has camouflage coloration (it’s brown in growing season); shorter ears (than other hares); and thicker fur

How is the elk adapted to life in tundra? The elk migrates to tundra during “summer” months to feed, but returns to taiga when snows begin

In the Taiga… How are trees such as the fir and spruce tree adapted for life in taiga? Ground thaws to support trees Triangular shape helps snow slide off Needle-like leaves reduce water loss; therefore they don’t freeze

Animals in the Taiga How is the grizzly bear adapted to life in taiga? They hibernate during cold months

The moose forages on vegetation year round to sustain warmth

In the Temperate Deciduous Forest… How do trees like the beech tree survive cold winters in the temperate forest? They shed their leaves during the cold months This is DECIDUOUS!

The Understory Because the canopy of the temperate deciduous forest is not as dense as the rainforest, abundant understory growth is present such as low growing trees like dogwoods and groundcover such as ferns and mushrooms

Animals in the Deciduous Forest… Black bears are common in North Carolina. How do they survive the cold winters we have here? They hibernate

And the grey squirrel… Stores nuts for food through the cold months.

In the Grassland… Thick root ball allows quick growth when burned or grazed at the surface Root ball is just below surface; not deep

And… Grasses are flexible enough to withstand the strong winds that blow across the flat prairie.

Animals in the Grassland Antelope are grazers. They blend with the environment And hide somewhat within the tall grasses

Prairie dogs burrow and hunt low in the tall grasses Herding animals, like buffalo are common to grasslands because of the abundant food

In the Desert… How is the cactus adapted for life in the desert? Holds lots of water; fleshy: succulents Thin spine leaves; reduce water loss Short broad root systems

The aloe plant has same features as the cactus The creosote bush can go dormant in extreme drought conditions

Animals in the Desert Name features of the rattlesnake that make it adapted for the dry conditions of the desert: Thick scaly skin prevents water loss “bask” in sun, burrow in sand, or hide under rocks to adjust temperature: they’re COLD BLOODED

Fennic Fox: the desert fox Look at this picture and describe adaptations that allow this fox successful in the desert: Big ears help release heat Short hair keeps it cool

The Kangaroo Rat The kangaroo rat gets its name from its “hopping” movements. It is adapted for life in the dry desert by obtaining the water it needs from starchy seeds

Life in the Jungle… The Kapok tree is an EMERGENT: Gets plenty of water and sunlight Grows tall above canopy of tropical rain forest

Adaptation: Large Leaves Some leaves in the rainforest can grow 6 ft across! Why?? Lots of rain stimulates growth But also, due to lots of moisture, plants in the rainforest need a large surface area in order to lose moisture so they don’t drown

ADAPTATION: EPIPHYTES The canopy in the jungle is very dense and little light gets through to bottom of jungle floor Therefore there is little low growing vegetation….EXCEPT Those that grow On the branches of the tall trees!

EPIPHYTES are plants that grow on another plant Epiphytes can be found in any forest But it is a common adaptation in the rainforest since this is the only way these low growing ferns, orchids, and vines can get enough sun!

ANIMALS IN THE RAINFOREST Some animals use bright colors to warn off predators like this arrow frog

MAMMALS Howler monkeys use sound to communicate and locate each other in a dense habitat that’s very dark.

BIRDS Tucans and many other birds in the rainforest are brightly colored to attract mates Camouflage is not necessary in the jungle as there are many niches and little competition

IN SUMMARY… Biomes are distinguished by their climate and soil type. Climate and soil type determine the type of plant life that grows there. Plant life determines the types of animal life that lives there. All plants and animals have specific adapatations that allow them to be successful in their particular biome.