BIOMES AND ECOSYSTEMS

What is a biome? A biome is a group of ecosystems with similar climates and organisms

There are 6 major land biomes and 2 major water ecosystems? LAND (6): RAINFORESTS, DESERTS, GRASSLANDS, DECIDOUS FORESTS, TAIGA, & TUNDRA WATER (2): FRESHWATER & MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

Deciduous Forest

An area’s biome is determined mostly by its climate Temperature Precipitation

Taiga Mostly contains conifer trees Cold Winters trees that produce their seeds in cones and have leaves shaped like needles Cold Winters Warm and rainy summers. Bears, Hares & Carribou

DECIDUOUS FOREST Deciduous trees= Trees that shed their leaves and grow new ones each year Examples: Oaks & Maple Receive enough rain to support the growth of trees and other plants at least 50 cm per year Growing season is 5 to 6 months long. Animals- Birds, Deer, Squirrels

RAIN FORESTS There are 2 main types of rainforests

RAIN FORESTS Found in regions close to the equator Warm and humid all year long. Lots of precipitation Most of all Biomes Diverse number of Plants Large leaves Diverse number of animals-Second in all Biomes

DESERTS Desert = An area that receives less than 25 cm of rain per year. Very Dry, little precipitation Some deserts receive NO precipitation at all during one year. Antarctica is also considered a desert because of the lack of precipitation.

Desert Plants & Animals Plants- Small leaves or needles used to conserve water Animals adapt to the desert- Roadrunner, Camel

TUNDRA Extremely cold and dry biome. Most soil is frozen all year long (permafrost) Plants include Moss and Grasses PERMAFROST

Tundra Plants & Animals POLAR BEAR REINDEER ARCTIC FOX ARCTIC HARE

Grassland An area that is populated mostly by grasses and small shrubs. Includes African Savannah Receive 25 to 75 cm of rain per year. Fires and droughts are common.

Grasslands are home to many of the largest animals on Earth. Examples: Grazing by these large herbivores helps to maintain these grasslands.

MARINE ECOSYSTEMS Marine ecosystems have a level of salt. Oceans Saltwater seas- Salt Lake Bays- Less salty More plants and animals than freshwater Largest collection of living organisms

FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS include streams, rivers, ponds and lakes.

Freshwater Biomes Provide water to plants and animals from other land biomes Animals- Fish, Amphibians, Insect, & Birds