The Land Biomes

Introduction Today, we will take a tour of some of the terrestrial biomes around the Earth. While on the tour, you will discover various characteristics of each of the biomes such as: The abiotic factors of each biome. The dominant plants and wildlife in each biome. The geographic distribution of each biome.

REMEMBER You have been given a notes sheet for this Powerpoint, so all you have to do is fill in the blanks when the proper slides come up.

First off…. What is a biome? What the heck does that mean????? A biome is a physical environment that contains a characteristic assemblage of plants and animals. What the heck does that mean?????

What determines the characteristics of the biomes??? CLIMATE!!! Keep in mind that the two main factors that determine a biome’s climate are temperature and precipitation.

So are you ready to start on our field trip of the terrestrial biomes??? LETS GO!!!

The Tropical Rain Forest

The Tropical Rain Forest Found in parts of South and Central America, Southeast Asia, parts of Africa, southern India, and Northeast Australia. Found in areas where rainfall occurs year round. Covers less than 10% of the Earth’s surface, but contains at least 50% of the species on Earth!!

Tropical Rain Forest cont. Climate – hot and wet year round. Thin, nutrient poor soils. Why do you think the soils are so poor?

Tropical Rain Forest cont. Animals found – jaguars, anteaters, sloths, toucans, butterflies, ants, beetles, piranhas, snakes, spiders, and many more. Plants found – Evergreen trees, ferns, vines, orchids.

The Tropical Dry Forest

The Tropical Dry Forest Found in parts of Africa, South and Central America, Mexico, India, and Australia. Climate – Warm year round; alternating wet and dry seasons. Very rich soils because of erosion. Found in areas where rainfall is seasonal rather than year round.

The Tropical Dry Forest cont. Animals found – Tigers, monkeys, elephants, rhinos, pelicans, snakes, and lizards. Plants found – tall deciduous trees that form a dense canopy, orchids, and aloes.

Tropical Savanna

Tropical Savanna Found in most of Eastern Africa, southern Brazil, and Northern Australia. AKA grasslands Climate – warm temperatures, seasonal rainfall, compact soils, and frequent fires set by lightning.

Tropical Savanna Animals found – Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, eagles, etc… Plants – Grasses, Drought tolerant and fire tolerant plants.

Desert

Deserts Location – Africa, Asia, the Middle East, United States, Mexico, South America, Australia. Climate – Low precipitation (> 25cm per year), variable temperatures (Hot during the day and cold at night). Soils are rich in minerals but poor in organic material. WHY?

Deserts cont. Animals found here – Mountain lions, foxes, rats, bats, owls, hawks, ants, butterflies, flies, wasps, lizards, snakes. Plants found – Cacti and other succulents.

Temperate Grassland

Temperate Grassland Location – Central Asia, North America, Australia, Central Europe, Northern South America. Climate – warm to hot summers and cold winters. Moderate precipitation. Most grasslands have today been converted to agricultural fields.

Temperate Grassland cont. Animals found in the grassland – coyotes, badgers, grizzly bears, rabbits, prairie dogs, hawks, owls, snakes, insects, ants, grasshoppers. Plants found – grasses and herbs. Most are resistant to drought, fire, and the cold.

Chaparral Location – western North and South America, some areas of Africa and Australia. Climate – hot, dry summers and cool moist winters.

Chaparral cont. Animals in the woodland – coyotes, bobcats, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, mice, hawks, lizards, snakes, spiders. Plants found – evergreen shrubs with leathery leaves

Temperate Forest

Temperate Forest

Temperate Forest Location – eastern United States, southeastern Canada, most of Europe, parts of Japan and China. The Biome that Delaware is found in!!! Climate – Cold to moderate winters, warm summers, year round precipitation. Very fertile soils!! Why?????

Temperate Forest Animals – Deer, black bears, squirrels, skunks, turkeys, songbirds Plants – broad leaf deciduous trees, herbs, mosses, ferns.

Coniferous Forest

Coniferous Forest Location – Western United States and Canada. Climate – Mild temperatures, with abundant precipitation in the fall, winter, and spring. Summers are cool and dry. Soils are very acidic. WHY?

Coniferous Forest Animals – Bears, elk, deer, beavers, owls, bobcats, weasels. Plants – Firs, spruces, hemlocks, redwoods.

Tundra

Tundra Location – Northern North America, Asia, and Europe. Known for permafrost – a layer of permanently frozen soil that is always present. Climate – Low precipitation, short summers, long, cold, dark winters.

Tundra Animals – Migratory birds and insects, arctic foxes, caribou, lemmings. Plants – mosses, lichens, short grasses.

Any Questions????