Biomes

Biomes Biomes are large geographic areas that have a distinctive climate, with plants and animals in that area that are adapted to that climate. The biomes consist of: Tundra Desert Taiga Savanna Grasslands Rainforest Deciduous Forest Alpine Chaparral Aquatic (water) Biomes

Tundra Grasslands Chaparral Desert-Scrub Rainforest Taiga Deciduous Forest Desert Savanna Alpine

Tundra The tundra is found in the northern regions of North America and Asia. It is the land surrounding the north pole. This is the world’s coldest and driest biome. Average temperatures are -10oF and it only receives 6-10 inches of precipitation per year There are 48 mammals that live here (shrews, rodents, hares, wolves, foxes, etc.) There is very little plant life, just some shrubs, mosses, lichens, and grasses. Tundra are considered carbon dioxide sinks and suffer greatly from pollution.

Adaptations for Tundra Thick coats of fur and fat for warmth. White fur to provide camouflage Migration skills, for when it gets too cold or food becomes scarce

Taiga The taiga is located just below the tundra and is the largest biome. It is characterized by the coniferous trees and shrubs that grow here Some animals that live here are the lynx, weasels, bobcats, rabbits, squirrels, birds, and voles The winters are very cold with lots of snowfall, while the summers are warm and very humid The taiga is very susceptible to wildfires

Adaptations for Tiaga Hibernation or torpor Layer of insulating feathers (down) Migration Thick waxy needles easily shed snow and stay evergreen Change in color of fur or feathers

Grasslands Grasslands are characterized by large open areas of short grasses, herbs, and wildflowers There is only enough precipitation to support grasses and a few sporadic trees Grasslands are usually found at the middle latitudes in the interior of continents Some animals that live there are coyotes, wild turkeys, eagles, bobcats, bison, dung beetles, etc. These have cold winters when nothing grows and summers with warm temperatures around 70oF

Adaptations for Grasslands Upper parts of grass can die, but the root survives until next rain (plants grow from root not tip) Grazing animals (eat grass) Speed

Deciduous Forest This is the biome we live in, which continues down the eastern coast and in Northern Europe We receive 30-60 inches of precipitation per year It is characterized by the leaf bearing (deciduous) trees and its four distinct seasons Animals such as squirrels, birds, and other animals depend on these trees for homes and food. Many animals hibernate during the cold winter months, when less food is available The average temperature is about 50oF

Adaptations for Deciduous Forest Trees lose leaves in winter and have thick bark Hibernation or torpor Migration during winter Shelter finding or making skills Camouflage

Chaparral The chaparral is very hot and dry It is covered in shrubs and cacti with very hard waxy leaves made for retaining water Animals that live there are also adapted to the climate These include coyotes, jack rabbits, praying mantis, lizards, etc.

Adaptations for Chaparral Seeds triggered to sprout by intense heat (forest fire) Speed (no where to hide) Thick waxy leaves Water storage

Desert The desert is characterized by very, very little precipitation (under 15cm per year), which means very little plant life. The few plant that liver there are ones adapted to store water and grow very close to the ground Deserts can be very hot or very cold, so animals must be adapted to a wide variety of temperatures The animals that live there are usually small nocturnal carnivores. Deserts also contain many insects, arachnids, reptiles, and birds.

Adaptations for Desert Thick waxy leaves allow maximum water storage and minimum water loss Thorns on plants to protect their stores of water and add shade Nocturnal predators Heat release systems Water storage systems

Savanna Savannas are considered tropical grasslands because their main plant life is tall grasses with some trees Savannas are warm year round, with lots of rain in the summer, but very little in the other seasons Many plants have developed bulbs or corms for storing water during dry months There are many grazing animals like gazelles, giraffes, elephants, and zebras, which means there are many carnivores like lions as well.

Adaptations for Savanna Plants adaptations are similar to grasslands Animals are too large to be hidden by grass, so need adaptations such as speed and camouflage Migration during the dry season

Rainforest Rainforests are characterized by warm weather year round (68-93oF), dense forests, lots of rain (50-260 inches), and an incredible amount of biodiversity. Scientists have found 100-300 different species of trees in only one hectare (2.5 acres). The species all show incredible differences in their adaptations and we think there are many more species to be discovered in rainforests.

Adaptations for Rainforest With so many different species, competition is intense so any adaptation will help Camouflage Specialization (specific symbiosis) Warning coloration Plants needs to be able to shed excess water Climbing or swimming (both fast) Nocturnal

Alpine Alpine biomes are found in the mountainous regions of the world. They are characterized by cooler temperatures and weather that can change very quickly There are only about 200 species of alpine plants because they have to adapt to low CO2 levels and very rocky dry substrate These plant usually grow close to the ground and are shrubby looking Only warm blooded animals live here due to the cold and they usually migrate down the mountain in winters There are some insects, but mostly goats, rodent, bears, etc.

Adaptations for Alpine Plants grow low to the ground Evergreen Climbing abilities Maximize oxygen (some birds with extra lungs) Thick coat of fur