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Biomes are large regions of the world with distinctive climates, wildlife and vegetation. There are terrestrial and aquatic biomes

Terrestrial Biomes –Latitude –Altitude –Temperature –Precipitation –Soil Type –Solar Energy –Winds –Proximity to Water Aquatic Biomes –Salinity –Clarity –Temperature –Current –Oxygen, CO2 for photosynthesis –Solar Energy –Nutrients –Depth

Mainly determined by temperature and precipitation

Tropical Forests –Lie along either side of the equator, mainly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn –Average Temperature is between 20 and 34 degrees C. Seasonal or Evergreen (rain forests) Occupy less than 10% or earth, but house between 50% and 80% of terrestrial plant and animal species.

At risk because millions of hectares have been destroyed in the last 30 years. –Burnt or cut down for farm land. Rain forests important in regulating the Earth’s climate.

Represent slightly more than ¼ or all the forests in the world. Canada and Northern Russia Composed of conifers and forest floor covered with moss and lichen. Many lakes and marshes. Lots of sunlight in summer, so trees can thrive despite poor soil. Diverse wildlife

Southern Canada, USA, Europe and some parts of Asia. Mixture of conifers and deciduous trees although more southern, mostly deciduous. Nutrient-rich soil because of decomposing leaves Leaves fall in autumn, and then grow back in spring.

Also called Prairies Grasses can survive fire, drought and mowing because they spend a lot of their resources developing their root system. Temperate Savannas Derived grasslands

North of the boreal forests Forms a ring of vegetation around the North Pole Canadian far north is Arctic Tundra Long, cold winters, and very short summer allow only stunted vegetation Animals such as the caribou, arctic fox and lemming have adapted to the harsh arctic biome

1/3 of Earth’s continental land mass Less than 25 cm of annual precipitation Very high or low temperatures Only a few species of animals can survive. With no clouds or air humidity, heat escapes the hot, arid deserts at night and they can get below freezing temperatures.

Defined by altitude rather than latitude Found almost everywhere in the world Higher the altitude, lower the temperature Submontane zone Montane zone Subalpine zone Alpine zone Nival zone