Chapter 1: Biomes & ecosystems are divisions of the biosphere 1.1 Biomes Biomes are regions with similar biotic & abiotic components (ex. BC & New Zealand are similar biomes)Biomes are regions with similar biotic & abiotic components (ex. BC & New Zealand are similar biomes) Biomes are classified based on manyBiomes are classified based on many characteristics: water availability, characteristics: water availability, temperature & interactions between temperature & interactions between biotic & abiotic factors. biotic & abiotic factors.

Distribution of Biomes Temperature & precipitation are 2 of the most important abiotic factors in identifying biomes.Temperature & precipitation are 2 of the most important abiotic factors in identifying biomes.

Distribution of Biomes

Latitude influences both temp. & precipitation.Latitude influences both temp. & precipitation. Ex. The tropical zone has very warm temp. & high Precip. Because the sun shines straight down & warm air holds more moisture than cooler air. Elevation is the height above sea levelElevation is the height above sea level –Higher elevations have less air, & therefore less heat is retained. –Windward sides of mountains are wet, leeward sides are very dry. Ocean currents carry warmth & moisture to coastal areas.Ocean currents carry warmth & moisture to coastal areas. –Where warm currents meet land, temperate biomes are found.  Other identifying factors include:

Climatographs Climate: the average pattern of weather conditions over a period of several years.Climate: the average pattern of weather conditions over a period of several years. –A climatograph shows the average temperature & precipitation for a location over a period of 30+ years. –Climatographs show the precipitation on the right hand y-axis, temperature on the left hand y-axis and time along the x-axis (bottom)

Climatographs

The conditions of different Biomes require ling things to adapt. Types of adaptations: 1.Structural adaptation - a physical feature that helps an organism survive. ex. A wolf has large paws to help it run in snow. 2.Physiological adaptation - a physical or chemical event inside the body of an organism that allows it to survive. ex. A wolf maintains a constant body temperature. 3. Behavioural adaptation - a behaviour that helps an organism to survive. ex. Wolves hunt in packs to capture large prey.