1. Biomes: Definition and Brazilian Examples Dr. James A. Danoff-Burg Columbia University

2. A Definition  “A biogeographical region or formation – a major regional ecological community characterized by the distinctive life forms and principal plant (or animal in marine biomes) [life forms].” Lincoln et al. 1982. A dictionary of ecology, evolution and systematics.

3. Examples  Tundra  Northern Coniferous Forest  Temperate Deciduous and Rain Forest  Chaparral  Desert  Tropical Rain Forest  Tropical Deciduous Forest  Tropical Scrub Forest  Tropical Grassland and Savannah  Mountains

4. Where Biomes Fit in the Ecological Hierarchy  Next to highest level of the hierarchy  Hierarchy: –Biosphere –Biomes –Ecosystem –Community –Population –Individual (Natural Selection acts here)

5. Factors That Produce Biomes  Latitude  Altitude  Moisture Levels  Temperature (average, maximum, minimum)  Prevailing Wind Direction and Strength (on a global level)  Day Length

6. Types of Brazilian Biomes  Amazon (Tropical Rainforest)  Caatinga (Tropical Scrub Forest)  Cerrado (Tropical Grassland and Savannah)  Mata Atlantica (Tropical Deciduous Forest)  Pantanal (Temperate Flooded Grassland)  Pampas (Grassland)

7. Your Assignment  Choose a Brazilian (or S.American) Biome for your group (2-3 people) –Characterize: major vegetation and/or animal types, where found, major importance from human perspective, other notable relevant facts  Create Walter Climate Diagrams for one size in BZ of your biome and one for each of two other BZ biomes –Compare rainfall and temperature between the three biomes –How similar? How dissimilar? How related?