1. Climatograms
AND BIOMES

2. Definitions:
Climatogram:
A graph of monthly measurements of temperature and precipitation for a given area during a year
Biome:
A large terrestrial region with a defining climate that supports plants and animals with specific adaptations

3. Biome Map:

4. Tundra: Located above the arctic circle and at very high altitudes
Cold, dry winters (permafrost)
Short, intense, busy summers
Nearly treeless, covered by mosses, lichens and grasses
Most animals are migratory or well adapted to cold climate

6. Taiga:
Located just south the arctic circle; common in mountain regions
Cold, snowy winters; Longer and warmer summers than tundra
Mainly 2 vegetation layers: coniferous trees (evergreen and cone- bearing) and mosses
Animals include deer, elk, moose, squirrels, beaver, wolves, bears etc.

7. Temperate Deciduous Forest:
Moderate temperatures and precipitation
Warm summers, cool winters with 4 distinct seasons
Up to 5 vegetation layers: deciduous trees are common (broad, flat leaves that shed annually) as well as mosses, herbs and shrubs
Animals include insects, squirrels, birds, deer, bears, fox etc.

8. Tropical Rainforest:
Constant warm temperatures with no distinct seasons
Heavy rainfall throughout the year
Plants are abundant and diverse, competing for sunlight
Animals are unique, diverse and adapted to a life in the trees: monkeys, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds etc.

9. Chaparral:
Found near coasts due to off-shore circulation of cool ocean water
Browsers and predators are common and animals include birds, mountain lions, mule deer, ground squirrels, reptiles etc.
Plants include dense evergreen shrubs, grasses, some deciduous plants and annuals adapted to survive fire and summer drought
Hot, dry summers; cool, wet winters
Fires and drought are possible
Santa Monica, CA

10. Grassland and Savannah:
Grassland serves as a transition between desert and forest
Savannah is a transition between grassland and forest
Extreme climatic conditions and fluctuations in temperature and precipitation
Dry and windy; fires are common
Mainly grasses with some shrubs and scattered trees
Animals include mostly grazers and predators

12. Desert: Temperatures vary from hot to cold Precipitation is very low
Vegetation is sparse and plants are adapted to use water efficiently
Only a few large animals exist and include camels and big horn sheep
Other animals include rodents and reptiles who are adapted to life in low water conditions