2. Organisms and the Environment

3. Chapter Six: Biomes 6.1 Climates and Biomes 6.2 Deserts and Grasslands 6.3 Temperate Forests and Rainforests 6.4 Taigas and Tundras

4. Investigation 6A What causes different microclimates within an ecosystem? Environments Around School

5. 6.2 Deserts A desert is a climate region that averages less than 35 cm. of rainfall per year. Due to a lack of clouds, deserts get more than twice as much incoming sunlight as other regions. Why don’t deserts have cloud cover?

7. 6.2 Rainshadow deserts One desert found in eastern Washington state, is the result of the “rainshadow effect.” Moist air rises as it travels up the western slope of the Cascade mountains range and cools, causing lots of rain. By the time the air reaches the eastern side, there is very little moisture left.

9. 6.2 Desert life Many different kinds of organisms have adapted to desert life. In fact, only the tropical rainforest biome contains a greater number of plant and animal species.

10. 6.2 Grasslands Grasslands are found on every continent except Antarctica. There are two types of grasslands: –savannas (tropical grasslands), and –temperate grasslands. Which type of grassland is found in South America?

12. 6.2 Grasslands Savannas are characterized by two seasons: rainy and dry. During the rainy season, from 50 to 127 cm. of rain can fall. This season is followed by a drought, in which wildfires can occur. Fires and poor soil conditions prevent the growth of most trees.

13. 6.2 Grasslands In some areas, trees grow only on termite mounds. The isolated trees found in savannas have cork-like bark that protect against fire damage.

14. 6.2 Grasslands Many large mammals of the savanna, including wildebeest have long legs that enable them to outrun fires.

15. 6.2 Grasslands Around the world, grasslands go by different names.

16. Which type of grassland is closest to where you live?