Land Biomes - EDHSGreenSea.net · Land Biomes APES – LCHS Dr.E. Introduction Biomes are the major regional groupings of plants and animals discernible at a global scale distribution

Land BiomesLand Biomes

APES APES –– LCHS LCHS

Dr.EDr.E

IntroductionIntroduction

Biomes are the major regional groupingsBiomes are the major regional groupingsof plants and animals discernible at aof plants and animals discernible at aglobal scaleglobal scale

distribution patterns are correlated withdistribution patterns are correlated withregional climate patterns and identifiedregional climate patterns and identifiedaccording to the climax vegetation typeaccording to the climax vegetation type

a biome is composed not only of the climaxa biome is composed not only of the climaxvegetation, but also of immaturevegetation, but also of immaturecommunitiescommunities

To understand the nature of biomesTo understand the nature of biomes

one needs to learnone needs to learn

Global distribution patternGlobal distribution pattern

Where each biome is found andWhere each biome is found and

how each varies geographicallyhow each varies geographically

A given biome may be composed ofA given biome may be composed of

differentdifferent taxa taxa on different on different

continentscontinents



The dominant, characteristic, andThe dominant, characteristic, and

unique growth formsunique growth forms

vertical stratificationvertical stratification

leaf shape, size, and habitleaf shape, size, and habit

special adaptations of thespecial adaptations of the

vegetationvegetation



The types of animals (especiallyThe types of animals (especially

vertebrates) characteristic of thevertebrates) characteristic of the

biomebiome

Their typical morphological,Their typical morphological,

physiological, and/or behavioralphysiological, and/or behavioral

adaptations to the environmentadaptations to the environment

Major BiomesMajor Biomes

DesertsDeserts

ForestsForests

GrasslandsGrasslands

TundraTundra

AquaticAquatic

DesertsDesertsDeserts cover about one fifth of the EarthDeserts cover about one fifth of the Earth’’ss

surface and occur where rainfall is less thansurface and occur where rainfall is less than

50 cm/year50 cm/year

Most deserts occur at low latitudesMost deserts occur at low latitudes

Another kind of desert, cold deserts, occur inAnother kind of desert, cold deserts, occur in

the basin and mountain rangesthe basin and mountain ranges

Most deserts have a considerable amount ofMost deserts have a considerable amount of

specialized vegetation, as well as specializedspecialized vegetation, as well as specialized

vertebrate and invertebrate animalsvertebrate and invertebrate animals

DesertsDeserts

Soils often have abundant nutrientsSoils often have abundant nutrients

because they need only water to becomebecause they need only water to become

very productive and have little or no organicvery productive and have little or no organic

mattermatter

Disturbances are common in the form ofDisturbances are common in the form of

occasional fires or cold weather, andoccasional fires or cold weather, and

sudden, infrequent, but intense rains thatsudden, infrequent, but intense rains that

cause floodingcause flooding

Types of DesertsTypes of Deserts

Hot and DryHot and Dry

SemiaridSemiarid

CoastalCoastal

ColdCold

Hot and Dry DesertHot and Dry Desert

Temperature

Desert surfaces receive a little more than twicethe solar radiation received by humid regions andlose almost twice as much heat at night

Many mean annual temperatures range from 20-25° C

The extreme maximum ranges from 43.5-49° C.Minimum temperatures sometimes drop to -18° C

Hot and Dry DesertHot and Dry DesertPrecipitation

Rainfall is usually very low and/or concentrated in shortbursts between long rainless periods

Evaporation rates regularly exceed rainfall rates

Sometimes rain starts falling and evaporates beforereaching the ground

Rainfall is lowest on the Atacama Desert of Chile, whereit averages less than 1.5 cm

Inland Sahara also receives less than 1.5 cm a year

Rainfall in American deserts is higher—almost 28 cm ayear


Soils

Soils are course-textured, shallow, rocky or

gravely with good drainage and have no

subsurface water

They are coarse because there is less chemical

weathering

The finer dust and sand particles are blown

elsewhere, leaving heavier pieces behind

Hot and Dry DesertHot and Dry DesertPlants

Canopy in most deserts is very rare

Plants are mainly ground-hugging shrubs and shortwoody trees

Leaves are “replete” (fully supported with nutrients) withwater-conserving characteristics

They tend to be small, thick and covered with a thick cuticle(outer layer)

In the cacti, the leaves are much-reduced (to spines) andphotosynthetic activity is restricted to the stems

Some plants open their stomata (microscopic openings in theepidermis of leaves that allow for gas exchange) only at nightwhen evaporation rates are lowest


Yuccas

Ocotillo

Turpentine bush

Prickly Pears

False mesquite

Sotol

Ephedras

Agaves

Brittlebush

Hot and DryHot and Dry

DesertDesertAnimalsAnimals

The animals include small nocturnal (active atThe animals include small nocturnal (active atnight) carnivoresnight) carnivores

The dominant animals are burrowers andThe dominant animals are burrowers andkangaroo ratskangaroo rats

There are also insects, arachnids, reptiles andThere are also insects, arachnids, reptiles andbirdsbirds

The animals stay inactive in protected hideawaysThe animals stay inactive in protected hideawaysduring the hot day and come out to forage atduring the hot day and come out to forage atdusk, dawn or at night, when the desert is coolerdusk, dawn or at night, when the desert is cooler

SnakesSnakes

LizardsLizards

TortoiseTortoise Bighorn SheepBighorn Sheep

CoyoteCoyote AntsAnts

TarantulaTarantula

Tarantula WaspTarantula Wasp

Semiarid DesertSemiarid Desert

TemperatureTemperature

The summers are moderately long and dry,The summers are moderately long and dry,and like hot deserts, the winters normallyand like hot deserts, the winters normallybring low concentrations of rainfallbring low concentrations of rainfall

Summer temperatures usually averageSummer temperatures usually averagebetween 21-27° Cbetween 21-27° C

It normally does not go above 38° C andIt normally does not go above 38° C andevening temperatures are cool, at aroundevening temperatures are cool, at around10° C.10° C.


Precipitation

Cool nights help both plants and animals by

reducing moisture loss from transpiration, sweating

and breathing

Condensation of dew caused by night cooling may

equal or exceed the rainfall received by some

deserts

As in the hot desert, rainfall is often very low and/or

concentrated

The average rainfall ranges from 2-4 cm annually.


Soils

ranges from sandy and fine-textured to loose

rock fragments, gravel or sand

fairly low salt concentration, compared to

deserts which receive a lot of rain (acquiring

higher salt concentrations as a result)

there is no subsurface water.


PlantsThe spiny nature of many plants in semiarid desertsprovides protection in a hazardous environment

The large numbers of spines shade the surfaceenough to significantly reduce transpiration

The same may be true of the hairs on the woollydesert plants

Many plants have silvery or glossy leaves, allowingthem to reflect more radiant energy

These plants often have an unfavorable odor ortaste.


Creosote bush

Bur sage

White thorn

Cat claw

Mesquite

Brittle bushes

Lyciums

Jujube


AnimalsAnimals

During the day, insects move around twigs toDuring the day, insects move around twigs to

stay on the shady side; jack rabbits follow thestay on the shady side; jack rabbits follow the

moving shadow of a cactus or shrubmoving shadow of a cactus or shrub

Naturally, many animals find protection inNaturally, many animals find protection in

underground burrows where they areunderground burrows where they are

insulated from both heat and aridityinsulated from both heat and aridity


Kangaroo rats

Rabbits

Skunks

Side-blotched Lizard

Mountain Lion

Mule Deer

Rattlesnake Burrowing owls

Western Bluebird

Coastal DesertCoastal Desert


The cool winters of coastal deserts are followedThe cool winters of coastal deserts are followed

by moderately long, warm summersby moderately long, warm summers

The average summer temperature ranges fromThe average summer temperature ranges from

13-24° C; winter temperatures are 5° C or below13-24° C; winter temperatures are 5° C or below

The maximum annual temperature is about 35°The maximum annual temperature is about 35°

C and the minimum is about -4° CC and the minimum is about -4° C

In Chile, the temperature ranges from -2 to 5° CIn Chile, the temperature ranges from -2 to 5° C

in July and 21-25° C in Januaryin July and 21-25° C in January


PrecipitationPrecipitation

The average rainfall measures 8-13 cm inThe average rainfall measures 8-13 cm in

many areasmany areas

The maximum annual precipitation over aThe maximum annual precipitation over a

long period of years has been 37 cm with along period of years has been 37 cm with a

minimum of 5 cmminimum of 5 cm


SoilsSoils

fine-textured with a moderate salt contentfine-textured with a moderate salt content

fairly porous with good drainage.fairly porous with good drainage.

Coastal DesertCoastal DesertPlantsPlants

extensive root systems close to the surface where theyextensive root systems close to the surface where theycan take advantage of any rain showerscan take advantage of any rain showers

thick and fleshy leaves or stems can take in largethick and fleshy leaves or stems can take in largequantities of water when it is available and store it forquantities of water when it is available and store it forfuture usefuture use

some surfaces are corrugated with longitudinal ridgessome surfaces are corrugated with longitudinal ridgesand groovesand grooves

stem swells so that the grooves are shallow and the ridges far stem swells so that the grooves are shallow and the ridges farapartapart

the stem shrinks as water is used so that the grooves are deepthe stem shrinks as water is used so that the grooves are deepand ridges close together.and ridges close together.


Salt bush Salt bush

Buckwheat BushBuckwheat Bush

Black bushBlack bush

Rice grassRice grass

Little Leaf Little Leaf HorsebrushHorsebrush

Black SageBlack Sage

ChrysothamnusChrysothamnus

Coastal DesertCoastal DesertAnimalsAnimals

Some animals have specialized adaptations forSome animals have specialized adaptations fordealing with the desert heat and lack of waterdealing with the desert heat and lack of water

toads seal themselves in burrows with gelatinoustoads seal themselves in burrows with gelatinoussecretions and remain inactive for eight or ninesecretions and remain inactive for eight or ninemonths until a heavy rain occursmonths until a heavy rain occurs

amphibians that pass through larval stages haveamphibians that pass through larval stages haveaccelerated life cycles, which improves their chancesaccelerated life cycles, which improves their chancesof reaching maturity before the waters evaporateof reaching maturity before the waters evaporate

insects lay eggs that remain dormant until theinsects lay eggs that remain dormant until theenvironmental conditions are suitable for hatchingenvironmental conditions are suitable for hatching

fairy shrimps also lay dormant eggs.fairy shrimps also lay dormant eggs.


Chilean Woodstar Chilean Woodstar

CaeciliansCaecilians

VulturesVultures

Mice Mice

FoxFox

Scorpions Scorpions

Cold DesertCold DesertTemperatureTemperature

Cold winters with snowfall and high overallCold winters with snowfall and high overallrainfall throughout the winter and occasionallyrainfall throughout the winter and occasionallyover the summerover the summer

Antarctic, Greenland and the Antarctic, Greenland and the Nearctic Nearctic realm realm

short, moist, and moderately warm summersshort, moist, and moderately warm summerswith fairly long, cold winterswith fairly long, cold winters

mean winter temperature is between -2 to 4° Cmean winter temperature is between -2 to 4° Cand the mean summer temperature is betweenand the mean summer temperature is between21-26° C21-26° C

Cold DesertCold DesertPrecipitationPrecipitation

winters receive quite a bit of snowwinters receive quite a bit of snow

mean annual precipitation ranges from 15-26mean annual precipitation ranges from 15-26

cmcm

annual precipitation has reached a maximum ofannual precipitation has reached a maximum of

46 cm and a minimum of 9 cm46 cm and a minimum of 9 cm

heaviest rainfall of the spring is usually in Aprilheaviest rainfall of the spring is usually in April

or Mayor May

rainfall can be heavy in autumn in some areasrainfall can be heavy in autumn in some areas

Cold DesertCold DesertSoilSoil

heavy, silty, and saltyheavy, silty, and salty

relatively porous and drainage is good sorelatively porous and drainage is good so

that most of the salt has been leached outthat most of the salt has been leached out

Cold DesertCold DesertPlantsPlants

widely scatteredwidely scattered

areas of shad-scale, about 10 percent of theareas of shad-scale, about 10 percent of the

ground is coveredground is covered

some areas ofsome areas of sagebush sagebush it approaches 85 it approaches 85

percentpercent

heights vary between 15 cm and 122 cmheights vary between 15 cm and 122 cm

deciduous, most having spiny leavesdeciduous, most having spiny leaves

Cold DesertCold Desert

LichensLichens

BryophytesBryophytes

Antarctic AlgaeAntarctic Algae

Snow AlgaeSnow Algae

KelpKelp

Cold DesertCold DesertAnimalsAnimals

population density can range from 14-41population density can range from 14-41

individuals per hectareindividuals per hectare

all except the jack rabbits are burrowersall except the jack rabbits are burrowers

also applies to carnivoresalso applies to carnivores

several lizards do some burrowing andseveral lizards do some burrowing and

moving of soilmoving of soil

deer are found only in the winterdeer are found only in the winter

Cold Desert Cold DesertJack RabbitsJack Rabbits Kangaroo RatsKangaroo Rats

Kangaroo MiceKangaroo Mice

Pocket MicePocket Mice Grasshopper MiceGrasshopper Mice

Antelope Ground SquirrelsAntelope Ground Squirrels

BadgerBadger Kit foxKit fox

Coyote Mule deerCoyote Mule deer

GrasslandsGrasslands

characterized as lands dominated bycharacterized as lands dominated by

grasses rather than large shrubs or treesgrasses rather than large shrubs or trees

largest land animals due to hugelargest land animals due to huge

vegetationvegetation

There are two main divisions of There are two main divisions of

grasslandsgrasslands

tropical grasslands called tropical grasslands called savannassavannas

temperate grasslandstemperate grasslands..

SavannaSavannaSavanna is grassland with scattered individualSavanna is grassland with scattered individualtreestrees

Climate is the most important factor in creating aClimate is the most important factor in creating asavannasavanna

fires maintain an area as a savannafires maintain an area as a savanna

Types of SavannasTypes of Savannas

climatic conditions are called climatic conditions are called climatic savannasclimatic savannas

soil conditions not entirely maintained by fire aresoil conditions not entirely maintained by fire arecalledcalled edaphicedaphic savannas savannas

derived savannaderived savanna is the result of people clearing forest is the result of people clearing forestland for cultivationland for cultivation

SavannaSavanna

SavannaSavannaPrecipitationPrecipitation

always found in warm or hot climates where thealways found in warm or hot climates where the

annual rainfall is from about 50.8 to 127 cm (20-50annual rainfall is from about 50.8 to 127 cm (20-50

inches) per yearinches) per year

crucial that the rainfall is concentrated in six orcrucial that the rainfall is concentrated in six or

eight months of the year, followed by a longeight months of the year, followed by a long

period of drought when fires can occurperiod of drought when fires can occur

if the rain were well distributed throughout theif the rain were well distributed throughout the

year, many such areas would become tropicalyear, many such areas would become tropical

forestforest

SavannaSavannaSoilsSoils

porous, with rapid drainage of waterporous, with rapid drainage of water

only a thin layer of humus (the organiconly a thin layer of humus (the organic

portion of the soil created by partialportion of the soil created by partial

decomposition of plant or animal matter),decomposition of plant or animal matter),

which provides vegetation with nutrientswhich provides vegetation with nutrients

SavannaSavannaPlantsPlants

characterized by a continuous cover ofcharacterized by a continuous cover of

perennial grasses, often 3 to 6 feet tall atperennial grasses, often 3 to 6 feet tall at

maturitymaturity

may or may not also have an open canopymay or may not also have an open canopy

of drought-resistant, fire-resistant, orof drought-resistant, fire-resistant, or

browse-resistant trees, or they may have anbrowse-resistant trees, or they may have an

open shrub layeropen shrub layer

SavannaSavannaAnimalsAnimals

When the rains come, savanna bunch grassesWhen the rains come, savanna bunch grasses

grow vigorouslygrow vigorously

larger grasses may grow an inch or more in 24larger grasses may grow an inch or more in 24

hourshours

a surge of new life at this timea surge of new life at this time

for example, many antelope calves are bornfor example, many antelope calves are born

with so much grass to feed on, mothers have plentywith so much grass to feed on, mothers have plenty

of milkof milk

calves die if the rains fail to come.calves die if the rains fail to come.

SavannaSavannaAnimalsAnimals

do not all occur in the same savannado not all occur in the same savanna

giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, kangaroos, mice,giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, kangaroos, mice,

moles, gophers, ground squirrels, snakes,moles, gophers, ground squirrels, snakes,

worms, termites, beetles, lions, leopards,worms, termites, beetles, lions, leopards,

hyenas, and elephantshyenas, and elephants

GiraffesGiraffes ZebrasZebras Water buffaloesWater buffaloes

Cheetah Cheetah Baboon Baboon AntsAnts

CrocodileCrocodile Wild DogWild Dog Termites Termites

MeerkatsMeerkats LionsLions LeopardsLeopards

HyenasHyenas ElephantsElephants RhinocerosRhinoceros

Temperate GrasslandTemperate Grasslandgrasses as the dominant vegetationgrasses as the dominant vegetation

with trees and large shrubs absentwith trees and large shrubs absent

seasonal drought and occasionalseasonal drought and occasional

fires are very important tofires are very important to

biodiversity.biodiversity.

effects areneffects aren’’t as dramatic in temperatet as dramatic in temperate

grasslands as they are in savannasgrasslands as they are in savannas

Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandPrecipitationPrecipitation

usually occurs in the late spring and earlyusually occurs in the late spring and early

summersummer

annual average is about 50.8 to 88.9 cm annual average is about 50.8 to 88.9 cm

(20-35 inches).(20-35 inches).

Temperate GrasslandTemperate Grassland

Temperate GrasslandTemperate Grassland

Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandTemperatureTemperature

range is very large over the course of therange is very large over the course of the

yearyear

summer temperatures can be well over 38° Csummer temperatures can be well over 38° C

(100 degrees Fahrenheit(100 degrees Fahrenheit

winter temperatures can be as low as -40° Cwinter temperatures can be as low as -40° C

(-40 degrees Fahrenheit)(-40 degrees Fahrenheit)

Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandSoilSoil

deep and dark, with fertile upper layersdeep and dark, with fertile upper layers

nutrient-rich from the growth and decay nutrient-rich from the growth and decay

of deep, many-branched grass rootsof deep, many-branched grass roots

rotted roots hold the soil together androtted roots hold the soil together and

provide a food source for living plantsprovide a food source for living plants

Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandPlantsPlants

different species of grass grows best in adifferent species of grass grows best in aparticular grassland environmentparticular grassland environment

seasonal drought, occasional fires, and grazingseasonal drought, occasional fires, and grazingby large mammals all prevent woody shrubsby large mammals all prevent woody shrubsand trees from invading and becomingand trees from invading and becomingestablishedestablished

a few trees, such as cottonwoods, oaks, anda few trees, such as cottonwoods, oaks, andwillows grow in river valleys, and somewillows grow in river valleys, and somenonwoodynonwoody plants, specifically a few hundred plants, specifically a few hundredspecies of flowers, grow among the grassesspecies of flowers, grow among the grasses

Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandPurple Purple needlegrass needlegrass Blue Blue GramaGrama

Buffalo grass Buffalo grass Galleta Galleta

Asters Blazing StarsAsters Blazing Stars

Coneflowers Goldenrods Coneflowers Goldenrods

Sunflowers CloversSunflowers Clovers

Psoraleas Psoraleas Wild IndigosWild Indigos

Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandAnimalsAnimals

gazelles, zebras, rhinoceroses, wildgazelles, zebras, rhinoceroses, wild

horses, lions, wolves, prairie dogs, jackhorses, lions, wolves, prairie dogs, jack

rabbits, deer, mice, coyotes, foxes,rabbits, deer, mice, coyotes, foxes,

skunks, badgers, blackbirds, grouses,skunks, badgers, blackbirds, grouses,

meadowlarks, quails, sparrows, hawks,meadowlarks, quails, sparrows, hawks,

owls, snakes, grasshoppers, leafhoppers,owls, snakes, grasshoppers, leafhoppers,

and spidersand spiders

TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren Land

coldest of all the biomescoldest of all the biomes

comes from the Finnish wordcomes from the Finnish word tunturiatunturia,,meaning treeless plainmeaning treeless plain

frost-molded landscapesfrost-molded landscapes

extremely low temperaturesextremely low temperatures

little precipitationlittle precipitation

poor nutrientspoor nutrients

short growing seasons short growing seasons





growing season ranges from 50 to 60 daysgrowing season ranges from 50 to 60 days

average winter temperature is -34° C (-30° F)average winter temperature is -34° C (-30° F)

average summer temperature is 3-12° C (37-average summer temperature is 3-12° C (37-

54° F) which enables this biome to sustain54° F) which enables this biome to sustain

lifelife



may vary in different regions of themay vary in different regions of the

arcticarctic

yearly precipitation, including meltingyearly precipitation, including melting

snow, is 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches)snow, is 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches)


SoilSoilformed slowlyformed slowly

layer of permanently frozen subsoil called permafrostlayer of permanently frozen subsoil called permafrost

exists, consisting mostly of gravel and finer materialexists, consisting mostly of gravel and finer material

when water saturates the upper surface, bogs and pondswhen water saturates the upper surface, bogs and ponds

may form, providing moisture for plantsmay form, providing moisture for plants

no deep root systems in the vegetation of the arcticno deep root systems in the vegetation of the arctic

tundra, however, there are still a wide variety of plantstundra, however, there are still a wide variety of plants

that are able to resist the cold climatethat are able to resist the cold climate

TundraTundra: The Not-So Barren Land: The Not-So Barren LandThere are about 1,700 kinds of plants in the arcticThere are about 1,700 kinds of plants in the arcticand and subarcticsubarctic

adapted to sweeping winds and disturbances of theadapted to sweeping winds and disturbances of thesoilsoil

short and group together to resist the coldshort and group together to resist the coldtemperatures and are protected by the snow duringtemperatures and are protected by the snow duringthe winterthe winter

carry out photosynthesis at low temperatures andcarry out photosynthesis at low temperatures andlow light intensitieslow light intensities

growing seasons are short and most plantsgrowing seasons are short and most plantsreproduce by budding and division rather thanreproduce by budding and division rather thansexually by floweringsexually by flowering


low shrubs, sedges, reindeer mosses,low shrubs, sedges, reindeer mosses,

liverworts, and grassesliverworts, and grasses

400 varieties of flowers400 varieties of flowers

crustosecrustose and foliose lichen and foliose lichen


AnimalsAnimals

Strategies evolved to withstand theStrategies evolved to withstand the

harsh conditions of the tundra can beharsh conditions of the tundra can be

divided among those species that aredivided among those species that are

resident and those that are migratoryresident and those that are migratory


ResidentResident

small number of bird (e.g., ptarmigan) and mammal (e.g.,small number of bird (e.g., ptarmigan) and mammal (e.g., muskox muskox,,arctic hare, arctic fox, musk ox)arctic hare, arctic fox, musk ox)

Morphological adaptationsMorphological adaptationslarge, compact bodieslarge, compact bodies

a thick insulating cover of feathers or fura thick insulating cover of feathers or fur

pelage and plumage that turns white in winter, brown in summerpelage and plumage that turns white in winter, brown in summer

Physiological adaptationsPhysiological adaptationsability to accumulate thick deposits of fat during the short growing seasonability to accumulate thick deposits of fat during the short growing season

insulation and as a store of energy for use during the winter, when animalinsulation and as a store of energy for use during the winter, when animalspecies remain activespecies remain active

Population adaptationsPopulation adaptationscyclical fluctuations in population size, best seen perhaps in the lemming, acyclical fluctuations in population size, best seen perhaps in the lemming, asmall rodent which is the major herbivore in the tundra's simple food chainsmall rodent which is the major herbivore in the tundra's simple food chain

predator populations and plant populations respond in kind to the peakspredator populations and plant populations respond in kind to the peaksand crashes of the herbivore populationsand crashes of the herbivore populations


MigratoryMigratory

species such as waterfowl, shorebirds andspecies such as waterfowl, shorebirds andcaribou adapt to the tundra by avoiding thecaribou adapt to the tundra by avoiding themost severe conditions of wintermost severe conditions of winter

each year at the end of the short growingeach year at the end of the short growingseason they move southward into theseason they move southward into theboreal forest or beyond, but return to theboreal forest or beyond, but return to thetundra to breed due to the long growingtundra to breed due to the long growingseasonseason

ForestsForestsoccupy approximately one-third of Earthoccupy approximately one-third of Earth’’s land areas land area

account for over two-thirds of the leaf area of landaccount for over two-thirds of the leaf area of land

plantsplants

contain about 70% of carbon present in livingcontain about 70% of carbon present in living

thingsthings

are major casualties of deforestation, pollution, andare major casualties of deforestation, pollution, and

industrial usageindustrial usage

forest biomes are classified according toforest biomes are classified according to

numerous characteristics, with seasonalitynumerous characteristics, with seasonality

being the most widely usedbeing the most widely used

Types of ForestsTypes of Forests

TTropicalropical

TemperateTemperate

Boreal forests (taiga)Boreal forests (taiga)

Tropical ForestsTropical Forests

are characterized by the greatest diversity ofare characterized by the greatest diversity of

speciesspecies

occur near the equator, within the area boundedoccur near the equator, within the area bounded

by latitudes 23.5 degrees N and 23.5 degrees Sby latitudes 23.5 degrees N and 23.5 degrees S

distinct seasonalitydistinct seasonality

winter is absentwinter is absent

only two seasons are present (rainy and dry)only two seasons are present (rainy and dry)

The length of daylight is 12 hours and variesThe length of daylight is 12 hours and varies

little.little.





average 20-25° C and varies little average 20-25° C and varies little

throughout the yearthroughout the year

the average temperatures of the threethe average temperatures of the three

warmest and three coldest months do notwarmest and three coldest months do not

differ by more than 5 degreesdiffer by more than 5 degrees



evenly distributed throughout the yearevenly distributed throughout the year

annual rainfall exceeds 2 metersannual rainfall exceeds 2 meters


SoilSoil

nutrient-poor and acidicnutrient-poor and acidic

decomposition is rapiddecomposition is rapid

subject to heavy leachingsubject to heavy leaching


PlantsPlants

CanopyCanopy

multilayered multilayered

ContinuousContinuous

allows little light penetrationallows little light penetration

Flora is highly diverseFlora is highly diverse

one square kilometer may contain as many as 100one square kilometer may contain as many as 100different tree speciesdifferent tree species

Trees are 25-35 m tallTrees are 25-35 m tall

buttressed trunks and shallow roots buttressed trunks and shallow roots

mostly evergreen, with large dark green leaves.mostly evergreen, with large dark green leaves.


Plant AdaptationsPlant Adaptations

ability to tolerate constant shadeability to tolerate constant shade

adapt strategies to reach sunlightadapt strategies to reach sunlight

Fungus is a good example of a plant thatFungus is a good example of a plant that

flourishes in warm, dark places created byflourishes in warm, dark places created by

the forest canopy and understorythe forest canopy and understory

Tropical ForestsTropical Forests Lianas Lianas

Epiphytes Epiphytes (grow on another plant)(grow on another plant)

Ferns Ferns

Moss Moss

Curare Curare

Forest CanopyForest Canopy Palms Palms

Tropical ForestsTropical Forests White-faced Monkey White-faced Monkey

Tree frog Tree frog

Toucan Toucan

Vine SnakeVine Snake

Gecko Gecko

Vested Anteater Vested Anteater

Transparent butterfly Transparent butterfly

JaguarJaguar

Unicorn grasshopper Unicorn grasshopper

Red-eyed tree frog Red-eyed tree frog

Silver-throated Tanager Silver-throated Tanager

Tropical king snakeTropical king snake

Scorpion Scorpion

Temperate ForestTemperate Forest


Well-defined seasons with a distinct winterWell-defined seasons with a distinct winter

characterize this forest biomecharacterize this forest biome

Moderate climate and a growing season ofModerate climate and a growing season of

140-200 days during 4-6 frost-free months140-200 days during 4-6 frost-free months

distinguish temperate forestsdistinguish temperate forests

Temperature varies from -30° C to 30° C.Temperature varies from -30° C to 30° C.





(75-150 cm) is distributed evenly throughout(75-150 cm) is distributed evenly throughout

the yearthe year

SoilsSoils

fertile, enriched with decaying litterfertile, enriched with decaying litter

Temperate ForestTemperate ForestPlantsPlants

CanopyCanopy

moderately densemoderately dense

allows light to penetrateallows light to penetrate

resulting in well-developed and richly diversifiedresulting in well-developed and richly diversifiedunderstory vegetation and stratification of animalsunderstory vegetation and stratification of animals

Flora is characterized by 3-4 tree species perFlora is characterized by 3-4 tree species persquare kilometersquare kilometer

Trees are distinguished by broad leaves that areTrees are distinguished by broad leaves that arelost annuallylost annually

Temperate ForestTemperate ForestOakOak

Hickory Hickory

Beech Beech

HemlockHemlock

Maple Maple

Basswood Basswood

CottonwoodCottonwood

Elm Elm

Willow Spring-flowering Willow Spring-floweringherbsherbs

Bank VoleBank Vole

Black Bear Black Bear

GrayGray Squirrel Squirrel

RaccoonRaccoon

White-tailed White-tailed DeerDeer

Wild Boar Wild Boar

CardinalCardinal

Goshawk Goshawk

Turkey Turkey

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Rat Snake Rat Snake

Spring PeeperSpring Peeper

TemperateTemperate

ForestForest

Temperate ForestTemperate ForestFurther subdivisions of this group are determined byFurther subdivisions of this group are determined byseasonal distribution of rainfall:seasonal distribution of rainfall:

moist conifer and evergreen broad-leaved forestsmoist conifer and evergreen broad-leaved forests: wet winters and: wet winters anddry summers (rainfall is concentrated in the winter months anddry summers (rainfall is concentrated in the winter months andwinters are relatively mild)winters are relatively mild)

dry conifer forestsdry conifer forests: dominate higher elevation zones; low: dominate higher elevation zones; lowprecipitation.precipitation.Mediterranean forestsMediterranean forests: precipitation is concentrated in winter, less: precipitation is concentrated in winter, lessthan 1000 mm per yearthan 1000 mm per year

temperate coniferoustemperate coniferous: mild winters, high annual precipitation: mild winters, high annual precipitation(greater than 2000 mm)(greater than 2000 mm)

temperate broad-leaved rainforeststemperate broad-leaved rainforests: mild, frost-free winters, high: mild, frost-free winters, highprecipitation (more than 1500 mm) evenly distributed throughoutprecipitation (more than 1500 mm) evenly distributed throughoutthe yearthe year

Only scattered remnants of original temperate forestsOnly scattered remnants of original temperate forestsii

Boreal forests, or taigaBoreal forests, or taiga

represent the largest terrestrial biomerepresent the largest terrestrial biome

Occurs between 50 and 60 degreesOccurs between 50 and 60 degreesnorth latitudesnorth latitudes

seasons are divided into short, moist,seasons are divided into short, moist,and moderately warm summers andand moderately warm summers andlong, cold, and dry winterslong, cold, and dry winters

length of the growing season in boreallength of the growing season in borealforests is 130 daysforests is 130 days



Temperatures are very lowTemperatures are very low

Precipitation is primarily in the form ofPrecipitation is primarily in the form of

snow, 40-100 cm annuallysnow, 40-100 cm annually

Soil is thin, nutrient-poor, and acidicSoil is thin, nutrient-poor, and acidic

Canopy permits low light penetration,Canopy permits low light penetration,

and as a result, understory is limitedand as a result, understory is limited

Boreal forests, or taigaBoreal forests, or taigaThe conical or spire-shaped needleleaf trees common to the taigaThe conical or spire-shaped needleleaf trees common to the taiga

are adapted to the cold and the physiological drought of winter andare adapted to the cold and the physiological drought of winter and

to the short-growing season:to the short-growing season:

Conical shape - promotes shedding of snow and prevents loss of branches.Conical shape - promotes shedding of snow and prevents loss of branches.

Needleleaf - narrowness reduces surface area (transpired), especially duringNeedleleaf - narrowness reduces surface area (transpired), especially during

winter when the frozen ground prevents plants from replenishing their waterwinter when the frozen ground prevents plants from replenishing their water

supply. The needles of boreal conifers also have thick waxy coatings--asupply. The needles of boreal conifers also have thick waxy coatings--a

waterproof cuticle--in which stomata are sunken and protected from dryingwaterproof cuticle--in which stomata are sunken and protected from drying

winds.winds.

Evergreen habit - retention of foliage allows plants to photosynthesize asEvergreen habit - retention of foliage allows plants to photosynthesize as

soon as temperatures permit in spring, rather than having to waste time in thesoon as temperatures permit in spring, rather than having to waste time in the

short growing season merely growing leaves.short growing season merely growing leaves.

Dark color - the dark green of spruce and fir needles helps the foliage absorbDark color - the dark green of spruce and fir needles helps the foliage absorb

maximum heat from the sun and begin photosynthesis as early as possiblemaximum heat from the sun and begin photosynthesis as early as possible

Taiga Taiga PlantsPlants

Balsam FirBalsam Fir

Black Spruce Douglas-firBlack Spruce Douglas-fir

Paper Birch Paper Birch Eastern Eastern Red Red CedarCedar Jack PineJack Pine

Siberian Siberian White Fir White PoplarWhite Fir White Poplar

SpruceSpruce

White Spruce White Spruce

Taiga AnimalsTaiga Animals

American Black Bear Bald Eagle American Black Bear Bald Eagle BobcatBobcat

Canadian Lynx Gray Wolf Grizzly BearCanadian Lynx Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear

Long-Eared Owl Red Fox River OtterLong-Eared Owl Red Fox River Otter

Snowshoe Rabbit WolverineSnowshoe Rabbit Wolverine

BorealBoreal

forests,forests,

or taigaor taiga

BibliographyBibliographyhttp://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/ihttp://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/i

ndex.htmlndex.html

http://www.http://www.enchantedlearningenchantedlearning.com/biomes/marsh/fres.com/biomes/marsh/fres

hwater.hwater.shtmlshtml

http://http://mbgnetmbgnet..mobotmobot.org/.org/

http://www.http://www.runetrunet..eduedu/~/~swoodwarswoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG23/CLASSES/GEOG23

5/biomes/intro.html5/biomes/intro.html

http://archive.globe.http://archive.globe.govgov//sdasda--

bin/wt/bin/wt/ghpghp//tgtg+L(en)+P(seasons/+L(en)+P(seasons/MiniinvestigationMiniinvestigation))

http://www.panda.org/about_http://www.panda.org/about_wwfwwf/where_we_work//where_we_work/ecoeco

regionsregions/global200/pages/home./global200/pages/home.htmhtm

Documents

Land Biomes - EDHSGreenSea.net · Land Biomes APES – LCHS Dr.E. Introduction Biomes are the major regional groupings of plants and animals discernible at a global scale distribution