BIOMES

- is a major type of ecosystem w/its own temperature

ranges, rainfall amounts & types of organisms.
SEVEN (7) MAIN TYPES OF TERRESTIAL BIOME
1. Rain Forests are found near the equator in areas
where rain falls almost every day. Rainforests trees
tend to be very tall, forming a dense canopy about
50 meters high. Large animals live on the forests
floor, and spiders and insects inhabit all levels.
Monkeys, squirrels, bats and sloths live high in the
canopy.
2. Desert biome is defined by lack of water. Most
deserts are hot, but some are cold & have snow &
Freezing temperatures. Many desert plants are
succulents w/ a fat, juicy leaves that retain & store
water. Most desert animals such as the Gila monster,
have many adaptations to prevent overheating and
drying out.
3. Chaparral is found in areas w/ winter rainy seasons
followed by summer drought. Typical plants are scrub oak,
manzanita, & other plants adapted to dry conditions. Skunks,
mice, deer and a variety of reptiles and birds occur in the
chaparral biome.
4. Temperate forests are found in climates w/ frequent
rain & cold winters; these forests are made up of decidous
trees. Birds, small mammals, & a variety of insects, worms &
spiders live on or above the forest floor. Wolves, deer and
black bears also live in these forests.
5. Grasslands occur where long dry periods & occasional
fires prevent growth of large trees and shrubs. Plant life
includes many species of grasses as well as wildflowers &
scattered trees. Animals include insects, burrowing mammals,
grazing animals and predators.
6. Taiga is found at the northern end of the temperate zone
where winters are long & cold and summers are short. Taiga
trees are largely conifers. Moose& bears are common
mammals.

7. Tundra soil is permanently frozen except for a thin layer

that thaws briefly during the short, cold summer. Plant life is
dominated by lichens, moss & a few grasses & shrubs. Many
animals hibernate or migrate to avoid winter. Ox, reindeer, &
arctic wolves remain active all year.
AQUATIC BIOMES
- maybe classified on the basis of physical factors as light,
temperature & salt content in the water.
Classification:
1) Marine Biome is a saltwater environment
that includes the oceans & their shorelines.
It contains a rich diversity of living things.
The ocean environment has several different zones.
The zones classified according to water depth, the
presence of light and distance from shore.
2) Estuaries are shallow areas where fresh water & salt
water mix. The water contains almost 90% of marine
life bec. Of the rich supply of nutrients that are
received from land & nearby aquatic environments.
It is the main nesting areas for migratory birds & are
often spawning grounds for marine animals.
3. Freshwater Biomes it has a much lower salt
concentration that ocean water.
2 Categories of freshwater Biomes
a.
Moving water - consists of streams and
rivers.
b. Standing water include lakes & ponds.
4. Wetland develops at the place where fresh or salt water
and land meet.
Environmental Variables Affecting the Biomes
1.
Sunlight
2.
Temperature
3.
Water and Dissolved Salts
4.
Oxygen
5.
Metabolic Waste
6.
Nutrients