Biomes SNC 1 L Science What are Biomes

Biomes SNC 1 L Science

What are Biomes? • Large regions of the world with similar • CLIMATE, PLANTS & ANIMALS • Areas with different biodiversity • They help regulate global climate • Humans live in them & use them for natural resources, food… sometimes, a little too much!

Major World Biomes • Deserts • Grasslands • Forests: Deciduous Coniferous Mixed & Tropical • Tundra • Also Aquatic & Marine!

Desert Biome • • • High Temperatures Low Precipitation Short growth season Poor soil quality Slow decomposition Succulent plants, tap roots, cacti • Reptiles, birds; mammals with short fur, long extremities.

Tropical Forest Biome • • • High Temperatures High Precipitation No seasonal change *Poor soil quality Fast decomposition Very tall trees create a canopy; lower in understory • Colourful birds & amphibians; wellcamoflauged mammals

Tundra Boreal Canada’s Biomes • Tundra Coastal Deciduous Mountain Grassland • Grasslands • Boreal Forests • Deciduous Forest • Coastal Forest • Mountain

Tundra Biome • • Low Temperatures *Low precipitation V. Short growth season Poor soil quality Permafrost • Slow decomposition • No trees; mosses, lichens, small plants • Seasonal colour change in animals; migrators.

Boreal Forest Biome • • Low – Moderate Temp. Low precipitation Short growth season Acidic soil Faster decomposition Conifers, lichens Hibernating mammals Animals that can consume conifer needles & seeds.

Deciduous Temperate Forest • • Moderate Temp. Moderate precipitation 6 mon. growth season Rich soil Fast decomposition Deciduous trees Migratory birds Wide diversity of mammals • Most biodiverse biome!

Grasslands Biome • • • Mod. - High Temp. Moderate precipitation 5 mon. growth season Fairly fertile soil Fast decomposition Tall grasses, shrubs Drought tolerance Burrowing animals Reptiles, diverse mammals & birds

Ecotones • Transitional Areas where two biomes ‘meet’ & cross over: • Taiga = T/BF ecotone • Scrub = G/BF ecotone • Mixed Forest = ecotone of DF/BF or DF/G