UNIT 2

Biomes and Biodiversity

OBJECTIVES:

1. Discuss the variety of biomes in the natural world.

2. Define ecological functions within each biome.
3. Articulate the Philippine Ecosystems.
4. Correlate the concept of biological diversity in world
biomes.
5. Identify the common threats to biodiversity.

Biomes

A biome is simply a group of land ecosystems with similar climates & organisms.
World’s major types of terrestrial ecosystems: forests, grasslands, and deserts
largely determined by their climates, they cover all of the earth’s land surface except
for ice-covered areas. An area’s biome is determined mostly by its climate,
temperature and precipitation.

The water-covered areas of the earth where life is found, called aquatic life zones,
cover more than 73% of the earth’s surface. Much of the life in these aquatic zones
also varies with their climates.
There are 6 major land biomes and 2 major water ecosystems:
• LAND (6): Rainforests, Deserts, Grasslands, Deciduous Forests, Boreal
Forests, & Tundra

• WATER (2): Freshwater & Marine Ecosystems

Rain Forests. There are two (2) major types of rain forests: temperate rain forests
and tropical rain forests.
Temperate Rain Forests. Has moderate temperatures e.g. Northwestern
coast of U.S. is a temperate rain forest. The type of forests receives more
than 300 cm of rain per year. Huge trees like cedars, redwoods and Douglas
firs are abundant. Tropical Rain Forests. Mostly found in regions close to the
equator. The temperature is warm and humid all year long with lots of
precipitation. It has diverse plant growth.
 However, t rees in the rain
forest form several layers
than can be seen through:

(a) canopy : A leafy roof

formed by the tallest trees
and,

(b) understory : A second layer

of shorter trees and vines.

Source: Google Images

Deserts. An area that receives less than 25 cm of rain per year. Some deserts
receive no precipitation at all during one year. Deserts often undergo large shifts in
temperature during the course of a day.

Grasslands. An area that is populated mostly by grasses and other nonwoody

plants. It receives 25 to 75 cm of rain per year. Fires and droughts are common in
grasslands.

Savanna. Grassland that is located closer to the equator than prairies Savannas can
receive as much as 120 cm of rain per year. In addition to grass, scattered shrubs
and small trees can grow in the savanna.

Deciduous Forest. Trees that shed their leaves and grow new ones each year (i.e.
oaks and maples). It receive enough rain to support the growth of trees and other
plants (at least 50 cm per year) while growing season is 5 to 6 months long.

Taiga. Mostly contains coniferous trees. These trees produce their seeds in cones
and have leaves shaped like needles (i.e. fir, spruce, hemlock). Taigas experience
very cold winters and warm and rainy summers.

Tundra. Is an extremely cold and dry biome. And usually receives no more
precipitation than a desert biome. Most soil is frozen all year long (permafrost).
While during summer, the top layer of soil thaws, but the rest remains frozen.
Freshwater Ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems include streams, rivers, ponds &
lakes.

Marine Ecosystems. Marine ecosystems include estuaries, intertidal zones, neritic

zones, and the open ocean.

Figure 1

Biodiversity

Biological diversity or biodiversity refers to the astounding variety of different

organisms; the deserts, grasslands, forests, oceans, and other systems in which
they exist and interact; and the free natural services, such as soil renewal, pest
control, and air and water purification that these species and systems provide.
Without biodiversity, most life would have been wiped out long ago.

ABUNDANCE + VARIETY = BIODIVERSITY

Levels of Biodiversity

There are three (3) levels of biodiversity (a) genetic, (b) species and (c) ecosystem.

Genetic Diversity. Genes are responsible for the uniqueness of every living organism
and is crucial for species to survive. For instance, on isolated small islands, the gene
flow is limited within the inhabitants of that particular island hence have less genetic
diversity than those on larger islands.
Species Diversity. Usually measured in terms of total number of species found in a
particular area. For instance, some birds have the ability to fly (Haring Ibon) while
others are ground-dwelling (Palawan Peacock), some plants emit a foul odor
(Rafflesia) while some are sweet smelling
(Waling Waling)

Species- groups of similar individuals that breeds among themselves & produce
fertile offspring.

Ecosystem Diversity. Refers to the different ecosystems found within a particular

geographical boundary. For instance, some ecosystems such as forests and coral
reefs are very complex and harbor great number of species while other ecosystems
such as deserts and artic regions have less number of species. Usually areas with
high number of species are prioritized for conservation.

The Philippines although known to have tropical rain forests has more complex
variety of ecosystems. The Philippine Ecosystems are:

(a) Forests: Lowland/Dipterocarp, Montane/Mid Montane,

Cloud/Mossy, Pine, Limestone/Karst, Ultrabasic & Ultramafic
(b) Marginal
(c) Agricultural
(d) Urban
(e) Freshwater
(f) Mangrove
(g) Seagrass
(h) Coral Reef
(i) Soft Bottom

Threats

At the global, regional and local level, threats to biodiversity continues to flourish.
Some of the significant threats to biodiversity are as follows:
1. Illegal killing, capturing and selling of wild species.
2. Projected climate change will also threaten aquatic species, habitats, and
ecosystem services if it causes sea level rise (SLR) as projected during this
century.
3. Deforestation due to mining, illegal logging, forest conversion, kaingin, charcoal
making, irresponsible tourism.
4. Overharvesting of tidal flat and mangrove resources.
5. Illegal and destructive fishing methods.
6. Water shortage due to deforestation.
7. Food shortage due to poor soil quality.
8. Health hazard due to water and air pollution.

SUMMARY
Biomes and biodiversity works hand in hand. Biomes can be more complex
compared to others. It is important to note that each biome has its own ecological
functions. Biodiversity is very much influenced in the gene, species and ecosystems
level. Threats to biodiversity should be addressed by conservation measures.

Table 1
KEY COASTAL HABITATS

Habitat Description

Beaches
ACTIVITY 2-1

1. Choose one (1) type of biome.

a) Make an illustration of the chosen biome and label

both the floral and faunal composition.

b) Discuss the physical adaptations of both fauna and

flora to their environment.

2. There are four (4) categories of threats (endangered,

vulnerable, extinct and critically endangered). For
Philippine flora and fauna, compile at least 20 species
according to the categories of threats. Include images,
short description and scientific names.

SEATWORK 2:

3. Fill up Table 1. Discuss thoroughly.

Coral

Coral Reef

Estuaries

Foreshore

Lagoons

Mangroves

Seagrass beds