MAJOR BIOMES OF THE WORLD

 A biome is a large-scale, distinct ecological region characterized by a specific combination of climate,

vegetation, and organisms.
 Biomes are defined by their unique environmental conditions, which influence the types of plants and
animals that can thrive within them.
 These ecological regions are typically categorized based on factors such as temperature, precipitation
patterns, and the dominant plant life present.
 Each biome plays a crucial role in shaping the Earth's biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.
Types of Major Biomes:

Type Climate Vegetation Animals Location

Tropical Rainforest Consistently warm Diverse and dense Rich biodiversity, Found near the
and wet with high vegetation, including colorful equator in regions
annual rainfall. including tall birds, primates, like the Amazon
trees, epiphytes, insects, and Basin and Congo
and a wide variety reptiles. Basin.
of plant species.

Desert Extremely dry with Scarce and Species adapted Found in regions
low precipitation adapted to to extreme heat like the Sahara
and temperature conserve water, and water scarcity, Desert and
variations (hot including cacti, such as camels, southwestern
days and cool succulents, and snakes, and United States.
nights). hardy shrubs. lizards.

Grassland Moderate rainfall Dominated by Home to large Found in regions

(Savanna and with distinct wet grasses and herbivores like like the African
Prairie): and dry seasons herbaceous plants, zebras, giraffes, savannas and the
with scattered and predators like Great Plains of
shrubs and trees lions and cheetahs North America

Temperate Moderate to high Deciduous trees A variety of Found in parts of

Deciduous Forest rainfall with like oaks, maples, mammals, birds, North America,
distinct seasons and beeches that and insects, Europe, and East
(warm summers shed their leaves including deer, Asia.
and cold winters). in the fall. squirrels, and
songbirds.

Taiga (Boreal Cold winters with Dominated by Species adapted Found in northern
Forest): heavy snowfall coniferous trees to cold climates, regions of North
and short like spruces, pines, such as moose, America, Europe,
summers; often and firs wolves, and and Asia.
found at high hibernating bears.
latitudes.

Tundra Extremely cold Low-growing, Include migratory Found in the

with permafrost, hardy plants like birds, caribou, and Arctic and alpine
short growing lichens, mosses, Arctic foxes. regions of the
seasons, and low and dwarf shrubs. world.
precipitation.

Aquatic Biomes Marine biomes Primarily They include a Marine biomes

encompass a wide characterized by vast array of cover about 71%
Marine: Oceans
range of climates, underwater organisms, from of the Earth's
and seas with high
from the polar vegetation, such microscopic surface and
 salt content, regions with cold as various species phytoplankton to include oceans,
supporting diverse temperatures to of algae, the largest seas, and coastal
life forms tropical regions seagrasses, and animals on the areas. They are
including fish, with warm kelp forests. planet, such as found all over the
whales, and corals. temperatures. whales. Common world, with major
Climate in marine marine animals ocean basins
Freshwater:
biomes is include fish, including the
Includes lakes,
influenced by sharks, dolphins, Atlantic Ocean,
rivers, and ponds,
ocean currents, sea turtles, and Pacific Ocean,
with ecosystems
which can countless species Indian Ocean,
ranging from fast-
transport warm or of invertebrates. Southern Ocean,
flowing rivers to
cold water across and the Arctic
stagnant ponds,
vast distances. Ocean.
hosting various
aquatic species.
Wetlands: Include
swamps, marshes,
and bogs, with
unique
adaptations to
waterlogged
conditions.

Explain how biodiversity varies between biomes.

 Biodiversity varies between biomes due to a complex interplay of climate, resource availability, habitat
complexity, disturbance patterns, and geographic factors.
 Some biomes naturally support higher biodiversity due to favorable conditions, while others have
lower biodiversity but often feature species uniquely adapted to their specific environment.
Explain the role of abiotic factors (e.g., soil, temperature, precipitation) in shaping biomes.
 Abiotic factors, which include non-living elements such as soil, temperature, precipitation, and
topography, play a crucial role in shaping the characteristics and distribution of biomes.
 These factors determine the environmental conditions within a biome and influence the types of
organisms that can thrive there. Here's how abiotic factors contribute to biome formation:
o Climate (Temperature and Precipitation)
o Soil Characteristics
o Precipitation Seasonality
o Light and Solar Radiation
o Altitude and Elevation
o Topography
o Disturbances
 Abiotic factors are instrumental in determining the characteristics, boundaries, and distribution of
biomes on Earth.
 They create unique environmental conditions that drive the adaptations of organisms and the
formation of distinct ecosystems within each biome.
 The combination of these factors results in the rich diversity of life and ecosystems seen across the
planet.
Discuss how human activities impact biomes, such as deforestation, urbanization, and pollution.
 Human activities have a significant impact on biomes and their ecosystems.
 These activities often lead to habitat destruction, alteration of natural processes, and pollution, which
can have detrimental effects on the biodiversity and health of biomes. Here's how some key human
activities impact biomes:
Activity Impact
Deforestation Deforestation is one of the most
significant threats to biomes, especially
tropical rainforests. It leads to habitat
loss for countless plant and animal
species.
Urbanization Urban development results in the
conversion of natural habitats into cities
and infrastructure, often leading to
habitat destruction.
Pollution Pollution from industrial, agricultural,
and domestic sources can contaminate
air, soil, and water in various biomes.
Agriculture Intensive agricultural practices,
including the use of chemical fertilizers
and pesticides, can lead to soil erosion,
water pollution, and habitat destruction.
Overharvesting The unsustainable harvest of plants and
and Poaching animals for food, medicine, and trade
can lead to population declines and
even extinction.
Climate Change Human-induced climate change is
altering temperature and precipitation
patterns, affecting biomes and
ecosystems worldwide.
Invasive Species The introduction of non-native species
to new environments can outcompete
or prey upon native species, leading to
population declines.
Hydrological Dam construction, river channelization,
Alterations and water extraction can alter natural
water flows, affecting freshwater and
wetland biomes.
Consequences
Loss of biodiversity, disruption of
ecosystems, increased greenhouse gas
emissions (due to carbon release from
trees), and altered local and global
climates.
Habitat loss and fragmentation,
disruption of migratory routes for
wildlife, increased pollution (air and
water), altered temperature patterns
(urban heat islands), and changes in
local microclimates.
Harm to aquatic life in freshwater and
marine biomes, soil degradation, toxic
effects on plants and animals, loss of
biodiversity, and adverse health effects
on human populations.
Soil degradation, loss of biodiversity
(especially in grasslands and wetlands
converted to farmland), and altered
nutrient cycles.
Loss of biodiversity, disruption of food
chains, and ecological imbalances.
Poaching can lead to the decline of
keystone species, such as elephants and
rhinos.
Shifts in biome boundaries, changes in
species distribution and migration
patterns, more frequent extreme
weather events, and disruption of
critical ecological processes like
pollination.
Disruption of ecosystems, loss of native
species, and altered ecological
interactions in both terrestrial and
aquatic biomes.
Habitat alteration, reduced water
availability downstream, and impacts on
aquatic life, such as fish migration
patterns and spawning.