Belt around earth, near equator Always humid and warm(~26 C), 200-450cm/year of rain Deforestation ( once 20% now down to 7%) Loss of Native Cultures Exotic Animal trade >100 species per hectare Mutualism with decomposers store nutrients in trees, buttresses. Layers- emergent, upper and lower canopy, understory large leaves low light Epiphytes orchids, commensalism Biome: Tropical Rainforest Most are specialists to avoid competition. Ex. Collared anteater long tongue to eat insects Wreathed Hornbill strong beak to open nuts Costa Rican Mantis camouflage looks like leaves
North America(Pacific Northwest), Australia, New Zealand Large amounts of rain, high humidity, moderate temperatures, rarely freezes None mentioned in text. But deforestation is an issue between activists & lumber companies Mosses and lichen cover trees Evergreen trees 90m tall Ex. Sitka Spruce, Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Pacific Silver Fir, Redwood Limited light and growing conditions favor evergreens over leaved trees Biome: Temperate Rainforest : None are mentioned in the text. As seen in BBC film life is limited since the main food source is seeds in cones
30-50 North latitude (Eastern US, Most of Europe, China and Japan) Tip of South America and East Coast Australia Warm summers (16 C) Cold winters (0 C) Can be extreme 35 C - -10 C Precip. 70-100 cm/year Once dominated means most have been cleared Trees drop their broad, flat leaves every fall as a mechanism to survive the cold winters. Ex. Maple, Birch, Oak Some plants(ferns) have rhizomes (underground stems) that they grow back from each spring. Biome: Temperate Deciduous Forest Small mammals store food for winter. Many animals hibernate or decrease activity to survive winter. Ex. bats and squirrels. Most birds migrate.
A ring just below the arctic circle, Includes: Alaska, Canada, Northern Eurasia Average temps below 0 C most of the year Range 15 C to -10 C Little Precipitation ~40cm/yr None mentioned in text. But scientists worry that global warming could increase decomposition rates. Coniferous forest needle-like leaves and seeds in cones. Shape of needles and waxy coating prevents water loss. Cone shape of trees prevents snow build up. Acidic needles deter other plants and acidity result in slow decomposition Biome: Taiga Birds are migratory. Mice hibernate. Arctic hare Coat changes from brown to white. Large predators include: lynx, wolves, and foxes.
Parts of Africa, India, No. Australia, and So, America. Bands above and below Tropical Rainforests Warm all year (17-20 C) Distinct Wet and Dry seasons None listed But, grazing cattle compete for grass. Some shed leaves during dry season, go dormant Horizontal root systems to catch lots of water. Grasses have vertical leaves Thorns and sharp leaves deter browsers Biome: Savanna: Tropical Grassland Grazing Herbivores migratory follow the rain/grass Communal birthing during rainy season Height specialists; gazelles-grass, rhino-shrub, giraffe-tree
Large areas of the interiors of continents: Prairies, Steppes, Veldt, Pampas Moderate rainfall, but too little for trees. 25cm-88cm Cold Winters (0 C) Warm Summers (26 C) Farming and overgrazing, both can lead to erosion Grasses and Wildflowers Root systems form dense mats that survive drought and fire. Dormant in winter, die-back to root Slow decomposition results in rich, fertile farmland Biome: Temperate Grassland Grazers have large, flat back teeth for grinding Badgers, owls, prairie dogs live in burrows for protection
So. California coast, Mediterranean, Peru, Western Australia 30 North and South Moderately dry, little to no rain in summer Moderate to warm temps, 10 C to 20 C Human Development, commercial and residential use. Low-lying evergreen shrubs & small trees Ex. Olive, Sage, and Bay Leathery leaves retain water. Oils in leaves promote burning to remove invading plants Resprouts from roots. Biome: Chaparral Camouflage, brownish color helps lizards, chipmunks, deer, quail etc., blend in.
Bands 30 North and South of equator Mtn ranges -> rainshadow deserts Dry, little or no rain Drastic night and day temperatures. Annual range 10 C to 28 C None listed But recreation use can damage fragile ecosystem Conserving water: Succulents(fleshy stems), waxy coating on leaves, Sharp spines, widespread roots Drop leaves during dry period, Life cycle synched to rain cycle. Can live with 30% water of their mass. Most plants wilt and die at 75% Biome: Desert Reptiles- thick scaly skin Spade-foot Toad Estivates (hibernates during hot season) Owl nests in cactus Insects & spiders have armor to retain water Animals are nocturnal
Northern Arctic, arctic circle Permafrost permanently frozen soil Temp 0 C to 10 C Prec. ~75cm/yr Fragile biome, easily disrupted slow to heal. Oil exploration Thin soil favors mosses and lichens Wide, shallow roots anchor plants against wind Low growing helps absorb heat Dwarf forms grow along ground. Biome: Tundra Migratory birds Caribou migrate for food Small animals burrow Arctic fox changes coat color