Global Biomes - SS1 Biology Lesson Note
The world encompasses several major biomes, each characterized by unique climate, vegetation, and organisms. Here is an overview of the main biomes found across the globe:
1. Tropical Rainforest: Located near the equator, tropical rainforests receive abundant rainfall and have high temperatures year-round. They are characterized by dense vegetation, including tall trees, epiphytes, and a remarkable biodiversity of plant and animal species.
2. Temperate Forest: Found in regions with moderate climate and distinct seasons, temperate forests have a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. They experience warm summers and cold winters, and support a diverse array of plant and animal life.
3. Taiga/Boreal Forest: The taiga biome consists of vast coniferous forests found in subarctic regions. It experiences long, cold winters and short summers. Evergreen trees dominate this biome, and it serves as a habitat for cold-adapted animals such as moose, wolves, and bears.
4. Grassland: Grasslands are characterized by expansive areas covered with grasses and few trees. They occur in both tropical and temperate regions and can be further categorized into savannas, which have scattered trees, and prairies, which are treeless grasslands. Grasslands support grazing animals and are also home to various bird species.
5. Desert: Deserts are arid regions with very low precipitation and extreme temperature variations. Vegetation is sparse and adapted to conserve water, and desert animals have specialized adaptations to survive in harsh desert conditions.
6. Tundra: Tundras are found in the polar regions and have extremely cold temperatures, strong winds, and a short growing season. They are characterized by low-growing vegetation, including mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs. Many migratory birds and mammals, such as caribou and polar bears, inhabit the tundra.
7. Mediterranean: Mediterranean biomes occur in regions with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. They feature diverse vegetation, including evergreen shrubs, grasses, and oak trees. These biomes are known for their rich cultural and agricultural history.
8. Freshwater: Freshwater biomes encompass various bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands. They support a wide range of aquatic plants, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, and are crucial for water storage, filtration, and biodiversity conservation.
9. Marine: Marine biomes include the world's oceans and seas. They cover about 71% of the Earth's surface and support a vast array of marine life, including coral reefs, kelp forests, mangrove forests, and open ocean habitats. Marine biomes are essential for oxygen production, climate regulation, and sustaining marine biodiversity.
