Organisms and the Environment

Chapter Six: Biomes

• 6.1 Climates and Biomes

• 6.2 Deserts and Grasslands

• 6.3 Temperate Forests and Rainforests

• 6.4 Taigas and Tundras

6.1 Climates and Biomes

• Climate depends on many factors:– latitude, – precipitation, – elevation, – topography, and– distance from large

bodies of water.

6.1 Climates and Biomes

• Scientists divide the planet into climate regions called biomes.

• Earth has six main biomes: deserts, grasslands, temperate deciduous forests, rainforests, taiga, and tundras.

• Each biome has a unique set of plants and animals that thrive in its climate.

6.1 Climates and Biomes

• Each biome has a unique set of plants and animals that thrive in its climate.

• The Serengeti is home to thousands of predators species and 1.6 million herbivores.

6.1 Climates and Biomes

• Humidity is related to plant and animal diversity.

• From the poles to the equator, humidity and the diversity of plants and animal increases.

6.1 Climates and Biomes

• At the equator, sunlight is direct and intense.

• As a result, the average yearly temperature at the equator is 27 °C (80 °F), while at the North Pole it is -18 °C (0 °F).

6.1 Climates and Biomes• Compare the data for Portland, OR and

Minneapolis, MN.

• If these cities are about the same latitude, why don’t they have the same climate?

6.1 Climates and Biomes

• The differences in temperature between the two cities have to do with water.

• Water warms up and cools down slowly.

• Regions near water—like Portland—do not have extremely hot or cold weather, even though they are farther north.

6.1 Plants and animals in biomes

• A biome consists of plant and animal communities.

• The plants and animals in a community survive in a shared environment.

Can you give an example of an ecosystem in the desert biome?Research an oasis to learn more!

6.1 Plants and animals in biomes

• What features of this jackrabbit help it survive in it’s desert biome?

6.1 Plants and animals in biomes

• Within a biome, there are many interrelated ecosystems.

• An ecosystem is made up of the plants and animals that live there, plus nonliving things like soil, air, water, sunlight, and nutrients.