BIOMES
Biomes are defined as large land masses that are classified according to its climate, dominant vegetation and animals that live in these areas. within biomes, there can be multiple ecosystems
- e.g, tundra, tropical grasslands, tropical rainforest
ECOSYSTEMS
Ecosystems are defined as places where biotic and abiotic elements interact and co-exist with each other. Ecosystems can be as large as a rain forest, or as small as a pond.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BIOME AND ECOSYSTEM
Ecosystem: Sizes can either be on a large or small scale. Ecosystems may largely be influenced by human intervention → ponds, fish tanks and zoos. Biomes: Large land masses. Classified by climate, plants, animals, water composition, rain full, elevation and dominant vegetation found. Catagorised → terrestrial (land based) OR aquatic (water based).
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN BIOME AND ECOSYSTEM
Similarities can be the interaction of spheres (hydro, litho, atmo and bio). Distinctive plants and animals. Collection of living organisms that have adapted to the four spheres.
MAIN BIOMES
Tropical rainforests, Tropical grasslands, Hot desert, Temperate grasslands, Temperate forests, Coniferous forests (cold regions with reddened leaves), Tundra (cold regions, however accessible water and vegetation are present), Polar Regions.
How does latitude determine where biomes form?
Biomes form in different parts of the world due to the difference of latitude, therefore impacting temperature, access to sunlight and rainfall. There are three main types of climate zones on Earth: tropical, temperate and polar.
WHAT IS TROPICAL?
Tropical refers to areas that characterised by warmth and humidity all year round. Tropical regions are found near the equator where sun rays are strongest.
WHAT IS TEMPERATE?
Temperate refers to mild or moderate weather conditions. Temperate areas can be found between the tropics and polar regions.
WHAT IS POLAR?
The polar region is extremely cold, and can be found near the north and south poles where sunlight is limited and weakest.
POLAR ZONE
(Artic Circle)
TROPICAL ZONE north
(Tropics of Cancer)
Equator
Line of Heat
TROPICAL ZONE south
(Tropics of Capricorn)
POLAR ZONE
(Antarctic Circle)
What are the three things biomes have in common?
All biomes consist of a distinct climate (temperature, sunlight and rainfall), as well as plants and animals.
Why are certain plants and animals found in their own biomes?
Certain plants and animals are found in their own biomes due to factors of evolution and adaptations (whether behavioral, structural or physiological) that allow them to survive.
