BIOME
LESSON NOTES—HONORS
BIOMES
ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS
TUNDRA
camouflage (white—snow; protection from
predators)
thick fur (insulation from the cold climate)
DESERT
long intestinal tract of mammals—absorb
more water to conserve
scales—water conservation
nocturnal—hunt at night to avoid heat of
day; burrowing mammals to escape heat
TEMPERATE hibernate—less energy needed during
FOREST
winter when food is scarce—
migratory birds—go find food in other
areas
TROPICAL
camouflage—protection from predators;
RAIN FOREST climbers—dense vegetation on floor
hinders movement
SAVANNA
TAIGA
speed—escape predators
hibernation and migratory
same reason as temperate
PLANT ADAPTATIONS
short-rooted due to permafrost
short, ground hugging
must get surface water due to
permafrost
spines of cacti—water conservation
succulent—water conservation in
plant tissue
loss of leaves—in winter when
photosynthesis is not as
efficient due to weather
less energy will be needed
bark—protects against animal
damage
climbing vines—to reach height for
sunlight
broad leaves for understory plants to
capture sunlight
drought-resistant plants to adapt to
dry periods
heat resistant to adapt to seasonal fire
plants adapt to acidic soil
SOIL AND DECOMPOSITION RATE
TUNDRA
cold and dry climate—low decomposition rate low in organic matter, thin soil due to
Permafrost
DESERT
hot and dry climate—low decomposition rate low in organic matter, high in
minerals due to sandy soil
TROPICAL RAINFOREST
hot and humid climate-- high decomposition rate due to high
Vegetation- poor, infertile soil due to high uptake of the
decomposed vegetation
SAVANNA
alternating wet and dry climate with hot temperaturesmoderate decomposition
rate-thin compact soils, fertile with organic matter
TEMPERATE FOREST
TAIGA
seasonal climate- moderate decomposition for nutrients to be build
thick rich soil decomposition ratemost fertile soil, humus
extreme cold, with short warm growing season and rainy seasons-decomposition
rate is slow due to low vegetation leaf litter-evergreens cause acidic soil,
moderate organic nutrients