Land Biomes and Climatograms
Integrated Science 1
A. Biomes:
Name:
Per:
Research the biomes below using pages 218-225 of the Integrated Science Textbook and other available
resources. On binder paper list the ten biomes: tropical rain forest, tropical dry forest, tropical savanna,
desert, temperate grassland, temperate woodland/shrubland (chaparral), temperate forest (deciduous),
Northwestern coniferous forest, boreal forest (taiga), and tundra. Next to each biome, succinctly explain the
1) annual precipitation trends, the 2) annual temperature trends, and the 3) important biotic and abiotic
factors present. Attach your notes to this sheet.
B. Climatograms
Background Information:
Climate patterns in certain geographical locations across the globe can be measured and represented using
climatograms. A climatogram is a graph of average monthly measurements of temperature and
precipitation. Through billions of years, the varying climates across the globe have resulted in the
evolution of diverse ecosystems that harbor distinct groups of living (biotic) plants, animals and
microorganisms. Areas that are similar in climate and other physical factors develop similar types of
communities of organisms (biomes).
Directions:
Complete a climatogram for San Francisco using the data below. After completing the climatogram
determine the biome of San Francisco. Use examples found in your textbook as guides. Note that it is
conventional for temperature data to shown with a line graph and precipitation with a bar graph.
Data Table: Location – San Francisco, CA
Month
Average
Temp. (°C)
Average
Precip.(cm)
Jan
10
Feb
11.5
Mar
12.5
Apr
13
May
14
Jun
15
Jul
15
Aug
15
Sep
17
Oct
16
Nov
14
Dec
11
11.9
9.7
7.9
3.8
1.8
.3
0
0
.8
2.5
6.4
11.2
cm
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
˚C
36
32
28
24
20
16
12
8
4
0
-4
-8
-12
-16
-20
-24
4
2
0
-28
-32
-36
j

f
m
a
m
j
j
a
s
o
n
d
Analysis and Conclusion Questions
After completing the biome notes and the climatogram, complete the analysis questions below.
1. What is the biome of San Francisco?
2. Explain your reasoning for assigning this biome to San Francisco.
3. How is San Francisco’s biome different from the biome of Richmond, VA which is (a temperate
forest)? Be specific in describing climatic, biotic, and abiotic factors.
4. Despite being at approximately the same latitude, why do San Francisco and Richmond, VA have
different biomes? Be specific as to the climate controls involved.
5. Describe the relationship between climate, climatograms and biomes. In your description, explain
how a climatogram can be used to predict the biome present in a particular area.