Name _____________________
Lakeland High School
Date _______________________
Biology/Ms. Cropsey # 53
Biomes
A biome is a large area in which one main type of plant lives.
The type of plant that is dominant in an area is largely determined by the abiotic factors
of the environment.
Abiotic factors –
Non-living factors that affect an environment
Examples:
dirt, light, temperature, wind
The type of plant in an area then influences which animals live in the area.
Examples
Grasses –
Cows, bears, wolves, worms
Desert-
Camel, lizards, buzzards, coyote, scorpion
Land biomes
The major land biomes of the world are the tundra, taiga, temperate forest, tropical
forest (rain forest), grassland and desert
1
Tundra
Very cold
Subsoil remains frozen all year, so no trees
Plants that grow are: Lichens, mosses and grasses
Few animal species – caribou, arctic fox, polar bear
Taiga
Long cold winters
In summer, the ground thaws, so can have trees growing
Plants: Pine trees (conifers)
Animals: Moose, bears, wolves
Temperate forest
Summers are long and warm, cold winters
Good amount of rain
Deciduous trees (lose their leaves in the fall)
Animals: Fox, deer, squirrels
2
Tropical forest
Close to equator
Heavy rainfall, constant warmth
Most diverse of the biomes – many different species live here
In danger of disappearing because of humans
Grassland
Too dry to support trees
Also known as prairie, savanna
Strong winds, good farmland
Animals; Cattle, sheep, prairie dogs
In Africa, have lions, zebras, antelopes, etc.
Desert
Driest biome; too dry even for grasses
Extreme daily temperature changes
Most animals active only at night
Plants: Cacti; Animals: lizards, snakes, coyote
3
Water biomes
There are two kinds of water biomes – the marine biome and the freshwater biomes
Marine biome
70% of Earth’s surface is salt water
Most stable environment on Earth
Responsible for stabilizing Earth’s temperature
Most of the planet’s photosynthesis happens here
Contains different zones where different organisms are adapted to live
(Coastline, open water, ocean bottom, etc.)
Freshwater biomes
2 types -
Still
and

Running

ponds, lakes
4
rivers
Summary Questions
1. What identifies the different land biomes of the world?
2. Which biome has permanently frozen soil?
3. Which biome has broad-leaved trees which shed their leaves in the fall?
4. Which biome is inhabited mostly by animals which are most active at night?
5. Which biome is the most stable on earth?
6. Which biome contains the greatest diversity of living organisms?
5