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Biomes – Desert (Fig. 2.19)
Location
– In bands 30° north and south of the equator
Climate
– Cool to hot (5° to 30° C)
– Dry, <30 cm/yr and often unpredictable
– High variability in climate
Soils
– Very diverse, low organic content
– Occasionally high salt content
Biology
– Moderately high spatial and biological diversity
– Drought resistance and moisture conservation strategies at a premium
Biomes – Tundra (Fig. 2.34)
Location
– “Top of the World” north of 75
Climate
– Cold, average temperature near 0
– SHORT growing season
– Low precipitation (10-60 cm)
Soils
– Slow decomposition, high organic matter
– Subsoil permanently frozen
Biology
– Herbaceous plants dominate, stunted low-growing woody vegetation
– Numerous large mammals, abundant insects (many blood-suckers!)
Biomes – Boreal Forest (Fig. 2.31)
Location
– Northern hemisphere between 50 and 65, circumpolar
Climate
– Long winters, short summers, high temperature variation
– Moderate rainfall (20-60 cm/yr)
Soils
– Slow decomposition, thick litter layer
– Mycorrhizal fungi are important for nutrient transport
Biology
– Low overall biodiversity
– Evergreen conifers dominate the landscape
– High diversity of mammals
Biomes – Tropical Dry Forest (Fig. 2.13)
Location
– 10 ° to 25 ° N and S of equator
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Climate
– Warm to hot (25 ° to 29 ° C)
– Moist 100 – 200 cm/yr and SEASONAL!
– Increased variability in climate
Soils
– Higher nutrient availability, less acidic than rainforest
– Susceptible to erosion
Biology
– High spatial diversity
– Moderately high biological diversity
– Adaptations to moisture variability
Biomes – Tropical Savanna (Fig. 2.16)
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Location
– 10° to 20° N and S of equator
Climate
– Warm to hot (25° to 29° C)
– Moist 40 – 150 cm/yr and HIGHLY SEASONAL!
– High variability in climate
– Fire an important factor
Soils
– Higher nutrient availability, less acidic than rainforest
– Subsoil may be impermeable
Biology
– Moderately high spatial and biological diversity
– Movement and dispersal a key factor for populations
– Interaction between fire, grazers, and vegetation of particular importance
Biomes – Mediterranean Shrub and Woodland (Fig. 2.22)
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Location
– In bands 30° - 40° N and S of equator
Climate
– Cool and moist during fall, winter and spring
– Hot and dry during summer
– Fire a consistent and important factor
Soils
– Moderately low nutrient availability
– Susceptible to erosion, particularly after fires
Biology
– Moderately high spatial and biological diversity
– Interaction between fire and vegetation of particular importance
Biomes – Temperate Grassland (Fig. 2.25)
• Location
– In bands 35° - 60° N and S of equator
– Extensive areas in North America and Eurasia
• Climate
– Cool to warm (5º to 30º C)
– Dry to moist 25-100 cm/yr, most during summer growing season
– Short growing season with significant winter frost period
– Long drought periods not uncommon
• Soils
– Generally nutrient rich with moderate to high organic content
– Basic to neutral
• Biology
– Although structurally simple, diversity of vegetation may be high
– Movement and dispersal a key factor for populations
– Interaction between fire, grazers, and vegetation of particular importance
Biomes – Temperate Forest (Fig. 2.28)
• Location
– In bands 30° - 55° N and S of equator
– Extensive areas in North America and Eurasia
• Climate
– Cool to warm (5º to 30º C)
– Moist to wet (65-300 cm/yr)
– Moderate to long growing season with moderate to absent winter frost period
• Soils
– Generally nutrient rich with moderate to high organic content
– Basic to neutral
• Biology
– Structurally complex, diversity of vegetation and animals high
– High biomass
– Microbial loop of great importance in nutrient cycling
Biomes – Tropical Rain Forest (Fig 2.13)
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Location
– 0 ° - 10 ° N and S of equator (rising air masses!)
Climate
– Warm to hot (25 ° to 27 ° C)
– WET! 200 – 400 cm/yr
– LOW variability in climate extremes
Soils
– Rapid decomposition, continuous leaching
– Low nutrient availability, often acidic
Biology
– High spatial diversity
– High biological diversity
– Limited adaptations associated with variable climate (TERRESTRIAL!)
– Strong biological interactions