World Biomes Internet Activity: How can we identify and describe
biomes of the world through internet clues?
Relevance:
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Plants have evolved to survive in a variety of physical conditions and their physical
characteristics can indicate climate. Patterns between plants and climate can be
understood by studying World Biomes.
Student Objectives:
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Identify, describe and compare biomes of the world through mapping based on
internet clues
Identify locations within a biome and describe their latitude and longitude
Create group travel posters and color-coded maps of each of the major world biomes
Develop an understanding of how the Earth can be divided into regions based on
dominant plants and animals and climate characteristics
Explain the importance of preserving diversity of species and habitats
Describe how climate is influenced by latitude, proximity to large bodies of water,
ocean currents, prevailing winds and vegetation.
Illinois State Content Standards:
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12.B.4a: Compare physical, ecological and behavioral factors that influence
interactions and interdependence of organisms.
12.B.5a: Analyze and explain biodiversity issues and the causes and effects of
extinction.
Curriculum areas:
Materials:
Assessment:
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biology, earth science, world geography, social
studies
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markers, colored pencils, poster sized paper,
tape
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Biome Data Sheet
Travel Poster
Presentation
1
Introduction and Background
A variety of plants can be found all over the world. Plants define and give shape
to the landscape they are found in. For example, plants in tropical climates are adapted to
wet, rainy seasons and can have unique structures for survival in that climate. Plants
found in arctic ecosystems, will probably be very different from tropical species. These
plants will have to physically adapt to soil and water that is frozen during most of the
year. In this activity, students will study the characteristics of major world biomes. They
will also be introduced to agriculture in each biome and analyze threats posed to each
biome due to human activity.
Instructional methods
1. Packets can be prepared for each group containing the Biome Data Sheet for each
student, the list of internet websites for their biome, map of the continents, newsprint
paper and a colored pencil.
2. Before class, use a marker to roughly sketch out a map of the continents onto a large
sheet of butcher paper. Use your overhead projector to enlarge a map for tracing onto
butcher paper taped to the wall.
3. Divide students into the following groups:
Group 1: Tropical Rainforests
Group 2: Grasslands
Group 3: Deserts
Group 4: Temperate Deciduous Forests
Group 5: Taiga
Group 6: Tundra
Group 7: Marine Biomes
Group 8: Freshwater Biomes
4. Using computers, each group should investigate the list of websites about their
assigned biome. As a team, they can divide up the tasks and share information with
each other and record information in the Biome Data Sheet.
5. Each team should shade in one small map of the Earth showing approximately the
ranges of their biome.
6. When each team has completed the Biome Data Sheet, a group eco-travel poster
based on a particular geographical area within their assigned biome should be
designed. Each travel poster should be clearly labeled with the name of the biome on
the top. Major characteristics of the biome should be featured in each poster. See
Eco-travel Poster Rubric.
2
7. The teams should take time to present each poster to their classmates. Each team
should explain major characteristics of their biome, including characteristics,
location, examples of agricultural/forestry products and threats.
Questions for Discussion
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What is a biome?
What is a climax community?
How would you distinguish one biome from another?
Compare and contrast several biomes. What makes each one so unique and distinct?
Is it possible to have biomes within another biome? (Think mountains!)
How does climate play a role in shaping a biome?
Which abiotic factors are important in determining the character of a biome?
In forest biomes, how do plants contribute to climate?
What happens when the plants and animals in a biome are destroyed?
Why is biodiversity important to each biome?
How do agricultural food plants change with the biome they are grown in?
How do agricultural food plants depend upon the biome they are grown in?
How have humans impacted biome ecosystems positively and negatively?
What are the major threats to each biome?
How can humans preserve biome ecosystems for future generations?
How can humans preserve biome ecosystems without destroying the agricultural
productivity of those areas?
3
Biome Data Sheet
Name _______________________________________________ date _____________
Team Members _________________________________________________________
Biome:
Where in the world?
List continents, countries, states or provinces where your biome can be found. Use a
globe or map to determine the latitude and longitude of each site.
Location:
Latitude:
Longitude:
CLIMATE
Find out what the climate is like in your biome.
Average Temperatures:
Average Rainfall or Precipitation:
Average Humidity:
Wind?
4
Most Important Plants
Find out what the most important, trees, shrubs or herbs are in your biome. Explain
how these plants are adapted for survival in this biome.
Plant:
Adaptations for survival:
Main Agricultural Foods
List major agricultural plants grown in your biome. Explain how they are used and
their importance.
Agricultural Food:
Country:
Uses and Importance:
5
Most Important Animals
Find out what the most important animals are in your biome. Explain how these
animals are adapted for survival in this biome.
Animal:
Adaptations for survival:
Threats to the Biome
1. How is your biome being threatened?
2. Why is it important for people to protect your biome?
3. How can people protect this biome?
6
QUIZ YOURSELF !
Name _______________________________________________ date ______________
Answer the following questions after you have heard presentations on each biome from
your classmates.
Threats to Biome Ecosystems
1. Explain three ways that Biome ecosystems can be threatened by human activities:
a.
b.
c.
2. What can people do to preserve and protect environments?
3. Why is it important to protect biome ecosystems?
Agricultural Biomes
Matching: Can you remember which biome the following agricultural products are from?
BIOME
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT
Tropical Rain Forests
Maple Syrup
Grasslands
shrimp
Desert
Seaweed
Deciduous Forest
Coffee
Tundra
Brazilnuts
Taiga
Sphagnum moss
Marine Biome
Cotton
Freshwater Biome
Corn
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Group 1: Tropical Rainforests
Search for clues to your biome using the following websites:
General Biome Information:
http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/rforest/index.htm
http://www.ran.org/info_center/factsheets/
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Laboratory/Biome/biorainforest.html
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/rnfrst_plant_page.htm
http://www.srl.caltech.edu/personnel/krubal/rainforest/Edit560s6/www/where.html
http://www.pbs.org/journeytoamazonia
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/rainforest/animals/Rfbiomeanimals.shtml
http://passporttoknowledge.com/rainforest/GEOsystem/Rainforests/climate.html
http://www.tesarta.com/www/resources/library/biomes.html
http://www.runet.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/intro.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/11353/text/trforest.htm
http://rain-tree.com/facts.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0113340/main.php%3fsection=biomes&topic=desert
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet/ontheline/explore/nature/trfindex.htm
Agricultural/Forestry Information for the Rainforest Biome:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/Starbucks/080802_organic_cocoa.cfm
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/Chocolate/rainforest_interactive/rainforest.htmlhttp://www.
peopleandplanet.net/doc.php?id=2105
http://www.iita.org/crop/plantain.htm
http://www.iita.org/crop/cassava.htm
http://www.iita.org/crop/soybean.htm
http://www.eduweb.com/agriculture/comag.html
http://www.nybg.org/bsci/braznut/BrazilNut.html
Threats to the Rainforest Biome:
http://www.yesworld.org/info/rainforest.htm
http://bsd.mojones.com/mother_jones/MA96/nixon.html
http://www.ran.org/info_center/factsheets/03b.html
http://www.ran.org/info_center/factsheets/01c.html
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/Deforestation/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A338022002May4&notFound=true
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Group 2: Grasslands
Search for clues to your biome using the following websites:
General Biome Information:
http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/grasslnd/index.htm
http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~kenr/prairiewhatis.html
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Laboratory/Biome/biograssland.html
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/grassland/grassland.shtml
http://www.incolor.com/gibbens/Plant/main.htm
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/grassland.html
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/savanna.htm
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/grasslands.htm
http://www.nwf.org/wildlife/blacktailedprairiedog/behavior.cfm
http://www.runet.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/tempgrass/prairie.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/11353/grassland.htm?tqskip1=1
http://ths.sps.lane.edu/biomes/grassland5/grassland5.html
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/2000/grlands/grlands.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/26634/grass/introf.htm
http://www.runet.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/savanna/savanna.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/11922/habitats/savanna.htm
http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/modules/ecosystems_biomes/biomes_sa
vanna_page_1.html
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AfricanSavanna/
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/literatr/wildflwr/wildflwr.htm
http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/422.html
http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~kenr/tallgrass.html
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/at/at1309.html
http://curriculum.calstatela.edu/courses/builders/lessons/less/biomes/grass/grassland.html
http://www.sierraclub.org/ecoregions/prairie.asp
Agricultural Information for the Grasslands Biome:
http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~kenr/prairiewhatis.html
http://soilphysics.okstate.edu/S257/south/mlra/86.htm
http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/575.html
http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/572.html
Threats to the Grassland Biome:
http://www.woodlanddunes.com/ripples_arch_081201.html
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/oc/oc0701.html
http://www.prairiedogs.org/threats.html
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Group 3: Deserts
Search for clues to your biome using the following websites:
General Biome Information:
http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/desert/index.htm
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/deserts.html
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Laboratory/Biome/biodesert.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/16645/the_land/saha_pf.shtml
http://library.thinkquest.org/26634/desert/introf.htm
http://www.desertusa.com/life.html
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/desert/desert.shtml
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/desert.htm
http://www.nps.gov/moja/mojadewd.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0113340/main.php%3fsection=biomes&topic=desert
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalahari_Desert
http://www.miragemall.com/outside/
http://curriculum.calstatela.edu/courses/builders/lessons/less/biomes/desert/desert.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0113340/main.php%3fsection=biomes&topic=desert
Agricultural Information for the Desert Biome:
http://www.desertagriculture.org/relevance.html
http://westernfarmpress.com/mag/farming_desert_cotton_planted/
Threats to the Desert Biome:
http://edcwww.cr.usgs.gov/earthshots/slow/Nile/Nile
http://www.npca.org/across_the_nation/ten_most_endangered/joshuatree.asp
http://www.npca.org/across_the_nation/ten_most_endangered/organpipe.asp
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Group 4: Temperate Deciduous Forests
Search for clues to your biome using the following websites:
General Biome Information:
http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/temp/index.htm
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/dforest.html
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/forests.html#temperate
http://curriculum.calstatela.edu/courses/builders/lessons/less/biomes/deciduous/decfor.ht
ml
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Laboratory/Biome/biotemperate.html
http://www.naturegrid.org.uk/woodland/index.html
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/tempdecid/tempdecid.shtml
http://www.radford.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/tbdf/tbdf.html
http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/nwep8c.htm
http://www.fw.vt.edu/dendro/Forsite/tdfbiome.htm
http://ths.sps.lane.edu/biomes/deciduous3/deciduous3.html
http://www.iwc.org/hab_pgs/terres/d_forest/td_forest.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/11353/tempforest.htm?tqskip1=1
http://www2.kpr.edu.on.ca/cdciw/biomes/tmpdecidresearch.htm
http://www.inchinapinch.com/hab_pgs/terres/d_forest/td_forest.htm
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/ne_asian_decid_forest.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/17456/broadleafall.html
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/forest/index.html
http://www.ecokidsonline.com/pub/eco_info/topics/forests/index.cfm
Agricultural/Forestry Information for the Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome:
http://www.vermontmaple.org/mfacts.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0113340/text/impact/impact.tempforest.html
Threats to Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome:
http://www.npca.org/across_the_nation/ten_most_endangered/shenandoah.asp
http://ths.sps.lane.edu/biomes/deciduous4/deciduous4a.html
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Group 5: Taiga
Search for clues to your biome using the following websites:
General Biome Information:
http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/taiga/index.htm
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/forests.html#boreal
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/taiga.html
http://curriculum.calstatela.edu/courses/builders/lessons/less/biomes/conifers/tiaga.html
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Laboratory/Biome/bioconiferous.html
http://www.npca.org/wild%5Falaska/alaskas%5Fwildlife/
http://www.runet.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/taiga/taiga.html
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/taiga.htm
http://www.hesd.k12.ca.us/resource/biomes/taiga.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/11353/text/ecosystems.htm
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/taiga/taiga.shtml
http://www.sierraclub.org/ecoregions/boreal.asp
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/siberian_spruce.htm
http://www.bashedu.ru/konkurs/shakirova/conifero.htm
Agricultural/Forestry Information for the Taiga Biome:
http://www.peatmoss.com/index.html
http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/01/14_robertsont_peat/
http://www.itv.se/boreale/bovts.htm
http://www.borealcentre.com/the_boreal_forest/
Threats to the Taiga Biome:
http://www.wildernesscommittee.org/campaigns/boreal/alberta
http://www.wildernesscommittee.mb.ca/Caribou%20at%20the%20Crossroads.pdf
http://www.taigarescue.org/index.php?view_article=70
http://www.wildernesscommittee.mb.ca/species.htm
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/pa/pa0610.html
http://www.wilds.mb.ca/taiga/tbsfaq.html
http://www.ec.gc.ca/science/sandemay02/article4_e.html
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Group 6: Tundra
Search for clues to your biome using the following websites:
General Biome Information:
http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/tundra/index.htm
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Laboratory/Biome/biotundra.html
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/tundra.html
http://www.runet.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/tundra/tundra.html
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/tundra.htm
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/tundra.html
http://ths.sps.lane.edu/biomes/tundra4/tundra4.html
http://ths.sps.lane.edu/biomes/tundra3/tundra3.html
http://curriculum.calstatela.edu/courses/builders/lessons/less/biomes/tundra/tundra.html
http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/modules/ecosystems_biomes/biomes_tu
ndra.html
http://tundra.itgo.com/frames2.htm
http://curriculum.calstatela.edu/courses/builders/lessons/less/biomes/tundra/tundraweb.ht
ml
http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/projects/virtdept/ipvft/tundra.html
http://www.geocities.com/righterrants/tundra.html
http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/ecoregions/global200/pages/habitat/h
abitat11.htm
http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/ecoregions/global200/pages/habitat/h
abitat10.htm
http://www.npca.org/wild%5Falaska/alaskas%5Fwildlife/
http://www.cpluhna.nau.edu/Biota/alpine_tundra.htm
Agricultural Information for the Tundra Biome:
http://www.itv.se/boreale/bovts.htm
Threats to the Tundra Biome:
http://www.npca.org/wild_alaska/threats/
http://www.worldwildlife.org/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/na/na1104_full.html
http://www.worldwildlife.org/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/na/na1104_full.html
http://www.dkik.gl/komp/The_circumpolar_enviroment.html
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Group 7: Marine Biomes
Search for clues to your biome using the following websites:
General Biome Information:
http://mbgnet.mobot.org/salt/index.htm
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/aquatic.html
http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/195.html
http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/aquatic/marine.html
http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/html/coral_reef_fish.html
http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/col/projects/coral/Coralhome.html
http://www.fknms.nos.noaa.gov/
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/species/coral/
http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/factsheets/fact4.html
http://curriculum.calstatela.edu/courses/builders/lessons/less/biomes/aquatic.html
Agricultural Information for the Marine Biome:
http://seaweed.ucg.ie/defaultsunday.html
http://www.organichealthy.com/seaweed_culture.htm
Threats to Marine Biomes:
http://www.hawaii.edu/ssri/hcri/t/index.htm
http://www.epa.gov/region9/cross_pr/islands/coralreef.htm
http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/html/coral_diseased.html
http://oceanography.geol.ucsb.edu/student_pages/Paloma/index.html
http://pewoceans.org/facts_human.html
http://www.worldwildlife.org/coral/index.cfm
http://www.wcmc.org.uk/marine/data/coral_mangrove/
http://www.reefbase.org/threats/
http://www.montereyaquarium.com/efc/efc_fo/fo_ottr_exhibit.asp
http://www.npca.org/across_the_nation/ten_most_endangered/biscayne.asp
http://www.ncseonline.org/NLE/CRSreports/Biodiversity/biodv12.cfm?&CFID=16680287&CFTOKEN=95538064
http://www.net.org/marine/?PROACTIVE_ID=cecfcbcec7cbc7c8cec5cecfcfcfc5cececbce
c6c7cfcfc8c8c5cf
http://www.oceana.org/index.cfm?sectionID=11&fuseaction=3
http://www.dolphin-institute.org/resource_guide/conservation.htm
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Group 8: Freshwater Biomes
Search for clues to your biome using the following websites:
General Biome Information:
http://mbgnet.mobot.org/fresh/
http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/nceas-web/kids/biomes/freshwater.htm
http://www.idahoptv.org/dialogue4kids/wetlands/facts.html
http://www.yvw.com.au/newed/seniors/ecology/ecology.html
http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/marsh/freshwater.shtml
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/aquatic.html
http://www.mbarron.net/Nile/
http://library.thinkquest.org/16645/the_land/nile_river.shtml
http://web.bryant.edu/~langlois/ecology/ecos.htm
http://web.bryant.edu/~langlois/ecology/amazonhome.htm
http://web.bryant.edu/~langlois/ecology/p1.html
http://web.bryant.edu/~langlois/ecology/mississippihome.html
http://curriculum.calstatela.edu/courses/builders/lessons/less/biomes/aquatic.html
Agricultural Information for the Freshwater Biome:
http://www.gafreshwatershrimp.com/
http://www.rce.rutgers.edu/burlington/cranberr.htm
http://www.natfish.tafensw.edu.au/perspectives/
Threats to the Freshwater Biome:
http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/aquatic/pollution.html
http://www.npca.org/across_the_nation/ten_most_endangered/everglades.asp
http://www.cityofseattle.net/salmon/threats.htm
http://www.fish.ci.portland.or.us/pdf/salmon2.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/aquatic/aquacult.html
http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/aquatic/climate.html
http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/aquatic/airpoll.html
http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/aquatic/exotic.html
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Biome Eco-Travel Poster Requirements
I. Focus on only one place or geographical area for your poster—This location should
be in your title.
Examples: “Travel to the Great Barrier Reef,” “Journey to the Amazon Forest,”
or “A wild ride down the Congo River…”
II. Your Travel poster should include and show or describe the following:
1. General climate conditions (You could accomplish this by illustrating the kind of
clothing travelers to your region would have to wear…)
2. Lodging visitors will stay in
3. Kinds of foods people traveling to your area can expect to eat
4. Dominant Plants visitors will see
5. Dominant Animals visitors will see
6. Activities travelers to your area can participate in that will not harm the
environment (Tours, skiing, scuba diving, fishing, hiking…)
7. Threats to your area visitors may observe and why visitors should be concerned
about helping to protect your area
Biome Eco-Travel Poster Rubric
Requirements:
Yes
1. Title
2. General climate conditions
3. Lodging visitors will stay in
4. Kinds of foods people traveling to your area can expect to eat
5. Dominant Plants visitors will see
6. Dominant Animals visitors will see
7. Activities travelers to your area can participate in that will not harm
the environment
8. Threats to your area visitors may observe and why visitors should be
concerned about helping to protect your area
Total “Yes” and “No” Marks:
Each “Yes” is worth 5 points
Final Grade: Number of “Yes” marks x 5 = ________/40 points
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No
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