Environmental Science
Chapter 6 Lecture
Biomes
Chapter 6 Targets
1. I can describe how plants determine the name of a
biome.
2. Using a world map, I can identify general locations of
the world’s biomes.
3. I can define climate and explain how temperature
and precipitation determine which plants grow in an
area.
4. I can explain how latitude and altitude affect which
plants grow in an area.
Biomes and Vegetation (Plants)
T1
• Biomes: __________ regions characterized by a
______________ and ______________________________
• Each biome is made of many different _______________
• Biomes are described by their _______________
– Plants determine what other organisms that can live
there
– Plants have traits, special structures, or adaptations that
allow them to survive in specific biome
– Adaptations include ________________________
– Example: tundra plants tend to be short because
they don’t get enough water to grow larger
– Other examples??
The World’s Major Terrestrial Biomes
T2
Biomes and Climate
T3
• Climate: _________________________ in
area over long period of time
– Main factor in determining which plants can
grow in certain area _________________
– ______________ and ________________
are most important factors determining
climate (see video)
Temperature and Precipitation
• -Most organisms don’t survive at temperatures too far
above/below a range they have adapted to
• -Precipitation limits organisms found in a biome
– _____ plant size = _____ water it needs
-Biomes receiving ____________________ rainfall
support communities dominated by small trees,
shrubs, and grasses
-In biomes where rainfall is ___________________
plants are mostly cacti and desert shrubs
-In extreme cases, lack of rainfall results in no
plants, no matter what the temperature is
• ____ temperature + ____precipitation = ____plants
T3
T3
Latitude and Altitude
T4
• ______________: distance north or south from equator (expressed in
degrees)
• _______________: height of an object above a reference point, such as
sea level or the Earth’s surface.
– Climate varies with latitude and altitude.
– Climate gets _________ as latitude and altitude _______________
– This is why it gets colder as you move further up a mountain.
T4
Comprehension Check
According to the maps, which of the
following determines the main
characteristics of a biome?
A. Geographic borders
B. Latitude
C. Longitude
D. Distance from the ocean
Comprehension Check
Which of the following describes a biome?
A. All the areas on Earth that are lifesupporting
B. Weather conditions in an area for a
specific time period
C. A region characterized by specific
climate and organism communities
D. An area where the animal population
interacts with its abiotic environment
Comprehension Check
What is the diversity of the species in an
area most dependent on?
A. Plant life
B. Rainfall
C. Sunlight
D. Temperature
Comprehension Check
What are the main factors that determine
weather?
A. Altitude, latitude, precipitation, temperature
B. Altitude, latitude, precipitation, vegetation
C. Air currents, altitude, temperature,
vegetation
D. Air currents, precipitation, temperature,
vegetation
Chapter 6 Targets
5. Based on climate, I can predict where forest
biomes are located.
6. I can list three characteristics of tropical rain
forests and identify their location on a world map.
7. I can name and describe the main layers of a
tropical rain forest.
8. I can name the main threats to rain forests and
the global effects of rain forest destruction.
9. I can list three characteristics of temperate rain
forests and identify their location on a world map.
Forest Biomes
T5
• Of all biomes in the world, forests are the
most ________________ and
_______________
• Because trees need a lot of water, forests are
found where temperatures are mild to hot and
rainfall is plenty
• 3 main forest biomes of the world:
1.
2.
3.
Tropical Rain Forests
• Forests/jungles near
equator characterized by:
– 1.
– 2.
– 3.
– 4.
• Regulate climate and play
a role in nitrogen,
oxygen, and carbon
cycles.
T6
Nutrients in Tropical Rain Forests
T7
• Most nutrients are in plants, _________________
– Decomposers on forest floor break down dead
organisms  _________________________ 
plants quickly absorb the nutrients
– There are so _______________ in the soil that
runoff from rain forests is often as pure as
___________________
• Most tropical soils _____________________
cannot support crops for more than a few years
• Many trees form above-ground roots
called __________________________
that grow sideways from tree to provide
extra support in the thin soil
Layers of the Rain Forest
• In tropical rain forests, different types of plants grow in
different layers
• 4 main layers of the rain forest:
•
•
•
•
1.
2.
3.
4.
T7
Layers of the Rain Forest
• Emergent layer: _________
__________________ where
tallest trees extend above
everything else
– Trees reach direct sunlight
at heights of 60-70 m (~23
stories tall) and can
measure up to 5 m around
– Animals such as eagles,
bats, monkeys, and
snakes live in the
emergent layer
T7
Layers of the Rain Forest
• Canopy: layers of treetops
that __________
_______________________
– Considered main layer
of rain forest
– Trees form dense layer
that absorbs up to
_______ of sunlight
– Can be split into
_______________ and
____________ canopy
with lower canopy
receiving less sunlight
understory
T7
Layers of the Rainforest
T7
• ______________: plants that grow on
another plant but do not harm it
– Located on tall trees in canopy to
reach sunlight for photosynthesis,
and absorb water and nutrients
• Most animals living in the rain forest
________________________ because
they depend on the many flowers and
fruits that grow there.
Layers of the Rainforest
T7
• ________________: plant layer beneath and
shaded by main canopy of a forest
– Little light reaches this layer allowing only
_______________________ adapted to shade
to grow here
– Most plants in understory are less than 3.5 m
tall
Threats to Rain Forests
T8
• Every minute, 100 acres of tropical rainforest are
cleared or damaged for:
1.
2.
3.
4.
• ~50 million native people live in tropical rain forests
and are threatened by habitat destruction
– Loss of habitat forces them to move to cities
– This drastic lifestyle change may force them to
lose their culture and traditions
Temperate Rain Forests
T9
• Characterized by:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Found in North America, Japan
Australia, and New Zealand
Temperate Rain Forest Climate
• Pacific Northwest keeps mild
temperatures year round
• Rarely freezes because Pacific
Ocean blows cool ocean water over
forest
(____________________________)
• As ocean winds meet Olympic
Mountains, a
___________________________ is
produced, keeping temperature cool
and moist
T9
Chapter 6 Targets
11. I can list three characteristics of temperate
deciduous forests and identify their location on a
world map.
12. I can describe one plant in a temperate deciduous
forest and an adaptation that helps the plant survive.
13. I can list two characteristics of taigas and identify
their location on a world map.
14. I can identify unique characteristics of conifers.
15. I can describe one adaptation that help animals
survive in taiga.
Temperate Deciduous Forests
•
T 11
Characterized by:
1. Trees ________________________________________
2. Located between _______________________ latitude.
3. Range of temperatures can be _________; summer temps
soaring to 35ºC (95oF) and winter temps often falling
below freezing
4. 75 to 125 cm (29-49 inches) of precipitation annually, helps
_______________ dead organic matter into rich soils
Temperate Deciduous Forest
Locations
T 11
Plants of Deciduous Forests
• Plants ____________________ with tall
trees like birch that dominate the canopy
and shrubs cover the understory (_____
emergent layer)
• More light reaches deciduous forest floor
than _____________________ allowing
more small plants to grow
• Plants are adapted to survive
____________________________
– In fall and winter, trees shed leaves
and seeds go dormant under
insulation of the soil
– With returning warmth in spring, trees
grow new leaves and seeds sprout
T 12
Taiga (Boreal Forest)
T 13
• Region of evergreen, coniferous forest below
________________ and _____________ tundra
regions.
– has ________ winters and little vegetation
– growing season short (50 days) with most
plant growth during _____________________
because of nearly
_____________ daylight
and _______________
amounts of precipitation.
Taiga Locations
T 13
Plants of the Taiga
• ______________: trees that have seeds that develop in
cones
– Leaves’ __________________ and ________________
help retain water in winter
– Conifer’s ___________ helps tree shed snow and not
get weighed down
– Conifer ___________ contain substances that make soil
acidic when they fall, preventing plants from growing on
the floor
– Soil forms slowly because climate and acidity
_____________________
T 14
Animals of the Taiga
T 15
• Taiga has many lakes and
swamps attracting birds that
feed on insects during the
summer
• To avoid harsh winters, birds
________________
• Some year-round residents,
such as shrews,__________
underground for better
insulation.
• Other animals avoid
predation by shedding brown
summer fur and growing
white fur to ______________
them in the snow
Snowshoe Hare
Comprehension Check
What type of forest has the
greatest biodiversity?
A. Taiga forest
B. Temperate deciduous forest
C. Temperate rain forest
D. Tropical rain forest
Chapter 6 Targets
16. I can describe the climate and locations of
savannas.
17. I can describe adaptations of savanna plants and
animals.
18. I can describe the climate and locations of
temperate grasslands.
19. I can explain why fire is important to grassland and
savanna biomes
20. I can describe adaptations of temperate grassland
plants and animals.
21. I can describe how farming and overgrazing have
destroyed temperate grasslands.
Savannas
• _____________ full of grasses,
scattered trees and shrubs
• Found in tropical and subtropical
habitats
• Mainly in regions with dry
climate, such as East Africa and
western India
• Have wet and dry seasons
(though ↓ precipitation)
– Many animals active only
during _________________
– Grass fires restore nutrients
to soil during _____________
T 16
Savannas
T 16
Plants of the Savanna
• Only rains during wet season,
plants must be able to survive
prolonged periods without water
1. Some plants have large
_____________ root systems to
help them survive dry season.
These roots also enable them to
_________________________.
2. Grasses have coarse
________________ leaves that
expose less surface area to
conserve water, while some
trees shed their leaves.
3. Almost all have ____________
for protection from herbivores.
T 17
Animals of the Savanna
1. Grazing ________________,
like elephants, migrate,
following rains to areas of new
grass and fresh watering
holes.
2. Many savanna animals give
birth only during ___________
season, when food is
abundant and young are more
likely to survive.
3. Some species of herbivores
reduce competition for food by
________________________
___________ than other
species.
T 17
Temperate Grasslands
– Dominated by ___________, few
____________
– Hot summers and cold winters
– Amount of rainfall is between that
of a ____________ and a
______________
– Most ___________________ of
any biome
• Few natural temperate
grasslands remain because
most have been replaced by
grazing areas and _________
growing crops such as corn,
soybeans, and wheat
T 18
Temperate Grasslands
• Located where ____________
falls for trees to grow
• ____________ often play a
role in forming grasslands
because they block rain clouds
from the west
– Rainfall does ↑ as you move
east, allowing taller grasses
to grow.
• Heavy precipitation is rare in
grasslands, hot temperatures
in summer often create fires
T
18/19
Temperate T 18
Grasslands
Classifying U.S. Grassland Types
T 18
• U.S. grasslands (prairies) classified by
examining 2 things:
1. ____________________
2. ____________________:
• ______________: dark black soil, rich in nutrients
» drains well, yet retains some water
• ______________: “glacier dust”
» Mineral particles mixed with clay
• ______________: near fens
» High pH
» Formed from calcium carbonate (limestone)
that has been worn down
Plants of Temperate Grasslands
T 20
1. Root system of prairie grasses forms dense
layers that survive _____________________,
allowing plants to come back from year to
year
2. Few trees survive on grasslands because of
________________, _______________, and
constant winds
3. Amount of rainfall in the area determines
types (varying root depth and grass height) of
______________ that will grow in that area
Grassland Plants
~35 inches rain
~10 inches rain
~20 inches rain
T 20
Animals of Temperate Grasslands
T 20
1. Some grazing animals, such as bison and
pronghorn antelope, have large,
________________________ for chewing the
coarse prairie grasses.
2. Other grasslands animals, such as prairie
dogs, owls, and badgers, live in
____________________ that protect them
from predators on the open grasslands.
Threats to Temperate Grasslands
T 21
• ______________________ have changed
grasslands
• Crops don’t hold soil in place as well as
native grasses because their roots are
shallow, soil erosion eventually occurs
• Constant farming can change fruitful
grasslands into desert-like biomes
Chapter 6 Targets
22. I can describe the climate and locations of the
chaparral biome.
23. I can describe adaptations of chaparral plants and
animals.
24. I can describe the climate and locations of desert
biomes
25. I can name two desert animals and plants, and
describe the adaptations that help them survive.
26. I can describe the climate and location of the tundra
biome.
27. I can name two tundra animals and plants, and
describe the adaptations that help them survive.
28. I can describe one threat to the tundra biome.
Chaparral
T 22
– __________________ woodland biome
– plants are broad-leaved evergreen _____________
– located in areas with hot, dry summers and mild, wet
winters
• Located in middle latitudes, about 30° north and south of
the equator.
» Primarily in coastal areas with Mediterranean
climates.
Chaparral
T 22
Plants of the Chaparral
T 23
• Most are low-lying, evergreen shrubs
• Some small trees grow in dense
patches
• Include chamise, manzanita, scrub
oak, and herbs like sage and bay.
• Have small, ________________ that
contain oils to promote burning,
allowing natural fires to destroy
competing trees.
• Well adapted to ___________ and
can regrow from small bits of
surviving plant tissue.
Animals of the Chaparral
T 23
• Common adaptation is _________________,
shape or coloring allowing animals to blend
into environment
– Quail, lizards, chipmunks, and mule deer
have a brownish gray coloring that lets
them move through the brush without
being noticed.
What is a Desert Like?
T 24
• Land of ____________: extreme heat and
extreme dryness; sudden flash floods and
cold nights.
• Very harsh, often have names likes "Death
Valley," "the empty quarter," and "the place
from where there is no return."
Dryness
T 24
• _______________: Even wettest deserts get
less than ten inches of precipitation a year.
Hot During the Day, Cool at Night
T 24
• During day many deserts are very hot.
Temperatures in excess of 100oF are
common.
• Yet at night, temperatures fall into the
40s or 50s? Why?
T 24
-Other biomes are insulated by humidity
-At night water acts like a ___________,
trapping heat inside the biome
-Deserts have only 10-20% _____________
to trap temperatures.
-Have few __________ and other plants to
retain heat
-Deserts cool down rapidly when sun sets 
heat up quickly after sun rises
Where Are Deserts Located?
Many are found in bands along 30o
north and 30o south of the equator*
(called the ________________)
*between red lines on the map
T 24
Why do “desert belts” form?
T 24
• As warm air rises over equator rises, it ________
and loses moisture
• As it falls (north and south of the equator), it
_______ and __________________, drying out
the land
• This downward movement of warm air masses
over the earth has produced two belts of deserts
The Rain Shadow Effect
T 24
• Deserts near ___________ are caused by "rain
shadow" effect
• As air moves up over mountains, it gets ___________
and loses moisture -- causing rain or snow
• When air moves down the other side of the mountain,
it gets warmer.
• Warm air can hold ___________ moisture, so it
doesn't rain as much, and a desert is formed.
Deserts of North America
T 24
NOTE: All deserts in North America are
influenced by the rain shadow effect
Desert Plant Adaptations
T 25
Plants adapt to dryness by reducing rates of
____________________:
1. reduced leaves (_______________)
2. waxy coating on leaves and stems
3. store water in fleshy parts (_____________)
4. large, shallow root systems absorb water
quickly –or- _______________________
5. mature quickly and produce flowers/seeds in
the few days when water is available
6. seeds in some can _______________ for over
50 years
Desert Animal Adaptations
• Usually ___________ (ex. Jackrabbits, snakes,
and kangaroo rats)
• Adapted to save water:
1.
2.
3.
• Adapted to survive in temperature extremes:
1.
2.
3.
T 25
Tundra
T 26
• Treeless plain located in Arctic or Antarctic,
characterized by:
– Very low winter temperatures
– Short, cool summers
– Plants are grasses, lichens, and perennial herbs.
– Short summers , only the top few centimeters of
soil thaw.
• ________________: the permanently frozen layer of
soil or subsoil found in tundra regions.
T 25
Tundra Locations
Tundra Plants/Producers
T 27
• Mosses and lichens cover vast areas of rocks
in the tundra (why would these be able to grow
here?)
______________________________________
• Other plants have ______________________
to help anchor them against icy winds in the
thin soil
• Most flowering plants are ____________, this
keeps them out of the wind and helps them
absorb heat from the sunlit soil
• Woody plants and perennials have evolved
dwarf forms that grow flat along the ground
Tundra Animals Adaptations
T 27
• _____________ birds fly to tundra to breed in
summer when food is abundant.
• Caribou _____________ throughout tundra in search
of food and water. Predators such as wolves prey on
migratory caribou, deer, and moose.
• Rodents stay active, but ___________ under the
snow to avoid the cold.
• Only tundra animal to _______________ is arctic
ground squirrel
• Other year-round residents, such as arctic foxes, lose
brown summer coat for white fur to ______________
them with the snow
Threats to the Tundra
T 28
• One of the most _________ biomes on planet.
• Food chains are simple and ______________
• When oil was located in parts of tundra, oil
exploration, extraction, and transport disrupted
many tundra habitats
• Pollution caused by spills or leaks of oil and
other toxic materials may also poison food and
water sources in tundra