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Biomes of the World Objective 1.01 Describe and compare several common ecosystems (communities of organisms and their interaction with the environment). Biomes are large geographic areas with similar climates and ecosystems; includes tundra, taiga, desert, temperate deciduous forest, temperate rain forest, tropical rain forest, and grassland. • There is a debate about number of biomes among scientists. Tundra • • • • The tundra is a cold, dry, treeless region, sometimes called a cold desert. Receives little annual precipitation. Winters in the Arctic can be six to nine months long. The most distinctive characteristic of tundra soil is permafrost, a permanently frozen layer of ground. Tundra Life: • • • • Tundra plants are adapted to drought and cold. Ex:) lichens, mosses, grasses, and small shrubs. There are many biting insects. Migratory birds such as ducks and geese. Other inhabitants include hawks, snowy owls, mice, hares, reindeer, and musk oxen. Taiga • • • The taiga is a cold, forest region dominated by cone-bearing evergreen trees. The taiga is warmer and wetter than the tundra. Moose, lynx, shrews, bears, and foxes are some of the animals that live in the taiga. Temperate Deciduous Forests • • • • Temperate regions usually have four distinct seasons each year. In autumn, the leaves on deciduous trees change color and fall to the ground. Forests provide food and shelter for many animals. Animals that live in forests use the trees and underlying plants as food or shelter. Deer, hawks, mountain lions, raccoons, and foxes are all able to live in the same ecosystem because they each have different needs. This helps to maintain the balance in their environment. Temperate Rain Forests • • • The average temperature ranges from 9°C to 12°C. Precipitation ranges from 200 cm to 400 cm per year. Trees with needlelike leaves dominate these forests. Animals include the black bear, cougar, bobcat, and northern spotted owl. Tropical Rain Forests • • • • • • • • • Warm temperatures, wet weather, and lush plant growth. Soil contains little dead vegetation. Forests are warm because they are near the equator. Home to one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. 4 zones: forest floor, understory, canopy, and emergent's. 1. Forest Floor - This is the ground layer made up of tree roots, soil and decaying matter. 2. Understory - The lower layer of plants and shrubs in a forest ecosystem. 3. Canopy - The forest cover of branches and foliage formed by tree crowns. 4. Emergent’s - The uppermost layer of the rainforest also known as the Dominants. This fourth layer consisting of the tops of the tallest trees. An average of 50 to 260 inches of rain falls yearly. Rainforests cover less than 6% of the Earth’s land surface, but produce 40% of the Earth’s oxygen. About one-fourth of the medicine we use comes from rainforest plants. Many species of animals such as sloths, monkeys, and jaguars live in the rainforest. Mammals and birds have adapted to a life in the trees. Many have bright colors, loud vocal calls, and live on fruits. Reptiles such as boa constrictors and anacondas also thrive in this area. Insects are the largest group that lives in the rainforest. Desert • • • • The biome that receives the least amount of rainfall each year. The driest biome on Earth. Desert plants are spaced far apart and much of the ground is bare. In order to provide water for desert cities, rivers and streams have been diverted. When this happens, wildlife tends to move closer to cities in their search for food and water. Grasslands • • Temperate and tropical regions with 25 cm to 75 cm of precipitation each year that are dominated by climax communities of grasses; ideal for growing crops (like corn) and raising cattle and sheep. Animal Types: Usually mammals that graze on the stems, leaves, and seeds of grass plants.