Read the following definition of biome:
What are biomes?
A biome is a large division of the biosphere characterized by distinct characteristics such as vegetation, animals, temperature and rainfall.
These characteristics can be grouped into biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) characteristics. Vegetation and animals are grouped under biotic and temperature and rainfall under abiotic.
The majority of the world is covered in fresh and salt water and are divided into aquatic biomes. However, in this lesson we will focus on the terrestrial, or land-based biomes.
Let's take a look at the 8 terrestrial biomes below.
These characteristics can be grouped into biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) characteristics. Vegetation and animals are grouped under biotic and temperature and rainfall under abiotic.
The majority of the world is covered in fresh and salt water and are divided into aquatic biomes. However, in this lesson we will focus on the terrestrial, or land-based biomes.
Let's take a look at the 8 terrestrial biomes below.
Task 1:
- Take a look at the map of the world biome below.
- Look for any pattern in the way that the biomes are characterized. Write down two of these patterns you observe. Give examples to support your observation where possible.
- Share your ideas with a classmate.
- Submit your ideas to a class-compiled list.
- You may add to or change your ideas after viewing the class suggestions before you move on to the next task.
Let's take a closer look at the features that characterize each biome.
- Temperature and precipitation: includes rainfall, snow, mist and fog. The following diagram shows the temperature and precipitation patterns of the eight biomes of the world.
- Latitude: is the distance measured in degrees north or south from the equator. It also affects the distribution of biomes because latitude influences temperature and precipitation. The diagram below shows this relationship between latitude and biome distribution.
Task 2:
Go back to the list you made in task one and decide if there are any other characteristics that would define a biome you could expand on your list. Give examples and explain your addition or change where possible.