Terrestrial Biomes

Lecture Overview

• Objective: Describe global distribution and environmental conditions of terrestrial biomes.
• Topics covered:
  • Adaptations of plants and animals in biomes.
  • Major APES biomes.
  • Changes in biome distribution due to climate change.
  • Practice environmental science skill: explaining a concept or process.

Biomes Characteristics

• Biomes Definition: Areas sharing average yearly temperature and precipitation (climate).
• Climate: Combination of average temperature and precipitation trends over a year.

Examples of Biomes

• Rainforest: High rainfall, warm temperatures.
• Desert: Low precipitation, may have high temperatures. Key adaptation: survival in low water conditions.

Adaptations of Organisms

• Organisms in biomes are uniquely adapted to their climate.
• Desert Adaptations:
  • Camels: Store energy in humps as fat.
  • Cacti: Thick waxy cuticles to reduce water loss.
• Wildfires Adaptations:
  • Shrubs and wildflowers: Deep roots to store energy, enabling quick regrowth post-wildfire.

Temperature and Precipitation

• Defining characteristics of biomes.
• Distribution Patterns:
  • Tundra and Boreal Forest: Low precipitation, cold; found near 60° latitude.
  • Temperate Biomes: Moderate rainfall and temperature; found between 30° and 60° latitude.
  • Tropical Biomes: High temperatures and rainfall; found near the equator.

Nutrient Availability

• Determines plant growth and species diversity in biomes.
• Tundra: Low nutrients due to frozen soil, limiting decomposition.
• Tropical Rainforest: Nutrient-poor due to high plant competition.
• Boreal Forest: Poor nutrients due to slow decomposition.
• Temperate Forest: Nutrient-rich soils; broad leaves and moderate temperatures enhance decomposition.

Biome Shifts and Climate Change

• Climate change alters biome locations.
• Example: Boreal forest shifting north as the climate warms.
  • Southern ranges may become too warm for current tree species.

Visual Evidence

• Photos from 1962 and 2004 show forest movement in Arctic regions.

Practice Question

• Skill: Concept explanation.
• Task: Identify one biome characteristic and explain its effect on the community of organisms.

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