6.3 Biomes and vegetation distribution

Biomes are large-scale ecosystems shaped by climate patterns. Temperature and precipitation drive the distribution of plant communities, creating diverse landscapes from lush rainforests to barren deserts.

Understanding biomes is key to grasping Earth's ecological diversity. Climate zones closely align with biome types, showcasing the intricate relationship between weather patterns and the life they support.

Biomes and Climate Zones

Defining Biomes and Climate Relationships

Top images from around the web for Defining Biomes and Climate Relationships

• 

  Biome - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Climate Zones and Biomes | Physical Geography View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Terrestrial Biomes · Concepts of Biology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Biome - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Climate Zones and Biomes | Physical Geography View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Defining Biomes and Climate Relationships

• 

  Biome - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Climate Zones and Biomes | Physical Geography View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Terrestrial Biomes · Concepts of Biology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Biome - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Climate Zones and Biomes | Physical Geography View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Biomes represent large-scale ecosystems characterized by distinct plant communities and climate conditions
• Temperature and precipitation patterns primarily determine biome distribution
• Biomes closely associate with climate zones reflecting long-term average weather conditions in a region
• Holdridge life zone system relates biomes to climate parameters through a widely used classification scheme
• Biomes categorize into terrestrial (land-based) and aquatic (water-based) ecosystems
• Ecotones act as transitional areas between biomes exhibiting characteristics of both adjacent ecosystems
• Climate change alters biome distribution and characteristics over time

Biome Classification Systems

• Köppen climate classification system correlates closely with biome distribution patterns
• Biome classification considers factors such as latitude, altitude, and ocean currents
• Vertical biome zonation occurs in mountainous regions due to altitude effects on temperature and precipitation
• Microclimates within biomes create localized variations in vegetation and ecosystem characteristics
• Seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation shape vegetation characteristics of different biomes
• Coastal climates and associated biomes influenced by ocean currents through heat and moisture transport

Terrestrial Biomes and Vegetation

Forest Biomes

• Tropical rainforests exhibit high biodiversity, tall trees, and multi-layered canopy structure
  • Located near the equator (Amazon, Congo Basin)
  • Receive consistent rainfall and warm temperatures year-round
• Temperate deciduous forests feature trees shedding leaves seasonally with diverse understory
  • Found in mid-latitude regions (Eastern United States, Central Europe)
  • Experience distinct seasons with moderate temperatures
• Coniferous forests (taiga) dominated by evergreen trees adapted to cold climates and short growing seasons
  • Occur in subarctic regions (Northern Canada, Siberia)
  • Characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers

Grassland and Desert Biomes

• Grasslands include prairies, steppes, and savannas with grasses as primary vegetation
  • Found in temperate and tropical regions (North American Great Plains, African Savanna)
  • Experience periodic droughts and occasional fires
• Deserts characterized by sparse vegetation adapted to extreme aridity
  • Located in subtropical and polar regions (Sahara, Atacama)
  • Feature cacti, drought-resistant shrubs, and minimal annual precipitation
• Mediterranean biomes contain drought-resistant shrubs and trees adapted to hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
  • Found in coastal regions around 30-40 degrees latitude (California, Mediterranean Basin)
  • Characterized by chaparral vegetation and seasonal rainfall patterns

Tundra and Alpine Biomes

• Tundra biomes have low-growing plants adapted to cold temperatures and short growing seasons
  • Located in arctic and subarctic regions (Northern Alaska, Siberian coast)
  • Feature mosses, lichens, and small shrubs resistant to freezing temperatures
• Alpine biomes occur at high elevations in mountainous regions worldwide
  • Exhibit similar characteristics to tundra due to cold temperatures and short growing seasons
  • Vegetation adapts to high UV radiation and strong winds (cushion plants, dwarf trees)

Climate's Influence on Biome Distribution

Temperature and Precipitation Factors

• Temperature and precipitation act as primary climatic factors influencing biome distribution
• Latitude plays crucial role in determining temperature gradients and biome patterns
  • Equatorial regions receive more direct sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures
  • Polar regions receive less direct sunlight, resulting in colder temperatures
• Altitude affects temperature and precipitation, creating vertical biome zonation
  • Temperature decreases with increasing elevation (lapse rate)
  • Precipitation often increases with altitude due to orographic lifting

Climate Classification and Biome Correlation

• Köppen climate classification system correlates closely with biome distribution patterns
  • Tropical climates (A) associate with rainforests and savannas
  • Arid climates (B) correspond to deserts and semi-arid regions
  • Temperate climates (C) relate to deciduous forests and grasslands
  • Continental climates (D) align with boreal forests and prairies
  • Polar climates (E) correspond to tundra and ice cap regions
• Holdridge life zone system relates biomes to climate parameters
  • Uses biotemperature, annual precipitation, and potential evapotranspiration ratio
  • Provides a quantitative approach to biome classification

Seasonal and Microclimate Influences

• Seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation shape vegetation characteristics
  • Deciduous forests adapt to seasonal changes through leaf shedding
  • Grasslands experience periods of growth and dormancy based on rainfall patterns
• Microclimates within biomes create localized variations in ecosystem characteristics
  • Slope aspect influences solar radiation received (north-facing vs. south-facing slopes)
  • Vegetation canopy creates understory microclimates with different temperature and humidity

Plant and Animal Adaptations in Biomes

Plant Adaptations

• Leaf modifications help plants cope with specific climatic conditions
  • Broad leaves in tropical rainforests maximize light capture
  • Needle-like leaves in coniferous forests reduce water loss and snow accumulation
• Root systems adapt to water availability and soil conditions
  • Deep taproots in desert plants access underground water sources
  • Shallow, spreading roots in tundra plants utilize nutrient-rich upper soil layers
• Growth patterns suit specific climatic conditions
  • Deciduous trees shed leaves to conserve energy during winter months
  • Succulent plants store water in thick stems or leaves to survive drought periods

Animal Adaptations

• Physiological adaptations help animals cope with temperature extremes
  • Thick fur or blubber insulates animals in cold biomes (polar bears, seals)
  • Large ears or specialized blood vessels aid heat dissipation in hot biomes (fennec foxes, jackrabbits)
• Behavioral adaptations allow animals to survive in challenging environments
  • Migration enables animals to avoid unfavorable seasonal conditions (Arctic terns, wildebeest)
  • Hibernation allows animals to conserve energy during food-scarce periods (bears, ground squirrels)
• Camouflage and coloration help animals blend with their surroundings
  • White fur in arctic animals provides concealment in snowy environments (Arctic foxes, snowshoe hares)
  • Striped or spotted patterns in grassland animals break up their outline (zebras, cheetahs)