key term - Biome

Definition

A biome is a large geographic biotic unit characterized by specific climate conditions, plant communities, and animal populations. Each biome is defined by factors such as temperature, precipitation, and soil types, which influence the types of organisms that can thrive there. Understanding biomes is crucial for studying ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impacts of climate change on global environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are several major terrestrial biomes including tundra, taiga, temperate forests, tropical rainforests, grasslands, and deserts, each with distinct climate and ecological characteristics.
2. Biomes are not uniformly distributed; they often vary in size and can be affected by factors like elevation and proximity to bodies of water.
3. Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture can lead to changes in biomes, resulting in habitat loss and species extinction.
4. Climate change is altering the characteristics of existing biomes, shifting boundaries and impacting the flora and fauna that inhabit these areas.
5. Each biome supports unique adaptations among its inhabitants, influencing behaviors, reproductive strategies, and survival mechanisms in response to environmental conditions.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast at least two different terrestrial biomes in terms of their climate characteristics and the types of organisms found within them.
  • For instance, the tundra biome is characterized by extremely cold temperatures, low precipitation, and a short growing season, leading to vegetation like mosses and lichens. In contrast, the tropical rainforest biome experiences warm temperatures year-round with high rainfall levels, supporting a diverse range of species including various trees, insects, birds, and mammals. These differences in climate directly influence the biodiversity found in each biome, demonstrating how organisms adapt to their environments.
• Evaluate the impact of climate change on terrestrial biomes and provide examples of how specific biomes are responding to these changes.
  • Climate change is causing shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns that affect terrestrial biomes globally. For example, the tundra is experiencing permafrost thawing due to rising temperatures, leading to changes in vegetation patterns and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, desertification is occurring in regions like the Sahel due to changing rainfall patterns and increased temperatures. These changes disrupt ecosystems and threaten species adapted to stable climate conditions.
• Analyze how human activity has transformed terrestrial biomes and discuss the potential long-term effects on biodiversity.
  • Human activity has significantly altered many terrestrial biomes through actions such as deforestation for agriculture, urban development, and resource extraction. This transformation leads to habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity as species are unable to adapt quickly enough to changing environments. For instance, the conversion of tropical rainforests into agricultural land not only reduces plant diversity but also impacts animal species reliant on those habitats for survival. The long-term effects include increased extinction rates and diminished ecosystem services crucial for human survival.

Related terms

Ecosystem:

A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, encompassing both biotic and abiotic factors.

Biodiversity:

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species and their relative abundance.

Climate: The long-term average of weather conditions in a particular area, which significantly influences the type of biome that can develop there.