Use examples to explain how climate determines the characteristics of a biome.
These characteristics could include plants, animals, landforms and natural resources.
1. Desert Biome: A desert biome is characterized by a very hot and dry climate, making it difficult for plants and animals to survive. Due to the low rainfall and extreme temperatures, the soil in deserts is often poor and unable to support diverse plant life. As a result, plants such as cacti and succulents that can store water and have adapted to survive in these harsh conditions are common. Animals in the desert must also be adapted to the climate, like camels, which can store large amounts of water and withstand dehydration, or reptiles and insects that burrow underground during the day to escape the heat.
2. Tropical Rainforest Biome: Tropical rainforests have a hot and wet climate, with consistent rainfall and high humidity. Due to the abundance of water, tropical rainforests support the highest plant and animal diversity of any biome on Earth. Tall trees with a dense canopy are common, creating a multi-layered ecosystem with different plants and animals living at each level. Epiphytic plants, such as orchids and bromeliads, grow on the branches of trees to access sunlight, while animals like tree frogs, monkeys, and insects thrive in the trees' shelter.
3. Tundra Biome: The tundra biome, found in high latitudes near the poles or at high elevation, has a cold and dry climate with strong winds and harsh winters. The soil is mostly frozen throughout the year (permafrost), limiting plant growth to certain species such as mosses, lichens, and low-growing shrubs. Animal species, such as caribou, polar bears, and arctic foxes, have developed adaptations to survive the extreme cold, like thick fur and a layer of fat to provide insulation. Migratory birds like the Arctic tern spend the summer breeding in the tundra and leave before harsh winters set in.
4. Ocean Biome: Ocean biomes cover large parts of Earth's surface and are affected by a range of climate conditions, from tropical waters in the equator to ice-covered polar seas. Marine plants like algae and seagrass require sunlight to grow, so they mainly inhabit the upper, sunlit layers of the ocean called the euphotic zone. Animals and ecosystems are spread across various ocean zones, from shallow reefs with high biodiversity to deep-sea trenches with unique, specially adapted species. The ocean’s climate, temperature, and currents greatly influence weather patterns on land and are significant determinants in different biomes around the world.
5. Grassland Biome: Grasslands are found in areas with a moderate climate, receiving more rainfall than deserts but not enough to support the growth of forests. This semi-arid climate promotes the dominance of grasses over trees and encourages the development of large, open plains. Common grassland plant species include tall and short grasses, perennial wildflowers, and occasional trees or shrubs. The open grasslands provide grazing for large herbivores like bison or wildebeest, and a hunting ground for predators such as lions, wolves, and birds of prey. In addition, human agriculture has utilized grassland climates for growing crops and raising livestock.