State the major
biomes in the world and state four characteristics each
Answers
Answer:
Chaparral Biome
Scrubland and few trees characterize chaparral. Chaparral receives between 25 and 30 inches of rain annually, chiefly in winter. Dry summers mean dormancy for many plants. Chaparral can be found throughout southern California and Baja, Mexico.
2. Desert Biome
Desert biomes receive less than 12 inches of precipitation annually and experience very high temperatures. Desert subtypes include hot and dry, semiarid, coastal and cold (Arctic).
Plants are adapted for low rainfall. Animals use burrowing or have nocturnal activity to escape scorching daytime temperatures. Some types of desert species include yuccas, cacti, reptiles, small mammals and burrowing owls.
Example: the Mojave Desert of the American Southwest.
3. Tundra Biome
The coldest biome, the treeless Arctic tundra, receives only about 60 growing days and low precipitation. Plants consist mostly of shrubs, lichens, mosses, sedges and liverworts. Tundra animals include lemmings, caribou, migratory birds, mosquitos, flies and fish.
Example: the High Arctic Tundra in the islands of the Arctic Ocean.
4. Taiga Biome
Taiga (boreal forest) extends south of the Arctic Circle. Taiga endures long, dry winters, cool, wet summers and a 130-day growing season. Annual precipitation ranges from about 16 to 40 inches, typically as snow.
Taiga hosts coniferous trees and low plants. Animal species of the taiga include bears, moose, lynx, deer, hares and woodpeckers, among others.
Example: Interior Alaska-Yukon lowland taiga.
5. Grassland Biome
Grasslands represent biomes dominated by grass. The hot, tropical savanna takes up nearly half of Africa as well as parts of India, South America and Australia.
Savannas receive concentrated rainfall for several months and then drought. Few trees dot the grassy savanna.
Temperate grassland includes steppes, veldts and prairies. Moderate precipitation, rich soils, hot summers and cold winters distinguish this biome. The few trees grow along rivers. Some animals include deer, gazelles, birds, insects and larger predators such as wolves and lions.
6. Rainforest Biome
The tropical rainforest biome contains the world’s greatest biodiversity. Located near the equator, this biome experiences equal day length, warm temperatures and up to 200 inches of rain annually.
These conditions lead to prolific plant growth in levels from the forest floor to the canopy. Epiphytic plants grow on trees and other vegetation. The Amazon Rainforest is an excellent example of a tropical rainforest biome.
Temperate rainforests are found in higher latitudes, with cooler temperatures but significant amounts of precipitation. Evergreens, mosses and ferns thrive there. The Olympic National Park of Washington State hosts temperate rainforests.
7. Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome
Temperate deciduous forests populate eastern North America, central Europe and northeastern Asia. Distinct seasons, consistent precipitation and varied temperatures yield a diverse biome.
Deciduous broadleaf trees, evergreens and other plants flourish. This biome hosts many animal species including deer, rabbits, bears, birds, insects and amphibians.
Example: Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
8. Alpine Biome
The mountainous alpine biome exists only at high altitudes. At those levels, trees do not grow. Alpine regions receive about 180 days of growing season.
A number of shrubs, grasses and heaths thrive. Mammals such as sheep, elk, goats and pikas flourish. Some bird species and several types of insects live there.
Example: the high Sierra Nevada mountain range in California.