Terrestrial biomes are shaped by temperature and precipitation patterns, which vary with latitude and altitude. These factors determine the distribution of plant and animal life across the globe, from lush tropical rainforests to frigid tundras.

Each biome has unique characteristics and adaptations. Plants and animals have evolved specific traits to thrive in their environments, like drought-resistant cacti in deserts or thick-furred mammals in tundras. Understanding these adaptations helps us appreciate Earth's biodiversity.

Terrestrial Biome Distribution and Characteristics

Temperature and precipitation in biome distribution

• Temperature and precipitation are the primary factors that determine the distribution of terrestrial biomes
  • Temperature affects the rate of evaporation and transpiration influencing water availability for plants (rainforests vs. deserts)
  • Precipitation provides water for plant growth and influences soil moisture (tundra vs. temperate forests)
• Biomes are characterized by distinct temperature and precipitation patterns
  • Tropical biomes have high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year (Amazon rainforest)
  • Temperate biomes have moderate temperatures and precipitation with distinct seasons (deciduous forests)
  • Polar biomes have low temperatures and limited precipitation mostly in the form of snow (Arctic tundra)
• Latitude and altitude influence temperature and precipitation patterns
  • Temperatures generally decrease with increasing latitude and altitude (mountaintop vs. base)
  • Precipitation patterns vary depending on atmospheric circulation and proximity to water bodies (coastal vs. inland)

Climate and Biome Factors

• Climate plays a crucial role in shaping terrestrial biomes
• Latitude affects the amount of solar radiation received, influencing temperature and precipitation patterns
• Altitude impacts temperature and precipitation, with higher elevations generally being cooler and receiving more precipitation
• Vegetation types are largely determined by climate conditions, with plants adapted to specific temperature and precipitation regimes

Characteristics of major terrestrial biomes

• Tropical rainforest
  • High temperatures and rainfall (>200 cm/year) throughout the year
  • Diverse vegetation with tall broadleaf evergreen trees forming a dense canopy (kapok trees)
  • Rich biodiversity with numerous plant and animal species (orchids, monkeys)
• Tropical savanna
  • Warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall (90-150 cm/year)
  • Dominated by grasses with scattered trees and shrubs (acacia trees)
  • Large herbivores (elephants, zebras) and predators (lions, cheetahs)
• Temperate grassland
  • Moderate temperatures and precipitation (50-90 cm/year)
  • Dominated by grasses with few trees (prairies, steppes)
  • Grazing animals (bison, pronghorn) and burrowing mammals (prairie dogs)
• Temperate deciduous forest
  • Moderate temperatures and precipitation (75-150 cm/year)
  • Deciduous trees that shed leaves in autumn (oak, maple)
  • Diverse understory vegetation and animal life (wildflowers, deer)
• Temperate coniferous forest
  • Cool temperatures and moderate precipitation (50-200 cm/year)
  • Dominated by evergreen coniferous trees (pines, spruces)
  • Acidic soils and animals adapted to cold climates (bears, lynx)
• Tundra
  • Low temperatures and limited precipitation (<25 cm/year)
  • Low-growing vegetation (mosses, lichens, sedges)
  • Animals adapted to cold climates (caribou, musk oxen, arctic foxes)
• Desert
  • High temperatures and low precipitation (<25 cm/year)
  • Sparse vegetation adapted to drought (cacti, succulents)
  • Animals adapted to water scarcity (camels, kangaroo rats)
• Chaparral
  • Mild temperatures and seasonal precipitation (25-100 cm/year)
  • Shrubby vegetation adapted to fire (manzanita, chamise)
  • Animals adapted to periodic wildfires (lizards, birds)

Adaptations of organisms to biomes

• Plant adaptations
  • Tropical rainforests: Broad leaves for maximum sunlight capture, shallow roots for nutrient uptake and drip tips for shedding excess water
  • Savannas: Deep roots for accessing water, fire resistance and drought tolerance
  • Temperate forests: Deciduous leaves to conserve resources in winter, thick bark for insulation and deep roots for stability
  • Tundra: Low-growing forms to avoid wind and cold, dark colors for absorbing heat and slow growth rates
  • Deserts: Succulent stems for water storage, small or absent leaves to reduce water loss and extensive root systems
• Animal adaptations
  • Tropical rainforests: Arboreal lifestyles (monkeys), camouflage (leaf-tailed gecko) and specialized diets (toucans)
  • Savannas: Grazing adaptations (wildebeest), speed for escaping predators (cheetahs) and water conservation mechanisms (giraffes)
  • Temperate forests: Hibernation or migration to cope with winter (bears, birds), omnivorous diets (raccoons) and camouflage (snowshoe hares)
  • Tundra: Thick fur or feathers for insulation (musk oxen, snowy owls), white coloration for camouflage (arctic foxes) and migration or hibernation (caribou, ground squirrels)
  • Deserts: Nocturnal activity (kit foxes), burrowing to escape heat (desert tortoises) and water conservation adaptations like concentrated urine (kangaroo rats)