What is a Biome?
A biome is a type of environment that is defined by the types of organisms that live there. We can also think of these as life zones ("bio" means life). Dividing land up in this way lets us talk about areas that are similar, even if they’re on different continents. But depending on whom you talk to, the way we divide up the world into separate biomes differs.
Where do biomes fit into the levels of organization?
Make 3 observations about the landscape you see in the Tundra.
The Tundra can be found in regions just below the ice caps in the arctic. Extending across which of the following regions? (choose all 3 that apply)
Temperatures are so cold in the Tundra that there is a layer of permanently frozen ground below the surface. This is a defining characteristic of the Tundra biome. What is it called?
What types of vegetation will you find in the Tundra?
Make 5 observations about what you see in the Rainforest biome.
What are the two types of Rainforest? (choose 2)
What are the three levels of vegetation in a Rainforest?
It is noted that conditions on the floor of a Rainforest are similar to:
Make 3 observations about what you see in the Savannah.
What are the two main seasons in the Savannah?
Why can plants and trees grow in long periods of drought in the Savannah?
What role do fires play in the Savannah?
Grasslands
Go to the link to learn about Grasslands and answer the following questions:
https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/experiments/biome/biograssland.php
Where in the United States can we find Grasslands?
What would the Grasslands landscape look like?
Make 3 observations about what you see in the Temperate Deciduous Forest.
Where could you find Temperate Deciduous Forests? (Choose the 4 correct answers)
How many seasons will you see in a Temperate Deciduous Forest?
What adaptations have the trees developed in order to survive the cold winter?
Taiga

Use this picture to complete question 20.
Make 2 observations about what you see in the Taiga.
There are three main forest biomes: Temperate forest, Tropical Rainforest, and the Taiga. Which one is the driest and coldest of the three?
Check the characteristics that define the Taiga. (check all 5 that apply)
Where can the Taiga be found?
What is the main type of plant in the Taiga?
What adaptations do the animals of the Taiga have in order to better survive? (Choose all 4 that apply)
How are Deserts defined?
Deserts can be found on how many continents?
How much of Earth's landmass is made of Deserts?
What are the four types of Deserts? (choose all 4 that apply)
A Desert can be found next to a body of water.
What types of adaptations do Desert organisms have? (choose the 2 that apply)
The youngest Desert on the planet is a Desert that formed in the Aral Sea in Central Asia. What caused it to form?
How can we avoid more desertification (new deserts forming)? (Choose the 3 that apply)
Marine (Saltwater)
Go to the following page to read about Marine biomes and answer the questions below:
https://www.ducksters.com/science/ecosystems/marine_biome.php
What are the three types within Marine biomes?
Describe one of the Marine biome types from the question above.
On what basis are oceans divided into three layers (or zones)?
Pick one of the animals that can be found in the Marine biome. Write a description that includes how big it gets, where it lives, and what it eats.
List two facts about the Marine biome.
Freshwater
Go to the following page to read about Marine biomes and answer the questions below:
https://www.ducksters.com/science/ecosystems/freshwater_biome.php
What are the types of Freshwater biomes? (Choose all 3 that apply)
What happens to the temperature in lakes in tropical areas?
What are the key factors influencing the ecology of streams and rivers? (Choose all 4 that apply)
What important role do wetlands play in nature? (Choose all 3 that apply)
What are two facts about Freshwater biomes?