Biomes

Define the term biome.

• A collection of ecosystems sharing similar climatic conditions; for example, tundra, tropical rainforest, desert.
• Int: Biomes usually cross national boundaries (biomes do not stop at a border; for example, the Sahara, tundra, tropical rainforests).

Explain the distribution, structure and relative productivity of tropical rainforests, deserts, tundra and any other biome.

- Tropical Rainforests:

• High productivity
• High precipitation (2500 mm yr¹) throughout the year
• High insolation
• High temperature (26 ʻC)
• Good nutrient cycling = High rate of decomposure
• Highest NPP

- Temperate Forests:

• Medium productivity
• 4 seasons (Insolation and temperature varies)
• Good growing season in the summer…