Biome Name

Biome Name Abiotic Factors Biotic AdaptationsPlantsGrasslands, Chaparral, Deserts and TundraTropical Precipitation: 25-150 Grows in Tuftsin/yrGrassland:Resistance to DroughtSavannaTemperateGrasslands:Prairie andSteppeChaparralFire plays a large rolein this ecosystemLocation: Found intropics, near equator.Contain the greatestnumber of grazinganimals on Earth.Precipitation: less than50 in/year precipitationMountains:Mountains often play arole in climatecharacteristicsLocation: Found inRussia and the Ukraine.Location: Primarily incoastal areas withMediterraneanclimates. About 300 Nand S of the equator.Climate: hot, drysummers, mild, wetwinters. Slightvariations in seasonaltemperatures.Many plants have thorns andsharp leaves to protect againstpredation.Most abundant are plantscalled Bunch grasses, finebladed grasses that grow inclumps to preserve waterSod-forming grasses that won’tdry out or blow away in wind.Mostly low-lying shrubs andsmall trees.Many plants have leatheryleaves to resist water loss.Many plant species have oils inleaves to help them resistfire…the fire will take out“weaker” plants that don’tbelong.Biotic AdaptationsAnimalsFeeding strategy: Limitedfood leads to verticalfeedingReproduction: Reproduceduring rainy season—ensures more youngsurviveAdapt for short rainyseason—migrate asnecessaryMany migrate, hibernate orburrow during extremes intemp and precipitation.Camouflage: To avoidpredationFood: Many animals willchange their diet as theseason changes.Threats to BiomeInvasive speciesChanges in fire managementBecause of their low elevation,some savannas are threatened byminor rises in sea level associatedwith global climate changeOvergrazing…nomadic tribes havestarted to spend more time in onelocation.Infrastructure development (roads,buildings, etc).Unmanaged hunting and poachingis destroying herds of animals.Human development—verydesirable climate for humans tolive.