biomes

====__IB ESS Biome Study:__ Please add information to this wiki where you can. The items you add will be used to assess your understanding of biome distribution and characteristics. This topic will "close" on Friday, Dec 12th.====

Specific statements from the syllabus:

 * 2.4.1 || Define the term biome . || 1 || Int: Biomes usually cross national boundaries (biomes do not stop at a border; for example, the Sahara, tundra, tropical rainforests). ||
 * 2.4.2 || Explain the distribution, structure and relative productivity of tropical rainforests, deserts, tundra and any other biome. || 3 || Refer to prevailing climate and limiting factors. For example, tropical rainforests are found close to the equator where there is high insolation and rainfall and where light and temperature are not limiting. The other biome may be, for example, temperate grassland or a local example. Limit climate to temperature, precipitation and insolation. ||

**What is a Biome?**
**Definition of Biome:** A biome is a [|climatically] and geographically defined area of ecologically similar climatic conditions such as [|communities] of [|plants], [|animals] , and [|soil organisms] , and are often referred to as [|ecosystems]. Biomes are defined based on factors such as plant structures (such as trees, shrubs, and grasses), leaf types (such as broadleaf and needleleaf), plant spacing (forest, woodland, savanna), and climate. Unlike [|ecozones], biomes are not defined by genetic, taxonomic, or historical similarities.

[|Diagram] of Temperature and Precipitation as limiting factors in biome distribution.

J Mech
 * Distribution Map of the Earth's Biomes**

Emilie Chien

** Charles Lee Source: http://www.sciam.com/media/inline/1E412D01-B7BB-FA8D-B0D3F3F54039A39C_1.jpg
 * The Distribution of Human Impact in the World:



media type="youtube" key="Uh6a82Dqt2w" width="425" height="350"J Mech
 * Video on Biomes**


 * Tropical Rainforests** **-** Deserts - **Tundra -** Mangrove Forests - Open Ocean - Grassland - Deciduous Forest ****


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 * Geographic Distribution: || ||
 * Climate: || ||
 * Soil Fertility: || ||
 * Typical Plants: || ||
 * Human Impact Issues: || ||