Forest Biomes 1. Taiga = northern coniferous forest• Long winters (6-10 months);

average temp. below freezing• Plant growth occurs in summer -

constant daylight & high precipitation (~10cm/month)

• Plants: conifers – shape of leaves & waxy coating

prevent H2O loss– Cone shape prevents snow build

up– Pine needles makes soil acidic

• Animals: summer birds; mice; hares, lynx, foxes, wolves

• Also called Boreal Forest and Coniferous Forest

Forest Biomes2. Tropical Rain Forest• Near equator (South America, Africa, SE Asia, Australia)• High precipitation & moderate temps year round• Helps regulate world climate by sucking up CO2

Forest Biomes• Tropical Rain Forest continued

– Plants: buttress root trees, orchids, epiphytes, etc.– Animals: parrots, monkeys, snakes, tons of insects– Soil is nutrient poor b/c decomposition happens so fast &

all the plants suck up nutrients Layers :

Forest Biomes• Tropical Rain Forest continued

– Provides food & medicines– Biodiversity fact: tropical rainforest covers <7% of Earth’s

surface, but contains 50% of all plant & animal species

Forest Biomes• Tropical Rain Forest continued

– Threats: logging, agriculture, & oil exploration• Plants & animals face habitat loss & poaching

• Largest Rain Forests occur in the Amazon Basin of South America

Forest Biomes

3. Temperate Deciduous Forest– Eastern US, Europe & Asia– Abundant rainfall, moderate temp. – Trees: maple, oak, birch– Plant adaptation: trees lose leaves

each fall– Animals: deer, squirrel, bears,

insects, birds• Some hibernate

– Threats: development, logging– Also called Temperate Broadleaf– Does this sound familiar?

• It’s our biome!!!

Forest Biomes• 4. Temperate Rain Forest

– Pacific Northwest US, Australia (coastal areas)

– High precipitation & moderate temps year round

– Trees: spruce, fir, redwood– Animals: flying squirrel, bears,

insects, cougars, birds – northern spotted owl

– Threats: development

Assignment: Forest Biomes Bubble Map• By yourself, create a bubble map for all four types of forest biomes

(coloring is required!) - Due Tomorrow at end of period!

Each forest must have:•Center title•Conditions section:

• Climate• Threats

•Animals:• Examples &

adaptations•Plants:

• Examples & adaptations

•Illustrations throughout

Extra Credit to those that are nice enough for me to keep!

Colorful, Creative & Neat!