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PEARSON
BACCALAUREATE
Worksheet 2.2
Biomes
In this worksheet you will summarize information from the text book that covers the following parts of
the syllabus.
2.4.1 Define the term biome = A collection of ecosystems sharing similar climatic conditions; for
example, tundra, tropical rainforest, desert.
2.4.2 Explain the distribution, structure and relative productivity of tropical rainforests, deserts, tundra
and any other biome. 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.
Terminology
Insolation = levels of light intensity from the Sun.
Precipitation = levels of rainfall.
Your task
• The ESS course requires you to be able to explain biome distribution in terms of the following
factors only:
o temperature
o precipitation
o insolation.
• Complete the table on page 2 using information from pages 35–43 of the textbook. Information on
productivity can also be found on pages 53–55.
• In each case in the table say whether each of these potential limiting factors plays a role or not.
Quote figures where possible (e.g. average rainfall in rainforest is ca. 2500 mm per year).
• Look at exercise 4 on page 55. Work through this question using the information provided to help
you. When referring to the productivity of biomes, the figures in the left-hand column are normally
used (these figures relate to absolute levels of productivity and therefore correspond directly to
levels of removal and fixation of CO2 from the atmosphere). When comparing NPP to total biomass
of the producers in each ecosystem (figures in the right-hand column) the picture becomes more
complex – why is this?
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Ltd
2010.
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Temperate
grassland
Temperate
deciduous
woodland
Tundra
Hot desert
Tropical
rainforest
Biome
Precipitation
Precipitation
limiting?
Temperature
Temperature
limiting
Insolation?
Insolation
limiting?
NPP?
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PEARSON
BACCALAUREATE
©
Pearson
Education
Ltd
2010.
For
more
information
about
the
Pearson
Baccalaureate
series
please
visit
2