What determines a biome? Is it all climate? Weather? Temperature? Why are there four major biomes in the United States and not one? A biome is determined by temperature and precipitation...so weather, climate and temperature are the key parts in creating a biome! Remember, biomes ARE NOT an ecosystem...even though it looks like a massive ecosystem. The survival of a biome depends on the climate and temperatures surrounding it. If there are changes to the climate and temperature, the biome will change, it will quit developing and all the living organisms in the biome will be forced to change as well. The climate in a region to a large degree determines the biome that will evolve or begin growing. Knowing the average temperature and precipitation of an area allows us to determine its biome. (That's why lots of people are concerned about the changing climate...) Biomes are very sensitive to the environment and the United States is home for 4 out of the 12 biomes! The United States has one of the largest and tallest trees in the world. The General Sherman, a giant sequoia that is over 275 tall and has a base 103 feet around. The United States has the deepest canyon, the Grand Canyon, the longest river in the United States is the Missouri River, the sunniest place is in Yuma, Arizona and the lowest and hottest spot, Death Valley. If we hopped on a train and headed east across the United States, we would see grasslands, and forests, deserts and tall mountains. The variety of life is overwhelming! The diversity in plant and animal life across the world is unparalleled. Spanning an area of 9,540,000 sq mi, the North American continent makes up about 4.8 percent of the total surface area of the planet. With such a vast expanse, it is no surprise that a great deal of diversity can be seen in these few biomes.
Who's job is it to care for these biomes? Is it the governments job? Is it people paid to do the job? NO! It's our job. Every little choice we make effects our environment. Start in your own backyard. Provide shelter, water, shade for birds, reptiles, mammals and plants. When you visit parks and outdoor areas, always pick up after yourself and others. Each one of us can make a difference everyday if we take time to care and appreciate the beauty all around us.
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |