Science Module: Exploring Earth's
Biomes
I. Introduction
Earth is home to a wide variety of environments, each with its own climate, soil, plants, and
animals. These large geographic regions are known as biomes. Biomes are influenced by
factors such as temperature, precipitation, latitude, and elevation. Each biome supports
different kinds of life, adapted to its specific conditions. Understanding biomes helps us
appreciate Earth's biodiversity and the importance of preserving different ecosystems
around the world.
II. Learning Objectives
• Define what a biome is and describe its main characteristics.
• Identify the major types of biomes found on Earth.
• Describe the climate, flora, and fauna of each biome.
• Analyze the role of biomes in maintaining ecological balance.
• Discuss human impacts on different biomes and their conservation.
III. Key Concepts and Terms
Biome – A large area characterized by specific climate conditions, plant communities, and
animal life.
Climate – The average weather conditions in an area over a long period of time.
Flora – The plant life found in a particular region or biome.
Fauna – The animal life found in a particular region or biome.
Adaptation – A characteristic that helps a plant or animal survive in its environment.
Tundra – A cold, treeless biome with frozen ground.
Desert – A dry biome with very little rainfall and sparse vegetation.
Rainforest – A lush, wet biome with high biodiversity and dense vegetation.
IV. Major Types of Biomes
1. Tundra Biome
The tundra is characterized by its cold climate, short growing seasons, and frozen soil called
permafrost. Vegetation includes mosses, lichens, and small shrubs. Animals like caribou,
arctic foxes, and snowy owls have adaptations to survive the harsh environment.
2. Desert Biome
Deserts receive very little rainfall and have extreme temperature variations. Plant life
includes cacti and drought-resistant shrubs. Animals such as lizards, snakes, and camels are
adapted to conserve water and withstand high temperatures.
3. Grassland Biome
Grasslands have moderate rainfall and are dominated by grasses with few trees. They
support herbivores like bison, antelope, and zebras, as well as predators such as lions and
wolves. Fertile soil makes grasslands important for agriculture.
4. Tropical Rainforest Biome
Tropical rainforests are located near the equator and have high temperatures and year-
round rainfall. They are the most biodiverse biomes, home to thousands of species including
toucans, jaguars, and colorful frogs. Plants grow in layers, from tall emergent trees to dense
understory shrubs.
5. Temperate Forest Biome
Temperate forests experience four seasons and moderate rainfall. Deciduous trees like oak
and maple lose their leaves in winter. Animals such as deer, foxes, and bears are common.
These forests are found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
6. Taiga (Boreal Forest) Biome
The taiga has long, cold winters and short summers. It is dominated by coniferous trees like
pine and spruce. Wildlife includes moose, lynx, and wolves. It covers large parts of Canada,
Russia, and Scandinavia.
7. Savanna Biome
Savannas are tropical grasslands with scattered trees and distinct wet and dry seasons.
They are found in Africa, South America, and Australia. Animals include elephants, giraffes,
and lions.
8. Aquatic Biomes
Aquatic biomes are divided into freshwater (rivers, lakes, wetlands) and marine (oceans,
coral reefs, estuaries). They support a variety of organisms such as fish, amphibians, corals,
and aquatic plants. Water temperature, depth, and salinity influence the life found in these
ecosystems.
V. Importance of Biomes
• Biomes provide habitats for diverse plant and animal species.
• They regulate Earth’s climate and water cycles.
• Biomes contribute to nutrient cycling and soil formation.
• They offer resources such as food, timber, and medicine.
• Biomes support ecological balance and biodiversity conservation.
VI. Human Impact on Biomes
Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, climate change, agriculture, and urban
development have significantly affected many biomes. Rainforests are being cleared at
alarming rates, deserts are expanding due to desertification, and climate change is
threatening the balance of polar and mountain biomes. Conservation efforts, protected
areas, and sustainable development are crucial to preserving Earth's biomes and the
services they provide.
VII. Activities and Questions
Activity 1: Biome Poster
Create a poster that illustrates one of the major biomes. Include information about its
climate, animals, plants, and human impacts.
Activity 2: Compare and Contrast
Choose two different biomes and compare their characteristics. Use a Venn diagram to
show their similarities and differences.
Comprehension Questions
1. What factors determine the type of biome in an area?
2. Describe the difference between a tundra and a desert biome.
3. What makes tropical rainforests so biodiverse?
4. How are aquatic biomes classified?
5. What are some ways humans can help protect biomes?
VIII. Summary
Biomes are large regions of the Earth that share similar climate, soil, plants, and animals.
Each biome plays a critical role in supporting life and maintaining Earth's systems. From the
cold tundra to the warm rainforests and vast oceans, biomes illustrate the planet’s
incredible diversity. Understanding and protecting these regions is vital for ensuring a
healthy environment for all living things.
