Practical learning

A biome is a distinct geographical region with specific climate, vegetation, and animal life. It consists of a biological community that has formed in response to its physical environment and regional climate.

Mangroves are unique and vital ecosystems that are characterised by their distinctive waterlogged, salty soils, which create a challenging environment for plant life. These remarkable trees and shrubs thrive along sheltered tropical and subtropical shores, where they are frequently exposed to a dynamic interplay of tidal influences. The mangrove ecosystem experiences daily and seasonal fluctuations in water flow, which can significantly impact the surrounding environment and

Deserts and Xeric Shrub lands collectively represent the largest terrestrial biome on our planet, encompassing an astonishing 19% of Earth's total land surface area. This extensive habitat type is characterised by a wide range of eco-regions, each exhibiting significant variability in the amount of annual rainfall they receive. Typically, these regions experience less than 250 millimetres (10 inches) of precipitation annually, with the exception of the margins where condition

Mediterranean forests, woodlands and scrub are a biome characterised by dry summers and rainy winters, although some regions may experience consistent rainfall throughout the year. Summers are generally hot in low-lying inland areas but can be cooler near colder seas. Winters tend to be mild to cool in low-lying areas but can become cold in inland and higher elevations. These eco-regions are uniquely diverse, collectively containing 10% of the Earth's plant species.

Arctic tundra, a unique and fragile ecosystem, is predominantly found in the far reaches of the Northern Hemisphere, specifically situated north of the expansive taiga belt, which is characterised by its coniferous forests. The term "tundra" is commonly used to describe regions where the subsoil remains permanently frozen, a phenomenon known as permafrost. This frozen layer can extend deep beneath the surface, and while "tundra" can refer to any treeless plain

High elevation (montane and alpine) grasslands and shrublands. The plants and animals of tropical Montane Paramos display unique adaptations to cool, wet conditions and intense sunlight.

The Flooded Grasslands and Savannas (FGS) biome support a large diversity of resident plants and animals and are essential areas for migratory birds and mammals. The hydrological system's integrity is essential for these habitats. Some flooded grasslands are flooded all year long, while others are subject to seasonal flooding patterns, which in turn create a seasonal abundance in resources.

The predominant vegetation in the Temperate grasslands, savannahs & shrublands biome consists primarily of grasses and/or shrubs, which play a crucial role in the ecosystems overall health and functionality. These areas are characterised by a temperate climate that can vary significantly, ranging from semi-arid conditions, which experience limited rainfall and have a more drought-resistant flora, to semi-humid conditions, where precipitation is more abundant, allowing for a r

In the tropics, this biome is defined by large areas of land that do not receive enough rainfall to support extensive tree cover. Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands are characterised by rainfall levels between 90 - 150 cm per year.

Taiga & Boreal Forests (BFT) is a unique and expansive biome characterised predominantly by coniferous forests that primarily consist of tree species such as pines, spruces, and larches. This biome, often referred to as the taiga or boreal forest, holds the distinction of being the largest terrestrial biome on Earth, spanning vast areas across the northern latitudes.

Temperate coniferous forests are unique ecosystems located in regions characterised by warm summers and cool winters. These forests exhibit a remarkable diversity in plant life, ranging from needleleaf trees, which are well-adapted to withstand colder temperatures, to broadleaf evergreen trees that thrive in milder conditions. Additionally, many temperate evergreen forests feature a combination of both tree types, creating a rich tapestry of biodiversity that supports various

Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests are predominantly found in regions characterized by distinct warm and cool seasons, which encompass a variety of climates such as humid continental, humid subtropical, and oceanic. These climates are critical to the development and sustainability of these forests, providing moderate annual average temperatures that typically range from 3 to 23 °C (37 to 73 °F).

Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests represent a distinct and vital tropical forest habitat type, as classified by the World Wide Fund for Nature. These unique forests are predominantly located across the regions of North and Central America, where they thrive in environments characterised by relatively low levels of precipitation and moderate variability in temperature.

Tropical and Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests (TSD) are situated in tropical and subtropical regions, often in areas marked by distinct seasonal variations. These forests exist in climates that remain warm throughout the year, with average temperatures rarely falling below 20°C. They typically receive several hundred millimetres of rain annually, concentrated in a brief wet season, but also endure long dry periods lasting several months, depending on geographic location and

Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests are remarkable ecosystems, distinguished by their low variability in annual temperature and exceptionally high levels of precipitation, often exceeding 2000 mm per year. These unique climatic conditions foster an environment that supports the highest levels of species diversity found in any terrestrial biome. In fact, it is estimated that these forests are home to approximately half of the world's terrestrial species