Biome Distribution Lab
Where the world's major biomes are found and why, how climate and local factors control their distribution, the biosphere as a resource, and the UK's own ecosystems.
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Biomes around the world 🌍
A **biome** is a large-scale ecosystem, such as tropical rainforest, hot desert or tundra. Biomes are not scattered at random: they form in **belts** across the world, set mainly by the **climate**. This module explains where the major biomes are, why the climate puts them there, how local factors change the picture, and how humans use the **biosphere** as a resource.
The words of the biosphere 🔑
The key ideas for this topic:
From the equator to the poles 🪜
An interactive activity.
Match the biome 🔗
- Tropical rainforest
- Hot desert
- Tundra
- Coniferous forest (taiga)
- Hot and wet all year, with dense trees
- Hot days, very little rain, sparse plants
- Very cold, frozen ground, low shrubs and moss
- Cold winters with evergreen conifers
Name the biome 🎯
A biome is hot and wet all year round and lies on the equator. Which biome is it?
- Tropical rainforest
- Hot desert
- Tundra
- Temperate grassland
What decides where a biome is ⚖️
Two sets of factors control where a biome forms.
What affects distribution? ✅
Select the TWO factors that most affect where biomes are found across the world.
- Latitude, the distance from the equator
- Altitude, the height above sea level
- The main language spoken there
- The design of the national flag
The biosphere as a resource 💡
The **biosphere** gives people vital resources: **food** (crops and fish), **medicine** (many drugs come from plants), **building materials** and **fuel** such as timber, and **fresh water**. It also helps regulate the atmosphere and climate. These resources are increasingly **exploited commercially**, through large-scale farming, mining, logging and water extraction, which can damage ecosystems.
The big picture in words 🧱
A _____ is a large-scale global ecosystem. Where each one forms is controlled mainly by _____, because it sets the temperature and rainfall. On the equator it is hot and wet, giving tropical _____, while near the poles it is very cold, giving _____. Humans use the biosphere as a _____, for food, medicine, timber and water.
Spot the UK ecosystems 🖍️
An interactive activity.
Where in the world? 🧭
An interactive activity.
Explain the distribution ✍️
An interactive activity.