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.
Use it, the way the marks are given
Free interactive practice at using the material, which is what the marks are for.
Start revising freeWhat you'll cover
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
Put these biomes in order, starting at the EQUATOR and moving towards the POLES.
- Tropical rainforest, on the equator
- Hot desert, around 30 degrees latitude
- Temperate deciduous forest, mid-latitudes
- Coniferous forest or taiga, the cold north
- Tundra, near the poles
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
The UK has its own ecosystems. Tap the TWO that are found in the UK.
- Moorlands
- Tropical rainforest
- Wetlands
- Hot desert
- Savanna grassland
Where in the world?
Use the climate clues to work out each biome or factor.
- A place on the equator is hot and wet all year. What biome would you expect?
- A region around 30 degrees latitude is hot in the day and gets almost no rain. What biome is it?
- High up a tall mountain near the equator it is cold, despite the low latitude. Which LOCAL factor explains this?
Explain the distribution
Explain why tropical rainforests are found on the equator and hot deserts around 30 degrees latitude. Use ideas about climate. Write in clear, full sentences.
- Describe the climate on the equator (temperature and rainfall)
- Name the biome found there and link it to that climate
- Describe the climate around 30 degrees latitude
- Name the biome found there and explain the link