ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

:THEORY INTO PRACTICE

BIOME-01
Assignment

Submitted by
Submitted to Adei Chaudhary
MR. Ajay Kumar
Roll no. 222804
Department of zoology
BA. Political science hons
Q1. What is biome?
A biome is a geographically extensive type of ecosystem. A particular biome occurs
wherever environmental conditions are suitable for its development, anywhere in the
world. Biomes are characterized by the life forms of their dominant organisms, but
not necessarily by their species. On land, biomes are generally identified by their
mature or older-growth vegetation. In contrast, aquatic biomes are usually
distinguished by their dominant animals.

Biogeographers have divided the earth into large, climatically distinct areas with
similar flora and fauna. These areas are known as biomes. The tropical evergreen
forests of Congo Basin, Africa, have tall, lush green trees, colorful birds, and
butterflies. Thousands of kilometers away, evergreen forests in South America
look the same. Upon close observation, the plant and animal species might differ
from the Congo Basin. However, the essential characteristics of plant and animal
life remain the same. These areas fall under the same biome. Therefore, a biome
may be defined as a large area where the biota has minimum common
characteristics and have uniform environmental conditions.

Q2. Describe taiga biome?

The taiga biome, also known as the boreal forest or snow forest, is one of the
largest terrestrial biomes on Earth. It spans the subarctic regions of the Northern
Hemisphere, primarily in Canada, Alaska, Russia, and Scandinavia. The taiga biome
provides numerous ecological services and resources. It serves as a significant
carbon sink, helping mitigate climate change by storing large amounts of carbon
dioxide. The forest also helps regulate global climate patterns and provides habitat
for a wide range of species. Additionally, the taiga is a valuable source of timber,
fuelwood, and non-timber forest products for local communities and industries.

The characteristics of Taiga biome are-

 • The dominant vegetation in the taiga biome consists of coniferous trees
such as spruces, firs, pines, and larches. These trees are well adapted to the
harsh climate and have needle-like leaves that reduce water loss. The trees
are also known for their conical shape, which helps shed snow during winter.
The dense canopy of the taiga forests restricts sunlight penetration, resulting
in limited undergrowth

• It is home to a diverse array of wildlife species adapted to the cold climate.

Mammals such as moose, reindeer, caribou, wolves, lynx, and bears can be
found in the taiga. Many bird species migrate to the taiga during the summer
months to breed, including various species of warblers, thrushes, and
woodpeckers. The taiga is also known for its abundant insect life, including
mosquitoes, blackflies, and midges.

• It is also known for its extensive wetland areas, including bogs and marshes.
These wetlands form because of poor drainage in the taiga's soil, which is
mainly composed of permafrost, a layer of permanently frozen ground. These
wetland areas provide crucial habitat for a wide range of plant and animal
species, including various types of mosses and lichens.

• The taiga biome experiences long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
The winters can be extremely cold, with temperatures dropping below
freezing for several months. The average annual precipitation is moderate,
ranging from 30 to 85 centimeters (12 to 33 inches), mostly in the form of
snow during winter.

Q3. Describe tundra biome.

The tundra is the coldest of the biomes. It also receives low amounts of
precipitation, making the tundra like a desert. Tundra is found in the regions just
below the ice caps of the Arctic, extending across North America, to Europe, and
Siberia in Asia

Characteristics
• The tundra experiences long, frigid winters with temperatures dropping as low as
-40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are short and cool, with
 temperatures ranging from 3 to 12 degrees Celsius (37 to 54 degrees
Fahrenheit). The average annual precipitation is low, mostly in the form of snow.
• The tundra is known for its permafrost, which is a layer of permanently frozen
soil that lies beneath the surface. The permafrost prevents water from draining
and restricts plant root growth.

• Due to the harsh climate, the tundra has limited vegetation. The dominant plants
are low-growing mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs such as willows and heaths.
These plants are adapted to withstand the cold temperatures and strong winds.

• Although the tundra may seem barren, it is home to a surprising variety of

wildlife. Animals like caribou, reindeer, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, wolves, and
polar bears have adapted to survive in this extreme environment. Migratory birds
also visit the tundra during the summer to breed and raise their young.

• Tundra plants and animals have unique adaptations to survive in this challenging
environment. For example, many plants have shallow root systems to access the
limited nutrients in the thin soil layer. Animals have thick fur or feathers to
insulate themselves and reduce heat loss

• The tundra experiences long days during the summer months, with continuous
daylight for weeks or even months. This allows plants to undergo rapid growth
and animal activity to increase. In contrast, the winter brings long periods of
darkness.

Q4. Describe boreal biome?

The term “boreal forest” tends to refer to the southern part of the biome. The term
“taiga” tends to refer to the northern part of the biome

The boreal biome, also known as the taiga, is a vast forested region that encircles
the Earth just below the Arctic Circle. It stretches across North America, Europe,
and Asia, covering a significant portion of Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, and Siberia.
The boreal biome is characterized by its cold climate, dense coniferous forests,
and diverse wildlife.
One of the key features of the boreal biome is its cold weather. Winters are long
and bitterly cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing for months at a
time. Summers, on the other hand, are short and cool, providing a brief period of
warmth for the region. The temperature range between seasons can be extreme,
creating a challenging environment for both plants and animals.

Characteristics
• The dominant vegetation in the boreal biome consists of coniferous trees,
such as spruces, firs, and pines. These trees have adapted to survive the
harsh conditions by retaining their needle-like leaves throughout the year,
which helps to conserve moisture and withstand the cold. The forests are
often dense and can extend for miles, creating a vast expanse of green.

• The boreal biome is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. Many species
have adapted to the cold climate and rely on the forests for shelter and food.
Iconic animals like moose, reindeer, wolves, bears, and lynx can be found in
this region. The forests provide ample cover for these animals, allowing them
to navigate through the dense vegetation and find prey or avoid predators.

• In addition to the larger mammals, the boreal biome is also a haven for
numerous bird species. Birds like owls, woodpeckers, and various songbirds
can be found in the boreal forests, taking advantage of the abundant trees for
nesting and feeding. During the summer, migratory birds from other regions
also visit the boreal biome to breed, adding to the overall biodiversity of the
area.

• The boreal biome plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. The vast
forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere and storing it in trees and soil. This makes the boreal biome
an essential component in mitigating climate change by reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.

• The boreal forests are also home to indigenous communities who have lived
in harmony with the land for generations. These communities rely on the
forests for their livelihood, gathering food, materials, and medicinal plants
from the rich biodiversity of the region.

Q5. Describe tropical rainforest.

Tropical rainforests are rich and diverse ecosystems found in regions near the
Earth's equator. They are often referred to as rainforests due to their high levels of
rainfall throughout the year. These forests are incredibly important for the health
of our planet and support a wide array of plant and animal species.

Characteristics of tropical forests:

• Tropical forests are known for their incredible biodiversity. They are home
to more than half of the world's plant and animal species. The abundance of
different species is due to the warm climate, abundant rainfall, and stable
conditions found in these regions.
• Tropical forests are characterized by their dense vegetation, with layers of
tall trees forming a canopy that blocks out much of the sunlight. This creates
a unique microclimate beneath the canopy, where smaller plants and animals
thrive.

• The canopy layer is made up of the tallest trees, reaching heights of up to

100 feet or more. These trees have large, broad leaves that capture sunlight,
and they provide a habitat for various birds, monkeys, and other arboreal
creatures.

• Beneath the canopy, there is the understory layer, which consists of smaller
trees, shrubs, and plants adapted to lower light conditions. This layer is home
to many unique plant species, as well as smaller animals such as reptiles,
amphibians, and insects.

• The forest floor is the lowest layer of the tropical forest, and it is often dark
and damp due to the limited sunlight reaching the ground. Here,
decomposing leaf litter provides nutrients for a rich variety of fungi, bacteria,
and small invertebrates.

• Tropical forests are famous for their epiphytes, which are plants that grow
on other plants without harming them. Epiphytes, such as orchids and
bromeliads, attach themselves to trees and obtain nutrients from the air and
rain, creating additional habitats for insects and small animals.
Q6 Describe Kalahari Forest.

The Kalahari Desert is a vast and arid region located in Southern Africa. Covering
parts of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, it is one of the world's largest sand-
filled basins, spanning an area of approximately 900,000 square kilometers. The
desert is known for its unique ecosystem and distinctive characteristics that make
it a fascinating and captivating place.

Characteristics

• One of the most striking features of the Kalahari Desert is its red sand dunes,
which stretch across the landscape for miles. These dunes create a
mesmerizing scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset when they glow
with vibrant colors. The sand in the Kalahari is made up of fine particles,
allowing it to shift and change shape with the wind, creating ever-changing
patterns on the surface.

• Although often referred to as a desert, the Kalahari receives more rainfall

than a typical desert. However, the precipitation is highly irregular and
sporadic, resulting in a dry and arid environment. The average annual rainfall
ranges from 100 to 250 millimeters, mostly occurring during the summer
months. The rainfall sustains a variety of plant and animal life, adapting to
survive in this challenging environment.

• Vegetation in the Kalahari Desert consists mainly of grasses, shrubs, and

acacia trees. These plants have evolved to withstand the aridity and have
developed mechanisms to conserve water. Some species have deep root
systems that tap into underground water sources, while others have adapted
to store water in their stems or leaves. These adaptations allow the
vegetation to thrive even during extended periods of drought.

• The Kalahari Desert is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including

mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is renowned for its population of large
mammals such as antelopes, zebras, giraffes, and elephants. Predators like
lions, cheetahs, and hyenas roam the desert in search of prey. The desert is
also inhabited by smaller mammals like meerkats, mongooses, and bat-eared
foxes, which have adapted to the desert's harsh conditions.
 • One of the most fascinating creatures found in the Kalahari is the meerkat.
These small, highly social mammals live in underground burrows and have a
complex social structure. Meerkats are known for their standing posture and
constant lookout for predators, making them an iconic symbol of the desert.

Q7. Describe Gobi Desert

The Gobi Desert is an expansive and unique desert located in East Asia, covering
parts of northern China and southern Mongolia. It is the largest desert in Asia and
the fifth-largest desert in the world. characterized by its harsh and arid
environment.

• One of the notable characteristics of the Gobi Desert is its extreme

temperatures. It experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with
scorching hot summers and bitterly cold winters. These temperature
extremes make the Gobi Desert a challenging place for both plants and
animals to survive.
• The landscape of the Gobi Desert is diverse, ranging from vast sand dunes to
Rocky Mountains and gravel plains. The desert's terrain is also marked by
canyons, valleys, and salt pans, creating a varied and picturesque scenery.

• Water is scarce in the Gobi Desert, and it is considered a true desert due to
its low annual rainfall. The average annual precipitation in the region is less
than 200 millimeters (8 inches), which mainly occurs during the summer
months. However, there are sporadic rainstorms and occasional snowfall in
winter. Despite the scarcity of water, some plant species have adapted to
survive in this arid environment, such as drought-resistant shrubs, grasses,
and succulents.

• The Gobi Desert is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including several

unique and endangered species. One of the most iconic inhabitants of the
Gobi Desert is the Bactrian camel, known for its ability to withstand the
extreme temperatures and navigate the desert's sandy terrain. Other notable
species include the elusive snow leopard, wild Bactrian deer, Gobi bear, and
various reptiles, such as the Gobi racerunner and Gobi agama.
 • The Gobi Desert has played a significant role in the cultural heritage of the
people living in the surrounding areas. It has been inhabited by nomadic
communities, such as the Mongolians and Kazakhs, who have developed
unique ways of life to adapt to the desert's challenges. Traditional practices
such as camel herding, hunting, and gathering continue to be a part of their
livelihoods, showcasing their deep connection to the desert ecosystem.

Q8 Describe scrub biome.

The scrub biome, also known as shrubland or chaparral, is a unique and diverse
ecosystem found in various regions around the world. It is characterized by a mix
of shrubs, small trees, and grasses, with a distinct set of features that make it
fascinating
.
The scrub biome is typically found in areas with a Mediterranean climate, which
means hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Some well-known examples of
scrub biomes can be found in California (USA), the Mediterranean region, South
Africa, and parts of Australia.

• One of the defining characteristics of the scrub biome is the dominance of

shrubs. These shrubs are usually low-growing, with tough, leathery leaves
and small, clustered flowers. They have adapted to survive in the dry
conditions by having small leaves that reduce water loss through
evaporation. Some common shrubs found in scrub biomes include
manzanita, sagebrush, and chamise.

• Another characteristic of the scrub biome is its rich biodiversity. Despite the
harsh environmental conditions, many different species of plants and animals
call the scrub biome their home. The diverse plant life provides habitats and
food sources for a variety of wildlife, including reptiles, birds, small
mammals, and insects. Some notable animals found in scrub biomes include
jackrabbits, coyotes, lizards, and birds like quail and roadrunners.

• Fire is a natural and essential component of the scrub biome. The vegetation
in this biome has adapted to withstand periodic wildfires. Some shrubs even
rely on fire to germinate their seeds. These fires help clear out dead plant
 material, stimulate seed germination, and create open spaces for new
growth. However, human-induced fires can be detrimental to the scrub
biome, as they can cause more extensive damage and destroy the delicate
balance of the ecosystem.

• The soil in the scrub biome is generally shallow, rocky, and nutrient-poor. It
is often referred to as "serpentine soil" because it contains high levels of
heavy metals like nickel and chromium. Despite these challenging soil
conditions, many plant species have adapted to thrive in this environment.
These plants have developed specialized root systems to access water and
nutrients efficiently.

• Scrub biomes provide several ecosystem services. They help prevent soil
erosion by stabilizing the soil with their dense root systems. They also play a
crucial role in water regulation by absorbing rainfall and preventing runoff,
which helps recharge groundwater and maintain local water supplies.
Additionally, scrublands are important carbon sinks, storing carbon dioxide
and contributing to climate regulation.