Biomes of the World

Summary
An introduction to the concept of a biome with examples. Emphasis on the relationship between climate, plant life, and animal life.

Objectives
• Students will define biome.

• Students will give examples of biomes.

• Students will know the major factors that determine climate.

• Students will understand the relationship between climate, plant life, and animal life in a biome.

Suggested Grades
5th Grade
6th Grade

Excerpt
The climate of a biome determines what kinds of plants can grow there. Plants need specific adaptations to be able to grow in a certain area. Plants need a certain level of sunlight, specific temperatures, and adequate precipitation to survive. Plants living in different areas of the world can look and function quite differently. Some plants are so small, they can barely be seen. By contrast, the giant sequoia trees of California are some of the largest living plants on earth. Plants have adaptations that have allowed them to survive in the biome in which they are found. For example, desert plants are very efficient at conserving water and are able to grow in a very dry climate.

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