Biomes:%20Definition%20and%20Brazilian%20Examples

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BiomesDefinition and Brazilian Examples

• Dr. James A. Danoff-Burg
• Columbia University

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A Definition

• A biogeographical region or formation a major
  regional ecological community characterized by
  the distinctive life forms and principal plant
  (or animal in marine biomes) life forms.
• Lincoln et al. 1982. A dictionary of ecology,
  evolution and systematics.

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Examples

• Tundra
• Northern Coniferous Forest
• Temperate Deciduous and Rain Forest
• Chaparral
• Desert
• Tropical Rain Forest
• Tropical Deciduous Forest
• Tropical Scrub Forest
• Tropical Grassland and Savannah
• Mountains

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Where Biomes Fit in the Ecological Hierarchy

• Next to highest level of the hierarchy
• Hierarchy
• Biosphere
• Biomes
• Ecosystem
• Community
• Population
• Individual (Natural Selection acts here)

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Factors That Produce Biomes

• Latitude
• Altitude
• Moisture Levels
• Temperature (average, maximum, minimum)
• Prevailing Wind Direction and Strength (on a
  global level)
• Day Length

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Types of Brazilian Biomes

• Amazon (Tropical Rainforest)
• Caatinga (Tropical Scrub Forest)
• Cerrado (Tropical Grassland and Savannah)
• Mata Atlantica (Tropical Deciduous Forest)
• Pantanal (Temperate Flooded Grassland)
• Pampas (Grassland)

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Your Assignment

• Choose a Brazilian (or S.American) Biome for your
  group (2-3 people)
• Characterize major vegetation and/or animal
  types, where found, major importance from human
  perspective, other notable relevant facts
• Create Walter Climate Diagrams for one size in BZ
  of your biome and one for each of two other BZ
  biomes
• Compare rainfall and temperature between the
  three biomes
• How similar? How dissimilar? How related?

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