Biome Map- AP Environmental Science by https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw en-us 2022-08-30 23:41:13 UTC 2025-12-22 12:29:36 UTC hello@padlet.com Congo Rainforest, Kinkenge, Democratic Republic of the Congo ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2276918867 Biotic:
Mahogany trees
Considered some of the most beautiful trees in the world, mahogany trees are highly sought after for their prized, expensive wood. They are among the main species of trees that form the rainforest's canopy and are home to a multitude of species.

Wild Boars
Common in the rainforest, wild boars frequently roam about looking for anything they can eat. Being omnivores, their diet consists primarily of small animals, nuts, and berries. Additionally, they provide food for larger predators in the Congo such as leopards.

Abiotic:
Temperature/Climate
The average temperature in the Congo Rainforest is in the mid-70s. Being close to the equator, its climate is rather humid and warm. These conditions allow for plant and animal life of all kinds to thrive.


]]> 2022-08-30 23:45:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2276918867 Xin Jiang, China ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2276922871 Biotic:
Siberian tiger
The Siberian tiger can weigh up to 660 pounds with a length spanning 10 feet, clearly making them the apex predator in this area. Their diet consists of many animals, its favorites being elks, deer, boars, and even bears. They have a thick layer of fat which helps protect them from the cold, and are considered the strongest species in the cat family. They are now considered endangered as a result of habitat loss and poaching.

Dahurian larch
Being one of the many species that occupy the Chinese taiga, the Dahurian larch, also known as Larix gmelinii, provides a home for many species of native birds, most notably various species of tits and warblers. Additionally, its many low hanging branches and leaves provide food for grazers like moose and deer.

Abiotic:
Tarim River
Spanning 820.8 miles, the Tarim covers a significant portion of China and goes through the taiga, and even reaches desert in some areas. Due to the various ecosystems it passes through, it teems with thousands of different species of life, many of which provide livelihoods for fishermen living around it.]]> 2022-08-30 23:51:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2276922871 Great Barrier Reef, Australia ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285419668 Biotic:
Staghorn Coral
This coral is the most abundant in the reef and provides shelter for the over 1500 species of fish that call it home. Along with being the most abundant, they are also considered the most important. Over time, they develop limestone cases which help expand the reef. Additionally, their presence helps prevent the erosion of shorelines.

Banded Sea Krait
The Banded Sea Krait is one of the most venomous species of sea snake in the world, with its bite containing ten times more venom than a rattlesnake. They primarily prey on eels and small fish which they neutralize with their venom before eating. Though extremely dangerous, it is rare for them to bite humans, and when they do it normally is out of fear. Data from 1975 indicated that there were 9 known deaths from sea snakes at the time. Eight of these were caused by the beaked sea snake, a closely related species.

Abiotic
Temperature
The water temperature typically ranges from 24 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. This is considered very warm, and so the reef can sustain sea life year-round. Recently, it has faced extreme bleaching as a result of global warming, killing off over 30% of the reef's coral.]]> 2022-09-06 22:50:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285419668 African Savanna, South Africa ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285422076 Biotic:
Acacia Trees
Acacia trees (pictured above) are the most common and well-known trees from the African savanna. Though rather sparse, they still provide food sources for giraffes and elephants, which in turn provide food for predators such as hyenas and lions. In many areas, they are the only source of shade from the sun for miles.

African Lion
The African lion is one of the most iconic and well-known animals in the world and is undoubtedly the apex predator of the savanna. They often hunt in prides and take down antelopes, zebras, buffalos, and other large herbivores. They have no natural predators, but often fight among themselves or can obtain fatal wounds from other dangerous animals like hippos and elephants.

Abiotic:
Temperature
The African Savanna typically stays at a temperature between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. In spite of the temperature, the biome lacks diversity compared to rainforests because it rarely receives rainfall. As a result, there is very little plant life and most of what constitutes the savanna can be labeled as grasslands.]]> 2022-09-06 22:54:53 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285422076 Columbia River ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285439192 Biotic:
Salmon
The Colombia River is home to massive salmon runs in which millions of fish will travel upstream to find a mate and breed. This occurs with Chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon.

Abiotic:
Temperature
In different parts, the temperature can vary from 17 to 22 degrees Celcius. The warmer areas provide perfect habitats for salmon spawn and are also often guarded by bears looking for easy meals.

Depth
One of the reasons why so many fish are able to swim upstream is the depth of the river. In some places, it has been found to extend to a thousand feet down allowing for tons of sea life to thrive. It is a freshwater river, but its salinity in parts that touch the ocean has gone up as sea levels have risen.]]> 2022-09-06 23:20:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285439192 Gobi Desert ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285439449 Biotic:
Jerboa
An extremely unique-looking creature, jerboas are hopping rodents that populate the desert. Their appearance is of a mouse with only 2 elongated hind legs, but in spite of their meager looks they can reach up to 24 miles per hour while hopping.

Gobi Viper
Endemic to the Gobi desert, these vipers have a venomous bite that does not currently have an antidote. They are normally found eating rodents, birds, and whatever reptiles that they can manage to bite.

Abiotic:
Climate
Being far from the equator, almost no rainwater reaches it making it extremely arid and dry. The scalding sands also rise in temperature during the day time as a result of a lack of trees or shade of any kind in most areas.]]> 2022-09-06 23:21:21 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285439449 Rockies ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285727278 Biotic:
Gray Wolf (KEYSTONE SPECIES)
One of the many species that live in this area is the gray wolf. They are considered a keystone species because they help keep the ecosystem in balance. Without them, herbivores such as elks and deer would overgraze causing plant life to be wiped out. Additionally, rivers would become cloudy from ledges being broken loose by their hooves since they can drink water without fear of being preyed upon.

White-tailed Deer
Another iconic animal, the white-tailed deer populates the Rockies and feeds upon shrubs and low-hanging branches and nuts from trees. They commonly appear in American pop culture, the most prominent of which is the movie Bambi.

Abiotic:
Temperature
The temperature in the Rockies tends to be rather cool and even in the summer peaks at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, however, its temperature can reach as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit meaning that the organisms living there are adjusted to the frosty climate.

Anthropogenic Concerns:
Though relatively untouched, there are a few anthropogenic factors that have affected it. Vehicles cause airborne pollutants, and the use of fertilizer nearby causes unbalance in nitrogen levels in lakes that it travels to through runoff. While not yet enormous problems, the Rockies are becoming closer to suffering further damage.

Interesting facts:
The Rockies house many Native American reserves, who continue to live off the land.
The mountains are between 80 million and 55 million years old.
They contain 9 national parks: Badlands National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Yellowstone National Park.

]]> 2022-09-07 03:22:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285727278 Kalaallit Nunaat, Greenland ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285735105 Biotic:
Beluga whale
The Beluga whale is native to frigid waters and has a distinct appearance. They are pure white and sociable creatures that, more often than not, travel in pods. They typically eat shellfish, squid, and fish like salmon.

Abiotic:
Climate
Due to the extremely harsh conditions and freezing temperatures, very few plants or animals can be found in these areas. Barren plains of ice and rock are commonly found since as ice melts, it oftentimes strips dirt from the rocks.

Glaciers
There are also a large number of glaciers in this area which are popular tourist attractions. Unfortunately, as global warming steadily increases global temperatures, these glaciers have begun to melt, raising sea levels and affecting nearby water salinity levels.]]> 2022-09-07 03:30:19 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285735105 Santa Monica Mountains, California ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285739184 Biotic:
Cactus
Though species richness is relatively low, there are some that possess interesting qualities. Prickly pears, a type of cactus, inhabit the area and are named for the bright red fruits they grow. Being cactuses, they do not need much water and can survive under the harsh sun.

Mountain lions
Though uncommon, they are not extremely rare and can even be seen near human civilization if one is luck, or unlucky, enough to spot them. Their brown-grey coats provide perfect camouflage with dead plants. They are carnivores and surprisingly mostly eat smaller mammals.

Abiotic:
Elevation
Due to its high elevation, and the surrounding mountains, this area is dry and mainly consists of small shrubs. Very little rain water touches it reducing plant biomass compared to other areas.]]> 2022-09-07 03:33:35 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285739184 Great Smoky Mountains National Park ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285740509 Biotic Factors:
Raccoons
Though many associate raccoons with living off of humans, many more live in the wild. They are omnivores and eat nuts, berries, frogs, and other small organisms to survive. In spite of this, they are not picky eaters and will eat just about anything they can find.

Black Bears
Found all across North America, black bears populate the mountains as well. Because of how spread out they are, their diets vary greatly with some primarily eating fish while others rely on berries or digging through garbage.

Abiotic Factors:
Elevation
Despite being on a mountain, they are lower than others and so still receive consistent rainfall. This is why the park is home to a multitude of species of deciduous trees and organisms.]]> 2022-09-07 03:35:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285740509 Japanese Alps, Shokawacho Terakawado, Takayama, Gifu, Japan ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285753328 Biotic factors:
Japanese Serow
This is an extremely unique species that is a mix between a goat and an antelope. They are now the national symbol of Japan. Because of their status, they are protected by national law.

Lesser Cuckoo
These cuckoo birds are particularly special because oftentimes their songs are mistaken for human voices.

Abiotic factors:
Climate
Though it contains many Coniferous trees, the temperature in the area can fluctuate quite frequently. The weather patterns can as well resulting in many different looks during different times of the year.
]]> 2022-09-07 03:48:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285753328 Pampas, Peru ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285762011 Biotic:
Geoffrey's Cat
Pampas is home to a wild species of cat known as Geoggrey's cat. They are native to South America and extremely common, but are wilder than domestic cats and tend not to be so friendly towards humans.

Brazilian Guinea Pig
Another animal is commonly seen as a pet, many guinea pigs are wild in South America. Unlike the US, they are considered food in many areas and are eaten as Americans might eat chickens or cows.

Abiotic:
Temperature
The temperatures in this area can vary greatly, reaching as low as 37 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, the climate is humid and warm.]]> 2022-09-07 03:57:19 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285762011 Rockies ekim2313 https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285867136 2022-09-07 05:44:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ekim2313/2dflfm2zlc27zslw/wish/2285867136