This research guide includes lots of useful information that will help you complete this project. Let Ms. Forfa know if you come across any broken links, or if you have questions or comments.
Interactive biome map. Click on the image to view larger.
Helpful Definitions
Abioticmeans non-living. In relation to a biome, abiotic characteristics include climate, precipitation, wind, soil composition, location, growing season, and elevation. These factors impact living things within an ecosystem.
Bioticmeans living. Plants and animals are examples of biotic characteristics.
The water cycleis a set of processes by which water continuously circulates within Earth's atmosphere and the surface. The water cycle differs in each biome.
The carbon cycle, much like the water cycle, is the process by which carbon is circulated throughout nature in various ways. Again, this process looks different in each biome.
Biosphereis the collective term for all the ecosystems on Earth. It is the global ecological system that includes all living things.
This is Biosphere 2, a scientific research facility located in Oracle, Arizona. This manmade structure contains 5 separate biome environments. Learn more here. Fun fact: the 1996 comedy movie Bio-Dome is based on this facility!
Interactive biome map. Click on the image to view larger.