a large-scale ecosystem with specific climate, plants and animals

the average weather conditions in a region over a long period of time

living components of the environment, such as plants, animals and microorganisms

non-living components, such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, soil quality and sunlight

Biotic and abiotic characteristics of the taiga biome

Geography

Characteristics of tropical rainforests

Plant and animal adaptations in tropical rainforests

Nutrient cycling and biodiversity in tropical rainforests

Deforestation in the tropical rainforest

Deforestation in Indonesia’s tropical rainforest

Value of tropical rainforests to people and the environment

Sustainable rainforest management

Threats associated with climate change in the rainforest

Plant and animal adaptations in the taiga biome

Nutrient cycling and biodiversity in the taiga biome

Threats to the taiga from commercial development

Causes of biodiversity loss in the taiga biome

Creating and protecting wilderness areas in the taiga biome

Conflicting views on protecting/exploiting resources in the taiga biome

Using GIS to visualise and analyse deforestation

This unit teaches pupils about tropical rainforest and taiga biomes. Pupils learn about its biotic and abiotic characteristics, the adaptations of plants and animals and the threats facing its biodiversity. The unit considers opposing views on protecting and exploiting resources.

Tropical rainforest and taiga biomes

the variety of species found in a habitat

a feature or behaviour that helps an animal or plant survive

the natural place where a plant or animal lives and grows

Adaptations occur as a result of evolution.

Within a species, individuals always differ slightly due to genetic mutations.

Sometimes these differences give individuals a better chance of survival.

If so, those individuals are more likely to reproduce and pass their advantage.

Over generations, the advantages spread through the whole species

and continue to be refined into adaptations.

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?

Plants grow larger due to extended darkness

Plants grow slower and have a short growing season

How do the long nights in the taiga affect plant growth?

Large, distinct region, characterised by climate, vegetation, wildlife

Community of living organisms interacting with each other

The {{}} of a region refers to the long-term weather patterns and average weather conditions in that area.

Where is the taiga biome primarily located?

Which type of trees predominantly make up the taiga forest?

Which of the following is a threat to the taiga biome?

Living components of the environment, such as plants, animals and microorganisms

Non-living components, such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, soil quality

A large-scale ecosystem with specific climate, plants and animals

Biotic and abiotic characteristics of the taiga biome

Lesson outcome