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The distribution and characteristics of global biomes
I can describe the distribution and characteristics of global biomes.
Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
- Year 10
- AQA
The distribution and characteristics of global biomes
I can describe the distribution and characteristics of global biomes.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Ecosystems at the global scale are called biomes.
- The pattern of biomes is broadly latitudinal, with tropical rainforests near the Equator and tundra near the poles.
- Each biome has distinct characteristics as a result of its specific climate.
Keywords
Biome - a large-scale global ecosystem, for example, a tropical rainforest
Distribution - the spread (which may have a regular pattern) of, for example, a type of vegetation
Climate - the average weather conditions (such as rainfall and temperature) recorded over a 30-year period
Latitude - distance from the Equator north or south. Lines of latitude run east-west on a map, e.g., the Tropic of Cancer
Common misconception
Areas within the same biome are physically connected.
A biome may occur on different continents at the same or similar latitude, such as the tropical rainforest biome.
Learners can practise their atlas map skills by locating the places named using the coordinates supplied in the slide deck.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Things that are added to a system are known as ...
Things that are added to a system are known as ...
losses.
outputs.
throughputs.
Q2.Food webs help us understand the within a small-scale ecosystem.
Food webs help us understand the within a small-scale ecosystem.
Q3.Which of these is a way in which agriculture can harm small-scale ecosystems?
Which of these is a way in which agriculture can harm small-scale ecosystems?
rapid changes in weather patterns due to climate change
droughts of increasing frequency and severity
storms which can cause trees to be blown over
a reduced mesh size in nets, leading to young fish being caught
Q4.Which of these terms means the variety of plants and animals found within a specific area?
Which of these terms means the variety of plants and animals found within a specific area?
biotic factors
conservation
habitat
management
Q5.College Lake today is a nature reserve, but it was first a farm and then a quarry. Using this knowledge, work out the order in which College Lake has changed over time.
College Lake today is a nature reserve, but it was first a farm and then a quarry. Using this knowledge, work out the order in which College Lake has changed over time.
Q6.College Lake is located in the south east of England. Using your knowledge of UK geography, which of these organisations is most likely to manage College Lake?
College Lake is located in the south east of England. Using your knowledge of UK geography, which of these organisations is most likely to manage College Lake?
The Hebridean Sheep Society, Isle of Skye
The Countryside Council for Wales
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Global are large-scale ecosystems defined by their main vegetation type.
Global are large-scale ecosystems defined by their main vegetation type.
Q2.Climate is the average conditions (such as rainfall and temperature) recorded over a 30-year period.
Climate is the average conditions (such as rainfall and temperature) recorded over a 30-year period.
Q3.Which of these biomes is most likely to border the polar biome in the Northern Hemisphere?
Which of these biomes is most likely to border the polar biome in the Northern Hemisphere?
desert
Mediterranean
temperate deciduous forest
temperate grassland
Q4.Name this biome from its description: near perfect, humid growing conditions result in dense, evergreen forest.
Name this biome from its description: near perfect, humid growing conditions result in dense, evergreen forest.
temperate deciduous forest
coniferous forest
Mediterranean
tropical grassland
Q5.In which biome are trees adapted to cold, dry winters by having needles instead of leaves?
In which biome are trees adapted to cold, dry winters by having needles instead of leaves?
temperate deciduous forest
tundra
polar
Mediterranean
Q6.Match each type of biome to the correct climate characteristics.
Match each type of biome to the correct climate characteristics.
