The distribution and characteristics of global biomes
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the distribution and characteristics of global biomes.
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.
Teacher tip
Learners can practise their atlas map skills by locating the places named using the coordinates supplied in the slide deck.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Things that are added to a system are known as ...
Q2.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?
Q4.Which of these terms means the variety of plants and animals found within a specific area?
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.
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?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.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.
Q3.Which of these biomes is most likely to border the polar biome in the Northern Hemisphere?
Q4.Name this biome from its description: near perfect, humid growing conditions result in dense, evergreen forest.
Q5.In which biome are trees adapted to cold, dry winters by having needles instead of leaves?
Q6.Match each type of biome to the correct climate characteristics.
humid equatorial climate, high annual rainfall total
wet and dry seasons, low temperature range
a lack of sunshine means very low winter temperatures
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: The distribution and characteristics of global biomes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: The distribution and characteristics of global biomes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 geography lessons from the Ecosystems, biomes and the biosphere unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.