Biomes
Biomes are large ecosystems that have similar precipitation and temperatures
Characteristics
Biomes can be defined based upon two abiotic factors:
Annual average temperature (AAT)
Annual average precipitation (AAP)
Whittaker Graph
Below is a Whittaker Graph which plots AAT on the x-axis, and the AAP on the Y-axis
This is a simplified scatter plot of the possible ecosystems on Earth defined by AAT and AAP
Whittaker drew lines around data to indicate how each biome is defined within this eco-space.
Questions for Thought
What factor define a biome?
How would a grassland change if precipitation in an area decreased significantly over years?
What changes might you expect in a taiga after decades of increased annual temperatures?
Looking at the Whittaker Graph, what is the major factor limiting tree growth: temperature or precipitation? Explain...