EXERCISE NO.

9
BIOMES
Objectives:
1. To study the relationship between the amount of rainfall and the variance of temperature
and the effect on the distribution 0f biomes globally.
2. To provide practice in associating climate ( expressed in monthly averages of
precipitation and temperature) with biomes.
Procedure:
1. Below, are nine example climatograms, grids on which averages of precipitation and
temperature at a particular location are graphed. These climatograms show variations in
only two important climatic factors during a year. Although, other factors may greatly
affect climate, a climatogram provides enough information to identify a biome from
which the data were obtained.
2. After making graph no.10, you will use these 10 identified biomes to identify the
unknown biomes. In order to accomplish this, you will have to complete all
climatograms of the unknowns.
Data: Climatograms

Unknowns:
All 9 biomes should be graphed and copied into a Word Document set up on Landscape. If you prefer to
use the graphing paper, then do so. Be sure to paste them in alphabetical order. After determining the type
of biome you name the biome on your graph.

Example: Make a graph of the following to see that it is a Tropical rain forest.
Tropical Rain Forest: Manokwari, New Guinea
J
F M A M J
J
A S
O

P: 27.8 27 31.5 28.5 19.7 21.4 15.8 13.7 12.4 11

16.8 27

T: 31

31 31

UNKNOWN A
J F M A

31.9 31.9 31.7 31.7 31.7 31.7 31.8 31.8 31.6

N D

P: 8.1 7.6 8.9 8.4 9.2 9.9 11.2 10.2 7.9 7.9 6.4 7.9
T: 1.1 1.7 6.1 12.2 17.8 22.2 25

23.3 20 13.9 7.8 2.2

UNKNOWN B
J
F
M

P: 25.8 24.9 31

16.5 25.4 18.8 16.8 11.7 22.1 18.3 21.3 29.2

T: 25.6 25.6 24.4 25

24.4 23.3 23.3 24.4 24.4 25

UNKNOWN C
J
F M A
P: 1

1.3 1

M J

0.3 0 0

25.6 25.6

0.3 1.3 0.5 0.5 0.8 1

T: 12.8 15 18.3 21.1 25 29.4 32.8 32.2 28.9 22.2 16.1 13.3
UNKNOWN D
J
F
M

P: 1

1.5

1.5

1.3 2.3 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 1.3

1.3

1.8

T: -22.2 -22.8 -21.1 -14.4 -0.39 1.7 5

UNKNOWN E
J
F
M

A S
5

1.1 -3.9 -10 -17.2

P: 3.6 4.1 4.6 6.9 8.1 6.9 6.4 6.6 8.9 5.1 5.6 4.6
T: 11.7 12.8 17.2 20.6 23.9 27.2 28.3 28.3 26.1 21.1 16.1 12.2
UNKNOWN F
J
F
M A

M J

O N D

P: 5.1 5.6 6.6 5.6 2.8 0.9 2.5 4.1 5.8 5.8 5.1 5.3
T: 23.3 22.2 20 19.5 19 18 18 19.5 20 21 22 22
UNKNOWN G
J
F
M

P: 0.3 0.5 1.5 3.6 8.6 9.2 9.4 11.4 10.9 5.3 0.8 0.3
T: 17.2 18.9 21.1 22.8 23.3 22.2 21.1 21.1 20.6 19.4 18.9 17.2
UNKNOWN H
J F
M

P: 3.3 2.3

2.5 4.6 5.6 6.1 8.4 7.4 4.6 2.8 2.8

2.8

M J

A S

O N

T: -20 -18.9 -12.2 -2.2 5.6 12.2 16.1 15 10.6 3.9 -5.6 -15
UNKNOWN I
J
F M A M

P: 1.5 1.3 1.3 1 1.5 0.8 0.3 0.5 0.8 1

T: -0.6 2.2 5

N D
0.8 1.5

10 13.3 18.3 23.3 22.2 16.1 10.6 4.4 0

Questions to answer:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

How are the Tundra and Desert similar?

How are the Tundra and Desert different?
How are the Tropical Rain and Tropical Deciduous Forests similar?
how are the Tropical Rain and Tropical Deciduous Forests different?
Lawrence, Kansas and Nashville, Tennessee occupy similar latitudes. Why is one found in a
grassland and the other in a forest biome?
6. Which biome has the most rainfall?
7. Which biome has the least rainfall?
8. Which biome has the highest average temperature?
9. Which biome has the lowest average temperature?
10. Which biome has the most consistent year round temperature?
11. Which biome has the most variable year round temperature?
12. Explain 2 patterns you observe in the different biomes.
13. Fill up the following tables:
BIOME
Tundra
Taiga
Deciduous Forest
Grasslands
Desert
Tropical Rain
Forest

BIOME
Tundra
Taiga
Deciduous Forest
Grasslands
Desert
Tropical Rain Forest

3 Indicator Animals

Indicator Plants

Plant Adaptations

2 Characteristics

Animal Adaptations