In the climograph below, biomes are plotted by their range of annual mean temperature and annual mean precipitation. Identify the following biomes: arctic tundra, coniferous forest, desert, grassland, temperate forest, and tropical forest. Explain why there are areas in which biomes overlap on this graph.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
On a climograph that plots biomes by annual mean temperature (x-axis) and annual mean precipitation (y-axis), the approximate positions of the biomes are:
- Arctic Tundra: Low temperature (around -10°C to 0°C) and low precipitation (less than 50 cm annually)
- Coniferous Forest (Taiga): Cool temperatures (0°C to 5°C) with moderate precipitation (around 30 to 85 cm annually)
- Desert: Wide temperature range (from around 10°C to over 30°C) with very low precipitation (less than 25 cm annually)
- Grassland: Moderate temperature (5°C to 20°C) with moderate precipitation (25 to 90 cm annually)
- Temperate Forest: Moderate to warm temperature (5°C to 20°C) with higher precipitation (75 to 150 cm annually)
- Tropical Forest: High temperatures (above 20°C) with very high precipitation (over 200 cm annually)
Explanation
Biomes are regions of the world classified based on their climate, vegetation, and wildlife. The climograph visually represents how temperature and precipitation influence the distribution of major biomes. Temperature increases along the x-axis while precipitation increases along the y-axis.
The Arctic Tundra is located at the bottom left of the graph, reflecting its cold temperatures and low rainfall. The Coniferous Forest, or Taiga, lies just above the tundra with slightly warmer temperatures and more precipitation, making it the largest forest biome on Earth.
Deserts appear on the graph across a broad temperature range but consistently with very low rainfall, highlighting that deserts can be both hot (like the Sahara) and cold (like the Gobi Desert). Grasslands fall in the mid-range of temperature and precipitation, supporting grasses rather than dense forests due to moderate rainfall.
Temperate Forests occur where there is sufficient rainfall and moderate temperatures, promoting the growth of broadleaf and mixed forests. Finally, Tropical Forests, located in the top right corner, thrive under warm temperatures and abundant rainfall, making them rich in biodiversity.
Biomes overlap on the graph because real-world environments vary due to factors like soil type, altitude, latitude, and seasonal changes. Two regions may have similar temperature and precipitation averages but different seasonal patterns or geographical features that result in distinct ecosystems. This overlap shows nature’s complexity and the gradual transitions between biomes.
