Major biomes of the earth. Main biomes of the globe Aquatic biomes

Scientists have been trying to classify ecosystems on the planet for a long time. But due to the lack of rank and the huge number of natural ecosystems, it is not possible to classify each puddle and sand dune with its own ecosystem. Ecologists decided to classify multiple combinations of ecosystems - biomes.

Biome - what is it?

We hear a lot about different biomes, but few of us have any idea how exactly this word is characterized. IN general meaning, a biome is a large biological system with its own climate. This system is characterized by the dominant plant species or landscape. There is such a definition as a terrarium biome. This means what minerals, timber, and animals are mined on its territory. For example, biome deciduous forests- predominate deciduous trees. Or a mushroom biome - an area with a humid climate suitable for life different types mushrooms and their spores. If you move from the north to the equator, you can see all the main biomes.

How many main biomes are there?

Which biomes predominate and how many are there? Ecologists have identified nine main biomes on land. The first biome - the second - taiga. Further on is a biome of deciduous forests in temperate climatic zone, steppe biome, chaparral (Mediterranean flora), savannas, thorny (tropical) woodlands, and the ninth biome is tropical forests. Each of them is unique in climate, vegetation and wildlife. A separate, tenth point can be highlighted eternal ice- winter biome.

Tundra and taiga

Tundra is a biome with perennial plants. It occupies most of northern Eurasia and part of North America. Located between southern forests And polar ice. The further the tundra moves away from the ice, the larger the area of ​​treelessness becomes. Living conditions in the tundra are harsh, but despite this, great plants live here. The tundra is especially beautiful in the summer season. It is covered with a thick layer of greenery and becomes a haven for migrating animals and birds. The basis of the plant world is lichen and moss. Low-growing ones are rare. The main inhabitant of the tundra - There are many arctic foxes, hares and voles here. Another resident is the lemming. This small animal causes great harm to the tundra. These animals eat a huge amount of poor tundra vegetation, which is not able to recover quickly. Due to lack of food, the entire animal world of the biome suffers.

Taiga is a biome of coniferous (northern) forests. Located in the Northern Hemisphere, it occupies approximately eleven percent of the total landmass. Almost half of this territory is occupied by larch, the remaining trees are pine, spruce, and fir. There are also a few deciduous trees - birch and alder. The main animals are moose and deer (among the herbivores), there are more predators: wolves, lynxes, martens, mink, sable and wolverine. A huge number and variety of rodents - from voles to moles. Viviparous amphibians live here, this is due to short summer, during which it is not possible to warm up the masonry. Partridge is also one of the main inhabitants of the taiga.

Deciduous forests and steppes

Deciduous forests are located in comfort zone with a temperate climate. This is mainly the eastern USA, Central Europe and part East Asia. There is a sufficient amount of moisture here, the harsh Cold winter and long lasting warm summer. The main trees of this biome are broadleaf trees: ash, oak, beech, linden and maple. There are also conifers - spruce, sequoia and pine. Flora and fauna are well developed here. A variety of predators are represented wild cats, wolves, foxes. Large populations of bears and deer, badgers, rodents and birds.

Steppes. The basis of this biome is the prairies of North America and the steppes of Asia. There is not enough rainfall to grow trees, but enough to prevent deserts from forming. The grasslands of North America have a wide variety of herbaceous plants and grasses. There are low-growing (up to half a meter), mixed grass (up to one and a half meters) and tall grass (plant height reaches three meters). Altai Mountains divided the Asian steppes into eastern and western. These lands are rich in humus, are constantly sown with grains, and places with tall grass are suitable for pastures. All artiodactyl mammals have long been domesticated. And the wild inhabitants of the steppes - coyotes, jackals and hyenas - have adapted to live peacefully in the vicinity of people.

Chaparral and desert

Mediterranean vegetation occupied the area around Mediterranean Sea. It's very hot here dry summer, and winters are cool with high humidity. The main plants here are shrubs with thorns, herbs with a bright aroma, plants with thick glossy leaves. Trees cannot grow normally due to climatic conditions. Chaporol is famous for the number of snakes and lizards that live here. There are wolves, roe deer, lynxes, pumas, hares and, of course, kangaroos (in Australia). Frequent fires prevent the invasion of the desert, having a beneficial effect on the soil (return to the ground useful material), which has a good effect on the growth of grasses and bushes.

The desert stretches its possessions over one third of the entire landmass. It occupies arid areas of the earth, where precipitation falls less than two hundred and fifty millimeters per year. There are hot deserts (Sahara, Atacama, Aswan, etc.), and there are also deserts where in winter the air temperature drops to minus twenty degrees. This is the Gobi Desert. Sands, bare stones, and rocks are typical for the desert. Vegetation is sparse, seasonal, mainly spurges and cacti. The fauna consists of small creatures that can hide under rocks from the sun. Of the large species, only the camel lives here.

Tropical biomes

Savannas are huge spaces with thick grass and rare solitary trees. The soil here is quite poor, dominated by tall grass and spurge, trees - baobab and acacia. The savannas are home to large herds of artiodactyls: zebras, wildebeests and gazelles. Such a number of herbivores is not found anywhere else. The abundance of herbivores also contributed to the abundance of predators. Cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and leopards live here.

Spiny open forest is located in the Southern and South West Africa. There are rare deciduous trees and oddly shaped thorny bushes.

Tropical forests are located in South America, West Africa, Madagascar. Constant high humidity promotes the growth of dense and huge plants. These forests reach seventy-five meters in height. Rafflesia arnoldi grows here - it is the largest flower in the world. The soil in the tropics is poor, the main nutrients concentrated in existing plants. The annual deforestation of a huge amount of these tropics could provoke the largest biological disaster in just fifty years.

Geographic zoning and vertical zonality.

Structure of the biosphere. 6) Living matter on Earth, its composition, distribution and basic geochemical functions.

Living matter - the entire set of bodies of living organisms inhabiting the Earth, is physico-chemically unified, regardless of their systematic affiliation. The mass of living matter is relatively small and is estimated at 2.4...3.6 10 12 t (dry weight) and constitutes less than one millionth of the entire biosphere (approx. 3 10 18 t), which, in turn, represents less than one thousandth the mass of the Earth. But it is “one of the most powerful geochemical forces on our planet,” because living organisms do more than just inhabit earth's crust, but transform the appearance of the Earth. Living organisms inhabit the earth's surface very unevenly. Their distribution depends on geographic latitude.

A biogenic substance is a substance created and processed by a living organism. During organic evolution, living organisms passed through their organs, tissues, cells, and blood a thousand times over most of the atmosphere, the entire volume of the world's oceans, and a huge mass of minerals. This geological role living matter can be imagined from deposits of coal, oil, carbonate rocks, etc.

Inert substance - products formed without the participation of living organisms.

Bioinert substance is a substance that is created simultaneously by living organisms and inert processes, representing dynamically equilibrium systems of both. These are soil, silt, weathering crust, etc. Organisms play a leading role in them.

A substance undergoing radioactive decay.

Scattered atoms, continuously created from all kinds of earthly matter under the influence of cosmic radiation.

Substance of cosmic origin.

Geographic zoning is the main pattern of distribution of landscapes on the Earth's surface, consisting of a sequential change of natural zones, determined by the nature of the distribution of radiant energy of the Sun across latitudes and uneven moisture. Altitudinal zone, altitudinal zonation- natural change natural conditions and landscapes in the mountains as the absolute height (altitude above sea level) increases.

A biome is a large type of biogeocenosis, characterized by a similar type of vegetation and occupying certain regions of the planet. Biomes are regulated by macroclimate and, first of all, by the amount of precipitation and temperature.

Terrestrial biomes

Tundra. A cold, wet climate biome characterized by negative average annual temperatures, precipitation of about 200-300 mm per year and, most often, the presence of a layer of permafrost. Highlight arctic tundra, located in high latitudes, and alpine tundra, located in the highlands. Vegetation - low-growing perennials: lichens, mosses, grasses and shrubs.

Taiga. A cold-climate forest biome with long, snowy winters and precipitation exceeding evaporation. The main forest-forming species are conifers; the species diversity of trees is low (1-2 dominant species).

Deciduous forest. Forest temperate zone. Develops in regions with moderately warm summers and relatively mild winters with frosts. Characterized by a uniform distribution of precipitation, the absence of droughts, and an excess of precipitation over evaporation. In autumn, as the length decreases daylight hours leaf fall occurs. Deciduous forests are relatively rich in species and are characterized by a complex vertical structure (the presence of several tiers).

Steppe. An area of ​​herbaceous vegetation in a semi-arid temperate zone. The most numerous grasses are grasses and sedges, many of which form a dense turf. Potential evaporation exceeds precipitation. Characteristic soils rich in organic matter are steppe chernozems. Synonyms: prairie, pampa, veld.

Savannah. Tropical grass-wood communities developing in areas with stable alternation of dry and wet seasons. Individual trees or clumps of shrubs are scattered between open grassy areas.

Desert. A fairly diverse group of biomes located in areas with extremely arid climate or, in the case of the arctic or alpine desert, extremely low temperatures. Sandy, rocky, clayey, saline, icy and other deserts are known. Typically (with the exception of ice deserts, which develop in very cold conditions) either the average annual precipitation is less than 25 mm, or conditions provide very rapid evaporation of moisture.

Chaparral. Hard-leaved shrubland in a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and dry summers. It is characterized by a significant accumulation of dry wood, leading to periodic fires.

Seasonal rainforest. Distributed in areas with a hot climate and abundant rainfall, in which precipitation is unevenly distributed throughout the year, with a dry season. Extremely rich in species.

Evergreen rain forest. The richest biome, located in regions with big amount precipitation (>2000) and almost constant temperature (about 26°C). These forests contain 4/5 of all plant species on Earth; woody vegetation predominates. Freshwater biomes

Lentic (standing) waters. Puddles, oxbow lakes, natural and artificial ponds, lakes and reservoirs. Living conditions are determined primarily by depth (and illumination) and the amount of nutrients. The exchange of nutrients and gases between the surface and depth is often difficult.

Lotic (flowing) waters. Streams, streams and rivers. Conditions are very dependent on the speed of the current. Capable of moving significant quantities of water and other inorganic and organic matter, are closely connected with surrounding terrestrial systems.

Swamps. Reservoirs with a large amount of organic matter, the destruction of which is slowed down due to a lack of oxygen in the water; mainly characteristic of temperate and moderately cold climates.

Patterns of changes in biodiversity in latitudinal and meridional directions, zoning. Biomes.

Each type of living organism has its own optimal values ​​of temperature, humidity, light, etc. The more these conditions deviate from the optimum, the less successfully organisms survive and reproduce. Therefore, in regions with less favorable environmental conditions, fewer species are found.

This principle underlies the zonal distribution of biological diversity on the planet.

Communities characteristic of different zones the globe is called biomes. There are several definitions of what a biome is.

According to R. Whittaker, the main type of community of any continent, distinguished by the physiognomic characteristics of vegetation, is the biome. Or another definition: biome is natural area or an area with certain climatic conditions and a corresponding set of dominant plant and animal species constituting a geographical unity.

Biomes can be divided into:

Sushi biomes

Freshwater biomes

Marine biomes

The main environmental conditions that determine the distribution of land biomes are:

temperature(not just the annual average, but the minimum and maximum during the year, which is more important)

precipitation and evaporation rate

presence of seasonal phenomena

For each biome, there are species of organisms characteristic of it. In the humid tropics all year round It is warm and has a lot of moisture, so the richest terrestrial communities (tropical rainforest biome) develop here. If there is seasonality in precipitation, seasonal tropical forests develop, also extremely diverse, but poorer than the previous biome. In conditions of moderate humidity and temperature with pronounced temperature seasonality, a temperate forest biome exists (even less diversity). In the drier parts of the tropical and temperate climate zones, grass communities are found - savannas and steppes. A further decrease in precipitation rates leads to the formation of deserts. At very low temperatures, tundra communities develop.

Rice. 1. Characteristics of terrestrial biomes (Brodsky A.K. Biodiversity)

A – location on the globe, B – climatic conditions, C – species diversity of mammals, amphibians and birds in different biomes

In general, the diversity of organisms decreases from the equator to the poles.

The distribution of soil inhabitants is also subject to latitudinal patterns.

Rice. 2. Zonal distribution of soil fauna

The closer to the poles, the better for small organisms, and the closer to the equator, the more favorable the conditions for macrofauna. In general, the biomass of soil fauna decreases towards the poles, along with it the degree of litter decomposition decreases and the accumulation of organic matter increases.

The uneven distribution of biodiversity across the surface of the globe is associated not only with differences in climate. Specific areas have their own unique conditions. The English ecologist N. Myers identified the so-called “ biodiversity hotspots", in need of special attention and security measures.

These “points” are selected according to three criteria: 1) high level species diversity of vascular plants and vertebrates; 2) a large proportion of endemic species; 3) the presence of a threat of destruction as a result of human activity.

Rice. 3. Map of biodiversity hotspots.

Most hot spots are on islands and mountainous areas tropical zone. Often the hot spot is a vast area extending along the edge of a continent (ecotones?). There are also tectonic faults that lead to the emergence of geysers and hot springs.

Brief description of the main biomes

1.Tundra. The biome occupies the northern part of Eurasia and North America and is located between the polar ice caps in the north and vast tracts of forests in the south. As you move away from arctic ice(Greenland, Alaska, Canada, Siberia) there are vast expanses of treeless tundra. Despite the very harsh conditions, there are relatively many plants and animals here. This is especially evident in the summer, when the tundra is covered with a thick carpet of plants and becomes an abode for a large number of insects, migrating birds and animals. The main vegetation is mosses, lichens and grasses covering the ground in short period growing season. There are low-growing dwarf woody plants. The main representative of the animal world is the reindeer (the North American form is caribou). The mountain hare, vole, arctic fox and lemming also live here.

2.Taiga- boreal (northern) biome coniferous forests. It stretches for 11 thousand km along the northern latitudes of the globe. Its area is about 11% of the land. Taiga forests grow only in the Northern Hemisphere, since the latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere where they could be located are occupied by the ocean. The conditions of the taiga biome are quite harsh. About 30-40 days a year there is enough warmth and light for normal trees to grow (unlike the tundra, where there are only a few species of dwarf trees). Huge areas are covered with thickets of spruce, pine, fir and larch. Among deciduous trees there is an admixture of alder, birch, and aspen. The number of animals in the taiga is limited by the small number of ecological niches and the severity of winters. The main large herbivores are elk and deer. There are many predators: marten, lynx, wolf, wolverine, mink, sable. Rodents are widely represented - from voles to beavers. There are many birds: woodpeckers, tits, thrushes, finches, etc. Of the amphibians, there are mainly viviparous ones, since it is impossible to warm up a clutch of eggs in a short summer.

3. Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome. In the temperate zone, where there is enough moisture (800-1500 mm per year), and hot summers give way to cold winters, forests of a certain type have developed. Trees that shed their leaves at unfavorable times of the year have adapted to exist in such conditions. Most trees in temperate latitudes are broad-leaved species. These are oak, beech, maple, ash, linden, hornbeam. Mixed with them there are conifers - pine and spruce, hemlock and sequoia. Most forest mammals - badgers, bears, red deer, moles and rodents - lead a terrestrial lifestyle. Wolves, wild cats and foxes are common predators. Lots of birds. The forests of this biome occupy fertile soils, which was the reason for their intensive clearing for agricultural needs. Modern forest vegetation was formed here under the direct influence of man. Probably only forests in Siberia and northern China can be considered untouched.

4. Temperate steppes. The main areas of this biome are represented by Asian steppes and North American prairies. A small part of it is located in the south of South America and Australia. There is not enough rainfall for trees to grow here. but it is enough to prevent the formation of deserts. Almost all steppes are plowed and occupied by grain crops and cultivated pastures. In former times, huge natural herds of herbivorous mammals grazed on the vast expanses of the steppe. Nowadays you can only find domesticated cows, horses, sheep and goats here. Indigenous inhabitants include the North American coyote, the Eurasian jackal, and the hyena dog. All these predators have adapted to the proximity of humans.

5.Mediterranean chaparral. The areas around the Mediterranean Sea are characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, so the vegetation here consists mainly of thorny bushes and aromatic herbs. Tough-leaved vegetation with thick and glossy leaves is widespread. Trees rarely grow to normal size. This biome has a specific name - chaparral. Similar vegetation is characteristic of Mexico, California, South America (Chile) and Australia. Animals in this biome include rabbits, tree rats, chipmunks, some types of deer, sometimes roe deer, lynx, wild cats and wolves. Lots of lizards and snakes. In Australia, in the chaparral zone, you can find kangaroos, in North America - hares and pumas. Fires play an important role in this biome; shrubs are adapted to periodic fires and recover very quickly after them.

6. Deserts. The desert biome is characteristic of the arid and semi-arid zones of the Earth, where less than 250 mm of precipitation falls annually. The Sahara, as well as the Taklamakan (Central Asia), Atacama (South America), La Jolla (Peru) and Aswan (Libya) deserts, are hot deserts. However, there are deserts, such as the Gobi, where winter period the temperature drops to -20 °C. A typical desert landscape is an abundance of bare rock or sand with sparse vegetation. Desert plants belong mainly to the group of succulents - these are various cacti and milkweeds. Lots of annuals. In cold deserts, vast areas are occupied by plants belonging to the group of saltworts (species from the goosefoot family). These plants have a long, branched root system with which they can extract water from great depths. Desert animals are small, which helps them hide under stones or in burrows during hot weather. They survive by eating water-storing plants. Of the large animals, we can mention the camel, which can go without water for a long time, but it needs water to survive. But such desert inhabitants as the jerboa and kangaroo rat can exist without water for an indefinitely long time, feeding only on dry seeds.

7. Tropical savannah biome. The biome is located on both sides of the equatorial zone between the tropics. Savannas are found in Central and Eastern Africa, although they are also found in South America and Australia. The typical savannah landscape is tall grass with sparse trees. During the dry season, fires are common, destroying dried grass. The savannas of Africa graze a number of ungulates that are not found in any other biome. The huge number of herbivores contributes to the fact that many predators live in the savanna. Feature of the latter - high speed movement. Savannah is an open area. To catch up with the victim, you need to run fast. Therefore on the plains East Africa lives the fastest ground world animal - cheetah. Others - lions, hyena dogs - prefer joint actions to catch prey. Still others - hyenas and vultures that feed on carrion - are always ready to grab leftovers or take possession of someone else's just caught prey. The leopard hedges its bets by dragging its prey up a tree.

Biomes are large regions of the planet that are divided according to characteristics such as geographical position, climate, soils, precipitation, flora and fauna. Biomes are sometimes called ecological regions.

The climate is perhaps the most important factor, which determines the nature of any biome, but there are other factors that determine the identity of biomes - topography, geography, humidity, precipitation, etc.

Scientists disagree about the exact number of biomes that exist on Earth. There are many different classification schemes that have been developed to describe the planet's biomes. For example, on our site we took five main biomes: aquatic biome, desert biome, forest biome, meadow biome and tundra biome. In each biome type, we also describe many various types habitats.

Includes water-dominated habitats around the world, from tropical reefs, mangroves to Arctic lakes. Aquatic biomes are divided into two main groups: marine and freshwater habitats.

Freshwater habitats include bodies of water with low salt concentrations (less than one percent). Freshwater bodies include lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, wetlands, lagoons and swamps.

Sea places habitats are bodies of water with a high concentration of salts (more than one percent). Marine habitats include seas, Coral reefs and oceans. There are also habitats where fresh and salt waters mix. In these places, you will find salt and muddy swamps.

Various aquatic habitats world support a wide range wildlife, including almost all groups of animals: fish, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates and birds.

Includes terrestrial habitats that receive very little rainfall throughout the year. The desert biome covers about one-fifth of the Earth's surface. Depending on aridity, climate and location, it is divided into four groups: arid deserts, semi-arid deserts, coastal deserts and cold deserts.

Arid deserts are hot, dry deserts that are located in low latitudes around the world. Temperatures here are high throughout the year and precipitation is very low. Arid deserts are found in North America, Central America, South America, Africa, South Asia and Australia.

Semi-arid deserts are generally not as hot and dry as arid deserts. They are characterized by long, dry summers and relatively cool winters with little precipitation. Semi-arid deserts are found in North America, Newfoundland, Greenland, Europe and Asia.

Coastal deserts are usually located on western regions continents approximately 23° north and south of the equator. They are also known as the Tropic of Cancer (parallel north of the equator) and the Tropic of Capricorn (parallel south of the equator). It's cold in these places ocean currents form heavy fogs that drift over deserts. Although the humidity of coastal deserts can be high, precipitation is low. Examples of coastal deserts include the Atacama Desert in Chile and the Namib Desert in Namibia.

Cold deserts - regions earth's surface who have low temperatures And long winters. Cold deserts are found in the Arctic and Antarctic. Many areas of the tundra biome can also be classified as cold deserts. Cold deserts typically receive more rainfall than other types of desert.

Includes extensive habitats dominated by trees. Forests cover an area equal to about one-third of the Earth's land area and are found in many regions around the world. There are three main types of forests: temperate, tropical and taiga (boreal). Each forest type has its own climatic characteristics, species composition and wildlife features.

They are found in temperate latitudes of the world, including North America, Asia and Europe. Temperate forests experience four clearly defined seasons of the year. The growing season in temperate forests lasts about 140-200 days. Precipitation is regular and occurs throughout the year, and the soils are rich in nutrients.

Grow in equatorial regions between 23.5° northern latitude and 23.5° south latitude. IN tropical forests There are two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The length of the day remains virtually unchanged throughout the year. Soils tropical forests more acidic and less nutrient rich.

Also known as boreal forests, are the largest terrestrial environment a habitat. Taiga is a strip of coniferous forests that surround Earth in high northern latitudes from about 50° to 70° north latitude. Taiga forests form a circumpolar habitat that runs through Canada and extends from northern Europe up to the eastern part of Russia. Taiga forests border the tundra biome in the north and temperate forests on South.

Includes habitats in which the dominant vegetation type is grasses, and trees and shrubs are present small quantity. There are three main types of grassland: temperate grassland, tropical grassland (also known as savanna) and steppe grassland. The meadows have dry and rainy seasons. During the dry season, grasslands are prone to fires.

Temperate grasslands are dominated by grasses and lack trees and large bushes. The soil of temperate grasslands is rich in nutrients upper layer. Seasonal droughts are often accompanied by fires, which prevent the growth of trees and shrubs.

Tropical grasslands are grasslands located near the equator. They have a warmer and humid climate than the meadows of temperate latitudes. Tropical grasslands are dominated by grasses, but trees are also found in places. The soils of tropical grasslands are very porous and dry out quickly. Tropical grasslands are found in Africa, India, Australia, Nepal and South America.

Steppe grasslands are dry grasslands that border semi-arid deserts. Grasses growing in steppe grasslands are much shorter than grasses in temperate and tropical grasslands. Trees are found here only along the banks of lakes, rivers and streams.

Cold habitat characterized by permafrost soils, low air temperatures, long winters, low vegetation and a short growing season.

Arctic tundra is nearby North Pole and extends south to the border where coniferous forests grow.

The Antarctic tundra is located in Southern Hemisphere Land on remote islands off the coast of Antarctica, such as the South Shetland and South Orkney Islands, and on the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Arctic and Antarctic tundra supports approximately 1,700 plant species, including mosses, lichens, sedges, shrubs and grasses.

Alpine tundras are found in mountains around the world at altitudes that are above the tree line. Alpine tundra soils differ from those in polar regions, where they tend to be well-drained. Vegetable world The mountain tundra is represented mainly by grasses, small shrubs and dwarf trees.

Question 1. How can we explain the differences in flora and fauna of different continents?
Differences in the flora and fauna of the continents are explained by:
1) geological history of the continents;
2) differences in climatic conditions;
3) isolation of continents from each other.

Question 2. What are the reasons for the identification of separate biogeographic regions on Earth?
Biome- a large biosystem consisting of several ecosystems (biogeocenoses) of one natural climatic zone and is characterized by some dominant type of vegetation or other landscape feature.
The following biomes exist on Earth: temperate forests (deciduous forests), steppes, deserts, coniferous forests (taiga), tundra, savannas, tropical rain forests.
The main factor determining the type of biome is climate, since the nature of the environment is created mainly by temperature, amount of precipitation, and the direction and strength of the winds. Taking into account the relatedness of species inhabiting certain territories, the following biogeographic areas are currently distinguished:
1. Holarctic ( North America with Greenland, Eurasia without India, Iceland, Korea, Japan and North Africa).
2. Paleotropical (sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, India and Indochina).
3. Australian (Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Oceania).
4. Neotropical (South and Central America).
5. Antarctic (Antarctica).

Question 3: Describe the major land biomes of various biogeographic regions.
Tundra of the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions: low-growing vegetation - mosses, lichens, sedges, stunted shrubs. Main animals - deer, musk ox, lemming, arctic hare, arctic fox, wolf, white polar bear, White Owl.
Coniferous forests Nearctic region: mostly dense forests of spruce, fir and others coniferous trees. The main animals are elk, deer, porcupine, vole, shrew, wolverine, lynx, woodpecker, and hazel grouse. Coniferous forests of the Palearctic region: the tree species that make up these forests are pine, fir, spruce. They belong to the same genera as the corresponding Nearctic trees, but are distinct species. The same applies to animals - elk, wolverine, lynx.
Deciduous forests of the Nearctic and Palaearctic: broadleaf forests consist of trees with a dense crown - oak, beech, maple; many colors. The main animals are mole, gopher, black squirrel, raccoon, opossum, chipmunk, red fox, black bear, songbirds.
Hard-leaved forests of the Nearctic: thickets of juniper and shrubs with leathery leaves. fauna representatives come from neighboring biomes. Palaearctic Hardwood Forests: The Mediterranean region is very similar to the corresponding Nearctic biome, supporting animals from a variety of neighboring communities.
Nearctic steppes: various combinations of grass and shrub vegetation. The main animals are bison, antelope, wild rabbit, American badger, fox, koi<5т, степной тетерев, большое количество гремучих змей. Палеарктические степи: травы примерно такие же, как в Неарктике. Типичные животные - сайгак и антилопа; дикие ослы, лошадь и верблюд, а также суслик, хомяк, тушканчик, куница, шакал.
Neotropical steppe (pampa): the vegetation cover is a mixture of various grasses. Fauna - rhea, pampas deer, guinea pig, tuco-tuco, pampas cat, South American fox, skunk, swallow, paired owl.
Rainforest of the eastern region: an abundance of hundreds of plant species forming impenetrable thickets; typical plants are creepers, bamboo, manila hemp, teak, banyan and ebony. Animals: primates are widely represented - gibbons, orangutans, small relatives of monkeys; Also characteristic are the Indian elephant, tapir, two kinds of rhinoceroses, tiger, sloth bear and bamboo bear, deer and antelope. Lots of pheasants, poisonous snakes and lizards.
The tropical forest of the neotropical region is unusually rich in lichens, orchids, and bromeliads. Characteristic are cabbage palm, tropical almonds, bamboo, and vines. Among the animals there are prehensile-tailed monkeys, prehensile-tailed bears, noses, sloths, pygmy deer, opossum mice, parrots, and hummingbirds.
The tropical forest of the Ethiopian region is poorer than other tropical forests. Plants - mahogany, many hews, ferns, orchids and other epiphytes. Notable animals are the pygmy antelope, pygmy hippopotamus, gorilla, chimpanzee, and green monkey.
The Australian rainforest is either a typical continuous-canopy rainforest or a sparse eucalyptus forest. The forests are home to tree kangaroo, koala, opossum, marsupial wolf, Tasmanian devil, platypus, flying dog, and lyrebird.
The Ethiopian savanna is mainly covered with grasses and shrubs, with acacias, baobab, spurge and palm trees. The fauna is represented by herbivores - zebra, eland, oryx, wildebeest, etc. Giraffe, elephant, lion, white and black two-horned rhinoceroses, warthog, cheetah, hyena dog, gopher, golden mole are also typical.
Australian savanna: mainly steppes and thickets of various shrubs and eucalyptus trees. Animals - giant red kangaroo, emu, bandicoot, marsupial rabbit, wombat, parrots.
Palaearctic deserts: scattered bushes of wormwood, finger grass, thickets of camel thorn and tamarisk. The fauna is represented by several species of herbivores, as well as hedgehogs, jerboas, bag rats and hamsters; of birds: eagles, falcons, owls.
Neotropical deserts: rare grasses, low shrubs, cacti, yucca. Among the animals - rhea, armadillo, vulture, fox, tuco-tuco.
Ethiopian deserts: the vegetation consists mainly of grasses and rare shrubs; date palms grow in oases. In the south, spurge and plants with tuberous roots are found. The most common animals are gazelle, porcupine, jerboa, eagle, and lizards.
Australian deserts: vegetation - native forms of quinoa, acacia and various eucalyptus trees. Animals include marsupial mole, kangaroo mouse, jerboa marsupial rat, parakeets.

Question 4. Find the territories mentioned in the paragraph on the geographical map; note their climatic conditions.
1. The Nearctic region includes the territory of all of North America, Newfoundland, and Greenland. In the north, snow and ice give way to tundra. Further south follows an array of coniferous and temperate forests in the east, prairies in the central part and a mixture of mountains, deserts and coniferous forests in the west.
2. The Palearctic region includes all of Eurasia. In the north there is a strip of eternal ice, tundra and coniferous forests. In the temperate zone there are broad-leaved forests, the richest in the Asian part. The central regions of Asia are arid and treeless.
3. The eastern region includes India and Indochina, as well as the islands of Ceylon, Java, Sumatra, Taiwan, Borneo. The islands are completely covered with tropical forests, most of the mainland is mountains with varied vegetation, and in the west of India there are dry steppes.
4. The Neotropical region includes South and Central America, the tropical part of Mexico, and the islands of the Caribbean archipelago. Because this area has been isolated for a long time, its flora and fauna differ sharply from those of other areas.
5. Ethiopian region. It includes almost all of Africa, about. Madagascar and the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. In the central part1 of Africa there are savannas and steppes, West Africa and the mountainous part of the east are covered with tropical forests.
6. The Australian region includes Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. The central part of Australia is represented by desert, bordered by steppes, savannas with a rare patch of tropical forest. The islands have varied biomes, from tropical New Guinea to comparatively cold New Zealand.