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Year 10
Edexcel B

The distribution and characteristics of global biomes

I can describe the distribution and characteristics of global biomes.

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Year 10
Edexcel B

The distribution and characteristics of global biomes

I can describe the distribution and characteristics of global biomes.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Ecosystems at the global scale are called biomes.
  2. The pattern of biomes is broadly latitudinal, with tropical rainforests near the Equator and tundra near the poles.
  3. 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.

Learners can practise their atlas map skills.
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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Things that are added to a system are known as ...
Correct answer: inputs.
losses.
outputs.
throughputs.
Q2.
Food webs help us understand the within a small-scale ecosystem.
Correct Answer: interrelationships, relationships, connections, interactions, inter-relationships
Q3.
Which of these is a way in which agriculture can harm small-scale ecosystems?
rapid changes in weather patterns due to climate change
droughts of increasing frequency and severity
Correct answer: pesticides being used to reduce weeds, insects and fungi to protect crops
storms which can cause trees to be blown over
a reduced mesh size in nets, leading to young fish being caught
Q4.
Which of these terms means the variety of plants and animals found within a specific area?
Correct answer: biodiversity
biotic factors
conservation
habitat
management
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.
1 - Once an arable farm, College Farm becomes a quarry and cement works.
2 - Chalk is dug out, leaving behind huge pits in a 'white lunar landscape'.
3 - Industry on the site ceases in 1991.
4 - The deep pits flood with rainwater, creating lakes.
5 - Grasses and flowering plants spread across the banks of the lakes.
6 - Hebridean sheep are introduced to graze the grass on the steep banks.
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?
Correct answer: The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
The Hebridean Sheep Society, Isle of Skye
The Countryside Council for Wales
Yorkshire Dales National Park

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Global are large-scale ecosystems defined by their main vegetation type.
Correct Answer: biomes, Biomes
Q2.
Climate is the average conditions (such as rainfall and temperature) recorded over a 30-year period.
Correct Answer: weather
Q3.
Which of these biomes is most likely to border the polar biome in the Northern Hemisphere?
desert
Mediterranean
temperate deciduous forest
temperate grassland
Correct answer: tundra
Q4.
Name this biome from its description: near perfect, humid growing conditions result in dense, evergreen forest.
temperate deciduous forest
coniferous forest
Correct answer: tropical rainforest
Mediterranean
tropical grassland
Q5.
In which biome are trees adapted to cold, dry winters by having needles instead of leaves?
temperate deciduous forest
tundra
Correct answer: coniferous forest
polar
Mediterranean
Q6.
Match each type of biome to the correct climate characteristics.
Correct Answer:tropical rainforest,humid equatorial climate, high annual rainfall total
tick

humid equatorial climate, high annual rainfall total

Correct Answer:tropical grassland,wet and dry seasons, low temperature range
tick

wet and dry seasons, low temperature range

Correct Answer:coniferous forest,a lack of sunshine means very low winter temperatures
tick

a lack of sunshine means very low winter temperatures