Global Biomes Under Threat

Understanding Earth's Endangered Ecosystems Year 5 Geography & Environmental Science

What is a Biome?

Think about the different environments around the world What makes a rainforest different from a desert? What do you already know about ecosystems?

Earth's Major Biomes

Tropical Rainforests - hot and wet all year Temperate Grasslands - moderate climate with grasses Arctic Tundra - very cold with frozen ground Deserts - hot and dry with little rainfall Freshwater Biomes - rivers, lakes, and wetlands Marine Biomes - oceans, coral reefs, and seas

Tropical Rainforests: The Amazon Under Threat

Why Are Rainforests Important?

Home to over half of Earth's animal species Produce oxygen we breathe - 'lungs of the Earth' Store carbon that helps control climate Provide medicines and foods we use Control rainfall patterns around the world

Arctic Tundra: Melting Away

Coldest biome with frozen ground (permafrost) Home to polar bears, arctic foxes, and caribou Climate change is melting the ice rapidly Animals losing hunting grounds and homes Melting releases greenhouse gases stored in ice

Grasslands vs Agriculture

{"left":"Natural grasslands support diverse wildlife\nDeep root systems prevent soil erosion\nHome to bison, zebras, and prairie dogs\nSeasonal grasses adapted to dry periods","right":"Farmland provides food for humans\nCrops often need irrigation and fertilizers\nLess biodiversity than natural grasslands\nCan lead to soil degradation over time"}

Desert Biomes: More Fragile Than They Look

Deserts seem empty but support unique life Animals and plants adapted to little water Threats include overgrazing by livestock Off-road vehicles damage fragile soils Climate change bringing more extreme droughts

Mapping Threats Activity

Use the world map provided Color-code different biomes Add symbols showing major threats Research one threatened area in detail Present your findings to the class

Freshwater Under Pressure

Rivers and lakes provide drinking water Wetlands filter pollution naturally Dams block fish migration routes Agricultural runoff causes algae blooms Many wetlands drained for development

Ocean Biomes: Our Blue Planet in Crisis

Oceans cover 71% of Earth's surface Coral reefs support 25% of marine species Plastic pollution forms massive garbage patches Overfishing depletes fish populations Ocean acidification bleaches coral reefs

What Can We Do to Help?

Think about your daily choices How might they affect biomes around the world? What actions could make a positive difference? Who else needs to help solve these problems?