Ecosystems and Biomes

What the page covers

This unit brings together material on ecosystems, biomes and the pressures on them. Many resources are mind maps. Coniferous Forests sets out structure: no distinct layers, trees of around 20 to 30 metres, growing close together with sparse undergrowth. hot deserts covers location, climate and human uses. temperate deciduous forest looks at rainfall and temperature through the year.

Where to start

Begin with the big picture. The living World asks what an ecosystem is and covers consumers, decomposers, food chains, food webs and nutrient cycling. BIOMES & THEIR GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION and Controls on biome type then help you see why biomes sit where they do.

Next, choose a biome. Tropical rainforests have the most material: the flashcard deck Tropical rainforests and Malaysia asks about location, climate, soil and epiphytes, while Amazon Rainforest covers the water cycle, benefits for people and management. For UK woodland, try Epping Forest and New Forest Temperate Deciduous Woodland.

Using maps and quizzes together

1. Read a mind map on one biome.
2. Cover it and test yourself with a flashcard deck on the same biome.
3. Take a quiz such as Adaptations of rainforest or Geography Living World - Tropical Rainforests.
4. Return to the map for any gaps.

For deforestation and threats, the notes Forests Under threat and the quiz economic and environmental impacts of deforestation are good next steps. Biodiversity under threat goes further, with genetic diversity and gene pools.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the strand Ecosystems, Environments and Resources within Geography. The resources mention GCSE Geography and A-level Geography, so they suit secondary students, and teachers can use them as ready-made starting points.

When you are ready, pick one biome and try a quiz, then make your own maps or flashcards from what you find.