Distribution of biomes: worked example.

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Explain how climate controls the distribution of biomes, such as tropical rainforests. (4 Marks)

Climate plays an important role in the distribution of biomes, such as tropical rainforests, around the world. Areas closet to the equator, where the sun's rays are most direct, have hot temperatures. Further north or south of the equator, there is less sunlight and the sun's rays are weaker so temperatures are colder.

Sunlight, temperature and rainfall affect the type and amount of plants that can grow in different places.

Tropical rainforests contain the greatest variety and density of plant growth because they are located in regions which are hot and where there is plenty of rainfall. In contrast, tundra regions are cold and dry which means that only tough, short grasses can survive.