Year 10 - Geography
The distribution and characteristics of global biomes
Ecosystems, biomes and the biosphere
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit teaches pupils about ecosystems and biomes at different scales. Pupils learn about the factors influencing biome distribution and the physical systems and processes regulating them. Pupils will also learn about the impact of population growth and resource extraction on biomes.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe the distribution and characteristics of global biomes.
Key Notes
- Ecosystems at the global scale are called biomes.
- The pattern of biomes is broadly latitudinal, with tropical rainforests near the Equator and tundra near the poles.
- Each biome has distinct characteristics as a result of its specific climate.
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- Areas within the same biome are physically connected.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.
Ecosystems at the global scale are called biomes. The pattern of biomes is broadly latitudinal, with tropical rainforests near the Equator and tundra near the poles.
2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'biome'
a large-scale global ecosystem, for example, a tropical rainforest.
3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.
Mistake: Areas within the same biome are physically connected. Correction: A biome may occur on different continents at the same or similar latitude, such as the tropical rainforest biome.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Geography guide library.