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Year 9 - Geography

The biomes of Russia

Russia: How does geography shape the country?

Unit Summary

This unit teaches pupils about Russia's climate and biomes and how this affects its population. Pupils will also learn about Russia's natural resources and how this affects its relations with other countries around the world.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the distribution of Russia's main biomes and explain how vegetation is adapted to the climate and soil conditions in each.

Key Notes

  • Russia's main biomes include tundra, taiga, temperate forest and steppe.
  • Descriptions of distribution involve three steps: identify map features - general pattern - specific details.
  • The pattern of biome distribution is broadly latitudinal with tundra occupying the northernmost latitudes.
  • Climate and soil type varies between the biomes and determines the type of dominant vegetation.
  • Vegetation is adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the biome.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • biome: a large region of the world with places that have similar climates, vegetation and animals
  • distribution: the way something is spread out or arranged over a specific geographic area
  • tundra: a cold, treeless area with frozen ground and low plants like mosses and grasses
  • taiga: a cold, northern forest of mainly pine and spruce trees

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • When describing patterns of distribution from maps pupils can make the mistake of including information not available on the map itself and get tempted to explain patterns.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

Russia's main biomes include tundra, taiga, temperate forest and steppe. Descriptions of distribution involve three steps: identify map features - general pattern - specific details.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'biome'

a large region of the world with places that have similar climates, vegetation and animals.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: When describing patterns of distribution from maps pupils can make the mistake of including information not available on the map itself and get tempted to explain patterns. Correction: Use only the available information to write a description of what you see on the map including the general pattern and specific details provided by the legend, labels, compass rose and scale.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 9 Geography guide library.