Temperate Rainforest Biome

Temperate Rainforest

Date: February 1-20

City:  Sydney, Australia

Climate Diagram

--My last and final stop put me in Sydney, Australia.  While I was there in February, the temperature was a comfortable average of 72 degrees Fahrenheit.  This moderate temperature is one of the characteristics of the temperate rainforest biome.

Packing List:

-Umbrella              -Hiking Boots

-Extra Socks          -Layers of Clothing          -Insect Repellent

Adventures:

With my last stop on this biome quest, I was pleased to find myself in Australia.  I realized that the temperate rainforest could be found in northern California, but with this being my last biome to visit, I wanted it to be in a different country.  This biome can be found on the west coast and is influenced by the ocean currents.  There are normally mild summers and winters, while the summers are foggy and the winters are rainy.  I was there in February, which was a rather wet month.  The single most unique feature of this biome is without a doubt the trees that grow.  The climate of this biome allows large trees to grow such as fir, spruce, cedar, and hemlocks.  The soil is left low in nutrients because the vegetation quickly takes in all excess nutrients before the soil can take it in.  The moist climate allows for moss and ferns to also grow abundantly.

The common mammals located in this biome are deer, coyotes, and bears.  While these are all typical mammals that are found in any forest, there are also other animals that I found here that are more specific to this biome.  The rainy climate of this biome creates the perfect place for slugs and snails to live.  There are also all kinds of birds that take home in the temperate rainforest.  

http://relly19.tripod.com/

Title Page

Laura Rokop

APES G1

Biome Travel Journal

Tropical Rainforest Biome

Tropical Rainforest

Date: January 1-28

City:  Tumaco, Colombia

Climate Diagram

--The tropical rainforest maintains a steady temperature throughout the entire year.  The average temperature during the month of January in Tumaco is about 77 degrees Fahrenheit.  The majority of the year stays within a few degrees of this temperature.

Packing List:

-Rain Boots              -Rain Coat

-Shorts          -Camera          -Reference book

Adventures:

The tropical rainforest biome is a very complex, diverse area that provided many different aspects to view while I was there.  While the temperature was not terribly hot, the humidity in the rainforest was incredible.  Due to the large amount of precipitation that is received by this area annually, there is constant humidity.  The amount of plant life that was in the rainforest was amazing to see.  Anywhere I looked, all I could see was green.  The layers of the vegetation was also evident just from looking around.  The canopy formed by large trees made it seem like you were in a separate world underneath the trees.  The subcanopy, or understory, was made up from shorter trees that fell from the top.  Next was the epiphytes, which are plants that hold standing water and support aquatic ecosystems.  These plants are so crucial to the ecosystems that are present in the rainforest.

The animals that I was able to see were unlike any that I would find in Indiana.  My favorite animals to see were the monkeys.  I got the chance to see gorillas, orangutans, and spider monkeys.  There were also sloths as well as many different amphibious creatures.  The rainforest has the largest biodiversity and contains up to two-thirds of Earth's terrestrials species.  This is a massive amount of wildlife that is contained in one single area.  Tropical rainforests are also located in Central America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.  All of these areas experience the same conditions.

http://australiantropicalrainforest.blogspot.com/

Temperate Grassland Biome

Temperate Grassland/ Cold Desert

Date: December 1-29

City:  Kazan, Russia

Climate Diagram

--In December in Russia, the temperature is extremely cold.  The winter months drop into the lowest degrees, averaging about 15 degrees Fahrenheit.  My visit here was spend mostly inside cars and buildings to keep away from the cold.

Packing List:

-Winter Coat             -Snow Boots

-Gloves/Hat          -Camera             -Hot Chocolate Mix

Adventures:

The coldest months in Russia is when I decided to come visit the grassland biome.  This was not my best decision, but it did make the trip very memorable.  This area has the lowest annual precipitation of all the other biomes.  In Russia, this biome is called steppes.  The plants that are normally present in this biome are grasses and nonwoody flowering plants.  These plants are adapted to quick growth due to the fact that fires can start quickly in this area.  The area is also called cold deserts, which is fitting for the winter months.  The cold months still do not deter the nutrients that are present in the soil.  The soil is so full of nutrients that humans have been plowing the fields and using it for raising livestock.

The animals that are present in these cold deserts are lynx, antelopes, falcons, and fox.  In the North American Great Plains, bison are common animals to be found.  While I was in Russia, I learned that the animals found in this biome are classified as ungulates, which are animals with hoofs.  Since there is not much shelter for predators and there is always an abundance of grass for food, the animals present in these biomes are similar around the world.

http://biomesfourth09.wikispaces.com/Grassland+Home

Savanna Biome

Tropical Seasonal Forest/ Savanna

Date: November 1-29

City: Kabwe, Zambia

Climate Diagram

--In the month of October, the average temperature in Kabwe is about 75 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is similar to the temperature that I faced at my last biome, just to the north of Kabwe.  

Packing List:

-Water Bottle               -Hiking Boots

-Camera          -Binoculars          -Safari Hat

Adventures:

While being in the savanna biome I had the great opportunity to go on a real life safari expedition.  I was able to witness all that the savanna has to offer to the animals that take home there.  The wildlife that I was able to see while on this safari was incredible, and I know that nothing compares to this wildlife.  What may seem like a barren landscape is actually thriving with plant life and animal life that keeps the ecosystem continuing.  This area can also be known as the tropical deciduous forest or tropical seasonal forest. These names are given due to the fact that the trees drop their leaves during the dry summer season.  The precipitation levels drop dramatically during the months of May to September.  The entire biome goes into a state of drought, that the wildlife has adapted to.  When I visited this area, the first rain of the season had just occurred, and the animals were in heaven.

I was so happy that I made sure to bring my camera and binoculars with me on this safari adventure.  I was able to see all sorts of plants and animals that normally I just read about in books or see in shows.  I was able to see elephants, zebras, and giraffes up close.  I also got to see lions, leopard, kangaroos, and cheetahs.  Seeing all of these animals in real life was an amazing experience.  These animals all thrive on the plant life that is able to withstand the tough dry seasons.  The plants in the savanna are mostly pine trees, palm trees, and shrubs.  While on this safari, I was able to learn more about the way humans are destroying this beautiful biome.  The act of poaching is still prevalent, but also agriculture is making a huge impact on this area.  Due to the fertile soil, humans convert the area into areas that can be used for agricultural purposes.

http://bioexpedition.com/savanna-biome/

Subtropical Desert Biome

Subtropical Desert

Date: October 1-30

City: Siwa, Egypt

Climate Diagram

--In Egypt during the month of October, the average temperature is about 75 degrees Fahrenheit.  The area just finished its hotter months, and is beginning to cool off for the winter months to come.  The heat that is normally associated with the Sahara Desert is not occurring during this time.

Packing List:

-Shorts               -Tall Socks

-Hiking Boots          -Sunglasses          -Water Bottle

Adventures:

When I first imagined the subtropic desert biome, I immediately pictured deathly hot deserts like those in the movies.  I was very wrong about this.  When I entered Siwa, Egypt I was immediately reminded of Arizona.  I have been to Arizona several times to visit family that lives there, and the area that I was in reminded me of that.  The dry air that was present and the types of vegetation all lended themselves to resemble Arizona.  Most of the areas that are inhabited by the desert biome are located in deserts.  The Sahara Desert, Arabian Desert, and Great Victorian Desert in Australia all are examples.  All of these places have similar landscapes and resemble each other.  Due to the dry conditions and extremely hot summer months, the plants that grow must have few pores for water and air exchange in order to maintain as much water as possible.  I was able to see cacti, euphorbs, and succulent plants.  The cacti that were present are what are typically associated with the desert biome.

The animals that I was able to see were those that would only be expected to be found in a desert climate. I had the chance to ride a camel through the desert, which not many people can say that they have done. The amount of reptiles that were present was not unexpected due to the hot climate.  Reptiles are able to live through the conditions without much hardship that other mammals would face.  Very few herbivores are able to live in this biome due to the protection that the plants have developed.  Tall socks were in order when I was hiking around so that no spikes on the plants would scratch up my legs.

http://www.bio.miami.edu/dana/dox/biomes.html

Woodland/Shrubland Biome

Woodland/Shrubland

Date: September 1-29

City: Izmir, Turkey

Climate Diagram

--During the month of September, the temperature is beginning to fall into its Fall range, but it is still warmer than the other areas I have been.  With the temperature ranging in the 80s, the weather was very pleasant. 

Packing List:

-Sunglasses              -Supply of water

-Camera        -Hiking Boots        -Swimsuit

Adventures:

Traveling to Turkey provided a unique experience.  While I easily could have witnessed the woodland biome by just traveling to California, I decided that I wanted to continue my quest outside of the United States.  The Mediterranean area holds a large cluster of woodland and shrubland biomes.  With more time spend on the coast, I also learned that this biome is present in South America, southwestern Australia, as well as southern Africa.  Such a seemingly simple biome is located all across the globe.  While in Turkey I was able to quickly notice a change in the type of vegetation that grew there.  The semiarid climate allows for large areas of grasses and wildflowers.  The hot summers that occur make the possibility of wildfires very prevalent.  Due to this, most of the plants located in this area have adapted to resprout quickly after fires have torn the area apart.

The wildlife that I was able to see in the woodland area was what I would have expected to see.  The predominate animals in this biome include coyotes, foxes, and mountain lions.  Smaller animals include deer, rabbits, lizards, and snakes.  I had the unfortunate pleasure of coming face to face with a slithering snake while on one of my hikes.  Located along the Mediterranean provided the temptation to take a plunge into the waters.  Bringing my swimsuit allowed me the chance to join most of the people in Izmir and take a quick swim before moving on to my next biome.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/places/Mediterranean_Basin

Temperate Seasonal Forest Biome

Temperate Seasonal Forest

Date: August 1-29

City: Berlin, Germany

Climate Diagram

--In August the temperature in this biome is in the mid-60s.  This temperature is moderate and comparable to the boreal forest that I just came from.

 

Packing List:

-Rain Boots          -Rain Coat

-Umbrella        -Camera        -Hiking Boots

 

Adventures:

 

The temperate seasonal forest biome is located in the eastern United States as well as Europe.  I decided to expand my travels and make my way to Germany to encounter this biome.  The vegetation in this area is decidedly different from that of the other areas I have been.  The trees that take root in this climate are normally broadleaf deciduous trees as well as some coniferous trees.  Due to the large amount of deciduous trees that are present, this biome is also known as the temperate deciduous forest.  The leaves that are shed by these trees are more easily decomposed, creating more nutrient-rich soil.  Other plants that I found there were oaks, maples, and wildflowers.

 

The animals that I saw in this biome were more common.  I was able to see toads, chipmunks, and turtles.  While these animals are common simply where I live, the geography of the area was beautiful.  The massive amount of trees made it seem like an entirely different world.  The seclusion that was provided by the trees created a separate biome that was evident to everyone.  I loved just hiking around the area and exploring all of the different paths that had been created over time.

 

http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/biomes/tempded.htm

 

 

 



Boreal Forest Biome

Boreal Forest

Date: July 1 - 30
City:  Calgary, Canada

Climate Diagram

--In the month of July, the boreal forest biome climate is at its peak temperature.  The climate is very similar to that of the tundra, and its average temperature in July is 61 degrees Fahrenheit.

Packing List:

-Hiking Boots          -Goo-Be-Gone

-Camera          -Rain Coat         -Rain Boots

 

 

Adventures:

 

Traveling to the boreal forest area did not provide much of a change from the tundra biome.  With the boreal forest biome beginning close to the same area as the tundra, I did not have to travel far to find myself in this climate.  The main difference that I was able to immediately notice was the plant life that grew in this area.  Compared to barren lands of the tundra, the boreal forest was covered in trees and other plant life.  This forest is known by its coniferous evergreen trees that are able to survive in the short growing seasons and cold winter months.  The waxy needles coming from these trees also add to the already low decomposition rate present.  There are also deciduous trees that are able to grow in the boreal forest area.  The deciduous trees are unlike the coniferous trees in that they lose their leaves in the fall and winter months.  I was able to witness these trees in full bloom while I was there since it was the summer months.

 

The rainy weather that was prevalent while I was staying there made the addition of rain boots and a rain coat very suitable.  While in the boreal forest I was able to witness a wider variety of animal life.  The boreal forest is home to the bobcat, elk, porcupines, and in some areas there are Siberian Tigers.  Similar to caribou that was seen in the tundra, the elk and hares in the boreal forest were the most commonly seen animals.  While I was in this area, I was able to learn more about the environmental issues that are seen there.  The trees found in this biome are important sources for pulp and paper.  This cutting down of these trees for this use is causing a decrease in plant life.

 

 

 

http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/biomes/boreal.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Tundra Biome

Tundra

Date: June 1 - 29

City:  Tuktoyaktuk, Canada



Climate Diagram

-- Traveling in June to the tundra was specifically chosen so that the temperature might be better suited for sight seeing.  During the month of June, the average temperature is 41 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered balmy for the tundra!

Packing List

-Hiking Boots            -Sweatshirt/long pants

-Insect Repellant          -Binoculars          -Snacks/drinks

 

Adventures:

 

Traveling to the tundra in June was during the short growing season.  This season is only possible due to the fact that the region is tilted toward the Sun and is able to warm up enough to grow some sort of plant life.  Along with plant life comes the melting of the permafrost that seems permanent in the tundra biome.  There were no trees present in the tundra due to the solid ground.  This prevents any deep roots from forming in plants.  For the most part only small woody shrubs and mosses are able to grow.  Due to the cold nature of the tundra, decomposition of dead animals and plants occurs very slowly and keeps the soil from gaining nutrients.

 

The standing water that melted from the rapid rise in temperatures created a bug problem that was annoying while on this trip.  I was glad that I brought my binoculars with.  The tundra is filled with wild life that is incredible to see, even from a distance.  I was able to see foxes and giant caribou from my hiking adventures.  While there were no polar bears witnessed on my trip, I know that they are prevalent in the tundra in the colder months.  Hares were also present in the tundra biome that bounded around looking for new food sources.  The warmer temperature for the tundra that I witnessed was not ordinary, but it allowed me to see more of the biome than I would be able to otherwise.

 

 

http://prhscience.wordpress.com/tag/nature/