Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

World Summary: Biomes: Review is at the heart of the Geography discipline, as biomes are living mosaics that represent the essential interaction between living beings, including humans, and the environment. A solid knowledge about biomes is therefore fundamental to understand global dynamics, from the distribution of life to issues such as climate change and biodiversity conservation.

Contextualization

The study of biomes comes after exploring the concepts of ecosystem, biotic and abiotic interactions, and the natural and anthropic components of the landscape. Thus, we come to understand that biomes are large-scale structures that encompass many interconnected ecosystems. Through this theme, we broaden our vision beyond the local scale and connect with global phenomena.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Biome: A set of ecosystems that share similar characteristics in terms of climate, soil, vegetation, fauna, and other factors. They are distinguished by species composition and biodiversity patterns. There are different classifications of biomes, some broad, such as terrestrial biomes, and others more specific, such as freshwater biomes.

• Biomasses: They are important indicators of a biome's vitality and refer to the amount of living matter present in a given space. They can include the mass of trees, ground vegetation, shrubs, epiphytes, and mosses.

• Biodiversity: It refers to the variety of life in all its forms and interactions. The higher the biological diversity, the greater the ecosystem stability. Biomes play a vital role in sustaining global biodiversity.

Key Terms

• Desertification: It is the process that turns fertile lands into deserts, usually due to human activity, such as improper land use, destruction of native vegetation, and lack of sustainable management.

• Pollinating Insects: They are animals that carry pollen from one flower to another, promoting plant reproduction. They are essential for maintaining biomes, as they ensure seed dispersal and the reproduction of many plant species.

• Wildfires: They are intentional or accidental fires that occur in biomes, which can have natural origins (such as lightning) or be anthropogenic (agricultural practices, for example). Although they are a natural process in some biomes, improper management can lead to ecosystem degradation.

Examples and Cases

• Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon biome is a notorious example of exuberance and importance. It is the largest tropical forest in the world and harbors unparalleled biodiversity. However, it is threatened by illegal logging, fires, and deforestation.

• Cerrado: A typical biome of the Brazilian Midwest, known for its biodiversity and fire resistance. It faces pressures due to the expansion of the agricultural frontier, with deforestation for grain cultivation and livestock.

• Atlantic Forest: Originally the largest tropical forest in the country, but today it is the most devastated biome. Despite this, it still harbors great biodiversity and has extraordinary importance for climate regulation and water resource supply.

Detailed Summary

Relevant Points

• The Importance of Biomes: The relevance of biomes is expressed in the protection of biodiversity and in the regulation of global ecological processes, such as oxygen production, carbon capture, and maintenance of hydrological cycles.

• Terrestrial Biomes: We know the terrestrial biomes and the biodiversity contained in them: Tropical Forests, Temperate Forests, Coniferous Forests, Grasslands, Deserts, Tundras, Savannas, and Mediterranean Woodlands.

• Aquatic Biomes: Aquatic biomes are complex and include Oceans, Coastal Seas, Rivers, and Lakes. Each of these biomes has a unique variety of organisms and plays a crucial role in balancing our planet.

• Current Challenges: Overexploitation, deforestation, improper land use, global warming, and pollution are some of the challenges that affect biomes and life within them.

Conclusions

• Importance of Biodiversity: Biodiversity is essential for the survival of our planet. Biomes, in turn, harbor and sustain this biodiversity.

• Human Action: The impact of human actions on biomes is significant. Deforestation, wildfires, and pollution, among other factors, can lead to irreparable species loss and long-term environmental damage.

• Need for Preservation: There is an urgent need for the preservation and sustainable management of biomes to ensure the quality of life for future generations and the health of our planet.

Exercises

1. Describe the main characteristics of the Amazon biome and discuss the challenges this biome currently faces.

2. Explain the importance of pollinating insects for the maintenance of biomes. Give examples of how their actions benefit flora and fauna.

3. What is the role of biodiversity in ecosystem stability? Provide arguments to support your answer.