Unit 2

• Biomes


  Different regions characterized by distinct climates, vegetation, and animal life
• Terrestrial biomes of South Africa

  • Savanna
  • Forest
  • Fynbos
  • Succulent Karoo
  • Grassland
  • Thicket
  • Nama-Karoo
• The map in Figure 8.5 shows the different biomes found in South Africa
• The grassland biome experiences summer rainfall with heavy thunderstorms and hail, and frost in winter
• Grassland biome


  • Trees are scarce
  • Grasses are the dominant plant type
  • Birds are plentiful
  • Soils tend to be deep and dark
• Savanna biome


  • Mixed grasslands and trees
  • Common trees include baobab, mopane, and monkey thorn trees
  • Home to famous animals like lions and elephants
• Forest biome


  • Smallest biome in South Africa
  • Temperate climate with rainfall all year round
  • Giant trees like yellowwood and ironwood
• Nama-Karoo biome


  • Mostly semi-desert
  • Low rainfall
  • Very hot in summer and bitterly cold in winter
• Succulent Karoo biome


  • Winter rainfall area
  • Extremely dry summers
  • Dominated by succulent plants
• Fynbos biome


  • Cool, wet winters
  • Hot, dry summers
  • Home to unique plant species like proteas and ericas
• Thicket biome


  • Consists of shrubs and low evergreen trees
  • Rainfall can occur in winter or summer
  • Home to animals like elephant and kudu
• Types of aquatic biomes

  • Marine biomes
  • Freshwater biomes
• Marine biomes


  • Found in Earth's oceans
  • Divided into coral reefs, estuaries, and oceans
  • Major source of oxygen
• Freshwater biomes


  • Include wetlands, rivers, and streams
  • Characterized by flowing water or shallow water with vegetation
• Wetlands prevent flooding and act as a filter that purifies water
• Wetlands


  Areas with a shallow layer of water with vegetation growing in and on the edges
• Species diversity


  The variety of different types of living things found in an area
• Sediment


  Layers of sand and other small particles that settle at the bottom of rivers, lakes, and dams