Distribution & Characteristics of Large-Scale Ecosystems (Edexcel GCSE Geography A)

Tropical rainforest (TFR)

Amazon, Brazil

Total annual rainfall between 2000mm and 2200mm

Small range between 26° and 30° C

Four layers are made up of emergent, canopy, under-canopy, and shrub layers. Lianas grow up the trees, epiphytes grow on the trees, evergreen appearance

Sloths Monkeys Armadillo Snakes Insects

Temperate forest 

UK, Europe

Total annual rainfall is around 1000mm

Temperature range between 4°C and 18°C

Four layers made up of canopy, sub-canopy, herb and ground. Oak is a dominant species. Trees lose their leaves in winter

Rabbits Deer 

Boreal forest

Russia

Total annual rainfall around 500mm 

Temperature range between  -10°C and 15°C

Evergreen trees with needles (less transpiration) and thick bark (protection from cold), shallow roots

Deer Wolves Black bears 

Tropical grassland

East Africa

Distinctive wet (May–October) and dry seasons

Small temperature range between 25°C and 30°C

Scrub, grasses and occasional trees, e.g. acacia

Many animals migrate long distances in search of food. Wildebeest Giraffes  Elephants

Temperate grassland

Pampas, Argentina

Total annual rainfall around 500mm 

Temperature range between 10°C and 18°C

Distinctively devoid of trees. Buffalo grasses

Foxes Skunks  Small herds of guanacos Bush dogs Many bird species

Deserts

Great Sandy Desert, Australia

Very low and unpredictable

Average temperature range between 30°C and 35°C. However, there can be massive difference between day and night

Shrubs, cacti, very little vegetation

Camels Dingoes Kangaroo

Sun

More concentrated

Weak

Moderate

Pressure

Usually low 

Usually high 

Unsettled 

Air

Warm, humid and rising

Cold, dry and descending

Warm and moist; rises and descends

Diversity

High biodiversity

Low biodiversity

Moderate

Influenced by ITCZ

Yes

No

No

Altitude 

For every 100 metres of ascent, temperatures decrease by roughly 1°C. The air becomes less dense and does not hold heat as easily

Prevailing wind

Winds blowing across oceans will bring moisture and rainfall, whereas winds blowing across warmer continents will bring warm, dry air

Soils 

Different vegetation requires different soil types. Thinner soils, such as in the Boreal forests, contain less organic matter and may be more acidic, whereas in the Tropical rainforest, soils are more nutrient-rich because of the decaying litter layer

Distance from the sea 

The land heats and cools faster than the sea. Therefore, coastal areas have a lower temperature range than areas inland. On the coast, winters are relatively mild, and summers are cool. Inland, temperatures are higher in the summer and colder in the winter

Ocean currents 

Warm ocean currents, especially in the North Atlantic, moderate the land temperatures of cold areas

Relief/Topography

Hills and mountains play a decisive part in local weather patterns, especially where moist air is forced to rise and cool, forming precipitation