CourseCourseQuestionQuestionDocumentDocument

B4.1.6—Terrestrial biome distribution

Terrestrial biome distribution is predicted mainly from temperature, rainfall and insolation, which shape productivity, vegetation and seasonal ecosystem patterns globally.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
B4.1.6
Level
SL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing5%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2025
Most common paperPaper3
Typical marks1–3

Common command terms

  • Outline
  • Identify
  • Suggest
  • State

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Identifying a biome from one climate variable while ignoring rainfall-temperature combinations.

Recent exam appearances

May 2025Paper1A ["SL"] · TZ324[ 1 ]B4.1.6—Terrestrial biome distribution
November 2024Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ215(a)(ii)[ 1 ]B4.1.6—Terrestrial biome distribution
November 2024Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ215(a)(i)[ 1 ]B4.1.6—Terrestrial biome distribution
May 2024Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ212(b)[ 1 ]B4.1.6—Terrestrial biome distribution
November 2016Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ012(a)[ 2 ]B4.1.6—Terrestrial biome distribution

Coverage 2010–2025 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Climate Narrows the Likely Terrestrial Biome

Long-term temperature and rainfall are the main predictors of terrestrial biomes. Seasonality and insolation refine the prediction because they change water availability, growing season and productivity.

Show simplified climograph and named biome examples so the learner can predict A Biome From Climate.

warm + wet year-round → tropical forest
warm + very dry → hot desert
cold + short growing season → tundra
seasonal/moderate rain → grassland or temperate forest, depending on water balance

Summary: Predict Distribution from Environment and Adaptation

measure environment → locate tolerance limits and optimum → predict possible distribution → test abundance in the field → explain how adaptations change performance

microhabitat: local moisture, light and temperature
species range: interacting tolerance, adaptation and dispersal limits
biome: long-term climate filters whole communities; similar pressures can produce convergent forms

Terrestrial biome distribution

[ 3 ]

Outline how the type of stable ecosystem that will develop in an area can be predicted based on climate.

Concept essentials

  • Temperature and rainfall are major predictors of terrestrial biomes.
  • Water availability strongly affects productivity and vegetation structure.
  • Latitude and seasonality influence insolation, daylength and growing season.
  • Climographs can be used to identify biome types from climate data.