GeographyYears 7–9Physical Geography

Ecosystems and biomes

Learn Ecosystems and biomes for Years 7–9 pupils (ages 11–14). Free practice questions, lessons and worked examples — aligned to the UK National Curriculum.

What you'll learn

  1. 1

    An ecosystem is living things interacting with their non-living environment. A biome is a very large ecosystem such as tropical rainforest or desert.

  2. 2

    Rainforests lie near the Equator where it is hot and wet all year. Hot deserts sit around 30° north and south, where descending dry air suppresses rainfall.

  3. 3

    Where are tropical rainforests found?

  4. 4

    Rainforest soil is surprisingly poor. Nutrients are held in the vegetation and cycled rapidly, so clearing the trees removes most of the fertility.

  5. 5

    Deforestation causes: logging, cattle ranching, mining, road building. Effects: biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and carbon released into the atmosphere.

  6. 6

    Why is cleared rainforest land often unproductive?

  7. 7

    What does biodiversity mean?

Practise Ecosystems and biomes with Whizlo

Free AI-tutored lessons, unlimited practice questions, and progress tracking for ages 11–14. Aligned to the UK National Curriculum.