003 - Biosphere
Geographic Knowledge and Understanding
Climate change and the biosphere, including:
Spatial changes in biomes, habitats and animal migration patterns.
Changes to agriculture, including crop yields, limits of cultivation and soil erosion.
Concepts
The process of global climate change will impact the biosphere and therefore how humans interact with place.
Aims
To have knowledge and understanding of the effects of climate change upon:
Spatial changes in biomes and habitats.
Spatial changes in animal migration patterns.
Changes to agriculture, including crop yields, limits of cultivation, soil erosion.
Key Terminology
Biome
Habitat
Ecosystem
Crop yields
Deciduous
Tree line
Define the key terms above by using the 'Useful Links' below.
Useful Links
Activity One - Describe
As geographers often do we review changes in the world by interpreting data that has been transposed onto a map. Answer the following question.
Using the maps below describe the changes in potential vegetation between 1990 and 2100.
Activity Two - Create
Climate change is having quite an impact on the hydrosphere and the magnitude and frequency of climatic hazards. It is now time to investigate how climate change can impact our biomes and agricultural systems. It is particularly important to look at the impact on the biosphere as we rely on it to produce the food we require for survival. While humans are creative creatures it still takes us time to adapt to change. As you have already studied, neo-Malthusian thought believes if we become too slow to react it could ultimately result in economic decline or conflict. For this activity, you are going to be divided into teams to investigate a specific element of change to the biosphere. You will be using Lucidpress to record and share your findings.
Focus Areas and Resources
'Geography. Global Change Study and Revision Guide' by Simon Oakes Pages 55-60
Content
Map to show changes.
Description of the changes.
Explanation of why the changes are happening.
Impact of the changes using examples of place, including the adaptations that may have to take place.
Student Examples

Agricultural Change

Animal Migration

Biomes

Crop Yield

Habitats

Soil Erosion
Exam Style Question
State and explain TWO impacts of climate change on the biosphere. [2+2+2]