Biomes KS2
Looking for information and teaching resources about biomes for KS2?
On this page, you'll find a simple explanation of what biomes are, examples of different biomes around the world, and ideas for teaching biomes in KS2 Geography.
Teaching Biomes in KS2?
Save hours with a pack of seven ready-to-teach lessons covering KS2 Geography National Curriculum objectives.
What Are Biomes?
A biome is a large geographical area that has similar plants, animals and climate conditions. Different biomes are found around the world depending on factors such as temperature, rainfall and location.
Living things within a biome have adapted to survive in the conditions found there.
Examples of Biomes
There are many different biomes across the world. Some of the most commonly studied biomes in KS2 include:
- Tropical rainforest – hot, wet regions with high levels of biodiversity.
- Desert – very dry areas that receive little rainfall.
- Grassland – open landscapes dominated by grasses.
- Tundra – extremely cold regions with frozen ground.
- Taiga (boreal forest) – cold forests found across northern parts of the world.
- Savanna – tropical grasslands with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Major World Biomes KS2
Scientists divide the Earth into different biomes based on their climate, plants and animals. Each biome has unique characteristics and supports different forms of life.
Tropical Rainforest Biome
Tropical rainforests are found near the Equator in places such as South America, Africa and Southeast Asia. They are hot and wet throughout the year and contain an incredible variety of plants and animals. Rainforests are some of the most biodiverse places on Earth and are often referred to as the planet's 'lungs' because of the large amount of oxygen produced by their trees.
Desert Biome
Deserts are extremely dry environments that receive very little rainfall. Although many people think of deserts as being hot, some deserts are cold. Plants and animals that live in deserts have special adaptations that help them survive with limited water. Famous examples include the Sahara Desert in Africa and the Gobi Desert in Asia.
Grassland Biome
Grasslands are large open areas where grasses are the dominant type of vegetation. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Grasslands support many grazing animals, such as zebras, bison and antelope. Some grasslands, such as the African savanna, experience distinct wet and dry seasons.
Tundra Biome
The tundra is one of the coldest biomes on Earth and is found mainly in Arctic regions. The ground remains frozen for much of the year in a layer known as permafrost. Only a small number of plants can survive in these harsh conditions, but animals such as Arctic foxes, reindeer and polar bears have adapted to live there.
Taiga Biome
The taiga, also known as the boreal forest, is the world's largest land biome. It stretches across northern parts of North America, Europe and Asia. Taiga regions experience long, cold winters and short summers. Evergreen trees such as pine and spruce dominate the landscape and provide habitats for many species of birds and mammals.
Temperate Forest Biome
Temperate forests are found in regions with four distinct seasons, including much of Europe and parts of North America and Asia. These forests contain a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees. Animals living in temperate forests must adapt to seasonal changes in temperature, food availability and weather conditions.
Biomes KS2 Geography
Learning about biomes helps children understand how climate affects the natural world. It also develops their knowledge of physical geography and how living things adapt to different environments.
When studying biomes in KS2, children might:
- Locate biomes on a world map
- Compare climates in different regions
- Investigate how plants and animals are adapted to their biome
- Explore threats to habitats and biodiversity
- Compare tropical rainforests, deserts and tundra environments
Teach Biomes KS2 with Ready-to-Use Lessons
If you're teaching biomes in KS2, we have several ready-to-teach schemes of work that help children investigate the climates, habitats, adaptations and biodiversity of biomes around the world through practical activities and discussion.
Each scheme contains detailed lesson plans, differentiated worksheets, slides and assessment opportunities to support your geography teaching.
🌍 Biomes
View all Geography KS2 schemes of work →
Biome Examples for KS2
One of the easiest ways for children to understand biomes is to compare different environments. For example, a tropical rainforest biome receives high levels of rainfall and supports a huge variety of plants and animals, while a desert biome receives very little rainfall and contains species specially adapted to survive in dry conditions.
Comparing biome examples helps children recognise how climate influences the living world.
Biomes KS2 FAQs
What is a biome?
A biome is a large area with similar climate conditions, plants and animals.
What biomes do children learn about in KS2?
Children often learn about tropical rainforests, deserts, tundra, grasslands, savannas and forests.
Why do children learn about biomes in KS2?
Studying biomes helps children understand physical geography, climate, habitats and how living things adapt to different environments.
