Chapter 30: Brazilian Biomes

Brazil, due to its vast territorial extension and climatic diversity, is home to an impressive variety of biomes. Each biome has unique characteristics, with distinct flora, fauna and ecosystems. For Enem, it is essential to understand the main characteristics of each of these biomes.

1. Amazon

The Amazon is the largest Brazilian biome, occupying about 49% of the national territory. It is known for its immense biodiversity, housing the largest tropical forest in the world. The flora is extremely rich, with species such as rubber trees, açaí and chestnut trees. The fauna is equally diverse, with species such as the pink river dolphin, the jaguar and the spider monkey.

2. Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest extends along the Brazilian coast, from Rio Grande do Norte to Rio Grande do Sul. Despite having suffered intense devastation, it still harbors a rich biodiversity. Among the flora species, the brazilwood, the araucaria and the jequitibá stand out. The fauna is represented by species such as the golden lion tamarin, the collared sloth and the puma.

3. Cerrado

The Cerrado is the second largest biome in Brazil, located mainly in the Central Plateau. It is characterized by a savanna vegetation, with medium-sized trees and grasses. Among the species of flora, the pequi, buriti and barbatimão stand out. The fauna is represented by species such as the maned wolf, the giant anteater and the giant armadillo.

4. Pantanal

The Pantanal is a lowland biome, located mainly in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. It is known for its wetlands, which harbor a rich biodiversity. The flora is represented by species such as the ipê, the water lily and the tabebuia. The fauna is extremely diverse, with species such as the marsh alligator, the hyacinth macaw and the capybara.

5. Caatinga

The Caatinga is the only exclusively Brazilian biome, located mainly in the Northeast. It is characterized by a xerophytic vegetation, adapted to dry conditions. Among the species of flora, the mandacaru, the umburana and the mastic stand out. The fauna is represented by species such as the three-banded armadillo, the white wing and the Araripe soldier.

6. Pampas

The Pampa is a biome located in the extreme south of Brazil, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. It is characterized by grassland vegetation, with a predominance of grasses. Among the species of flora, the barbatimão, the cork tree and the mastic stand out. The fauna is represented by species such as the pampas deer, the lapwing and the nandu.

Understanding Brazilian biomes is essential to understanding the richness and diversity of our country. In addition, it is a topic frequently addressed in Enem, both in the Natural Sciences test and in the Human Sciences test. Therefore, study carefully and deeply each of these biomes!