terrestrial biomes

tropical forests

near the equator

can be a rainforest or dry

poor soil due to rapid decomposition and recycled materials

savannas/grasslands

dominated by grasses and small trees

lack of water limits number/sizes of trees

deserts

defined lack of water, not temperature

can both be hot and cold

temperate forests

dominated by hardwood trees that need moisture

coniferous forests

principal trees are coniferous

needle-like leaves that stay on

many adaptations to periodic fire

tundra

artic areas and tops of mountains

plant life is very low-lying, no trees