3-Biomes_Types_23-24

Biome

Collections of ecosystems sharing similar climatic conditions that can be grouped into five major classes: aquatic, forest, grassland, desert, and tundra.

Tropical Rainforest

Typically found near the equator, warm, receives around 200-500 cm of rain annually, and home to numerous species of flora and fauna.

Tundra

A cold, dry biome characterized by permafrost, low biodiversity, and short growing seasons.

Limiting Factor

Environmental conditions that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or a population of organisms.

NPP (Net Primary Productivity)

The rate at which energy is converted by photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs to organic substances; crucial in determining the energy available to herbivores.

Desert

A biome characterized by low precipitation (less than 25 cm/year), extreme temperatures, and specialized flora and fauna adapted to such conditions.

Biodiversity Hotspot

A biogeographic region with a great diversity of flora and fauna that is at risk of destruction.

Taiga

The coniferous forest biome, the largest biome, typically found in cold climates, characterized by low temperatures and significant snow precipitation.

Freshwater Biome

Includes still and moving water, such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, which have low salt concentrations.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that spread widely in a new habitat, often causing harm to the environment, economy, or human health.