Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems | Module 2: Terrestrial Biomes

Biome

The plants and animals that are found in a particular region of the world.

Terrestrial Biome

A geographic region of land categorized by a particular combination of average annual temperature, annual precipitation, and distinctive plant growth forms.

Aquatic Biome

An aquatic region characterized by a particular combination of salinity, depth, and water flow.

Habitat

An area where a particular species lives in nature.

Tundra

A cold and treeless biome with low-growing vegetation.

Permafrost

An impermeable, permanently frozen layer of soil.

Taiga/Boreal Forest

A forest biome made up primarily of coniferous evergreen trees that can tolerate cold winters and short growing seasons. Also known as boreal forest.

Temperate Rainforest

A coastal biome typified by moderate temperatures and high precipitation.

Temperate Seasonal Forest

A biome with warm summers and cold winters with over 1 m (39 inches) of annual precipitation.

Shrubland/Woodland

A biome characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Also known as woodland.

Temperate Grassland/Cold Desert

A biome characterized by cold, harsh winters, and hot, dry summers. Also known as cold desert.

Tropical Rainforest

A warm and wet biome found between 20° N and 20° S of the equator, with little seasonal temperature variation and high precipitation.

Savanna/Tropical Seasonal Forest

A biome marked by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Also known as tropical seasonal forest.

Hot Desert

A biome located at roughly 30° N and 30° S, and characterized by hot temperatures, extremely dry conditions, and sparse vegetation.