biomes

Biomes

Major regional or global biotic communities characterized by dominant forms of plant life and prevailing climates.

Temperature and precipitation

The most important determinants of biomes.

Terrestrial biomes

Identified primarily by the plant life found within them.

Deserts

Defined by the amount of rainfall received, not temperature; cover about 20% of Earth's surface.

Succulents

Plants with fleshy leaves or stems that store water and have adaptations for water conservation.

Cactus

A type of succulent with sharp spines that provide shade and deter herbivores.

Wildflowers

Depend on water for germination and complete their life cycle within a single growing season.

Desert animals

Generally small, often nocturnal, and adapted to conserve water and energy.

Aestivation

A summer hibernation behavior in desert animals.

Forests

Cover about one-third of Earth's land surface and account for 75% of gross primary productivity.

Closed canopy

Tree crowns cover more than 20% of the ground’s surface, representing 80% of the forest biome.

Tropical rainforests

Characterized by high biodiversity, rapid decomposition, and nutrient-poor soils.

Temperate deciduous forests

Found in eastern North America and Europe, with distinct seasons and diverse understory vegetation.

Temperate coniferous forests

Found in temperate regions with warm summers and cool winters, featuring coniferous trees.

Taiga

The largest terrestrial biome, consisting primarily of cold-tolerant evergreen conifers.

Grasslands

Dominated by grasses, with two main divisions:savannas and temperate grasslands.

Savannas

Grasslands with scattered trees, found in warm climates with seasonal rainfall.

Temperate grasslands

Characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall, with deep, fertile soil.

Tundra

Characterized by low temperatures, limited nutrients, and simple vegetation structure.

Arctic tundra

Cold, dry biome with a short growing season and permafrost.

Permafrost

A layer of permanently frozen subsoil found in the Arctic tundra.

Alpine tundra

Located at high altitudes where trees cannot grow, with a growing season of approximately 180 days.