Chapter 20: Biomes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapter 20 on terrestrial and aquatic biomes.

Biome

A large geographic area characterized by its climate conditions and the particular species it supports.

Abiotic factors

The non-living environmental conditions—such as temperature and precipitation—that shape biomes.

Latitude

Distance from the equator that largely determines climate zones and, therefore, biome types.

Tropical Forest

Equatorial biome with year-round temperatures above 18 °C, high humidity, abundant rainfall, and exceptionally high biodiversity.

Savannah

Tropical or subtropical grassland biome that is warm all year with distinct wet and dry seasons and frequent natural fires.

Desert

Subtropical or temperate biome marked by extremely low rainfall, hot days, cold nights, and drought-adapted life such as succulents.

Chaparral

Coastal temperate biome featuring hot, dry summers, mild, wet winters, and vegetation adapted to periodic fires.

Temperate Grasslands

Mid-latitude biome with moderate rainfall, fast-growing grasses, few trees, and relatively low biodiversity.

Temperate Deciduous Forest

Temperate biome with year-round precipitation and broad-leaf trees that shed their leaves in autumn.

Coniferous Forest (Boreal)

Northern biome dominated by cone-bearing evergreens; experiences cold winters and mild summers.

Tundra

Earth’s coldest biome, characterized by year-round freezing temperatures, permafrost, and low-lying vegetation.

Aquatic biome

Any water-based ecosystem (oceans, rivers, lakes, streams, ponds) classified by salinity, depth, and water flow.

Salinity

The concentration of dissolved salts in water; a key factor distinguishing aquatic biomes.

Permafrost

Permanently frozen subsoil found in tundra regions, limiting deep-rooted plant growth.

Succulent plants

Water-storing plants, such as cacti, adapted to survive the extremely dry conditions of deserts.

Fire-adapted plants

Species with traits that enable survival or regeneration after periodic wildfires, common in savannahs and chaparral.

Biodiversity

The variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem; highest in tropical forests.