AP Environmental Science Biomes

biome

a large, relatively distinct terrestrial region with a similar climate, soil, plants, and animals, regardless of where it occurs in the world.

tundra

also called arctic tundra; the treeless biome in the far north that consists of boggy plains covered by lichens and small plants such as mosses; has harsh, very cold winters and extremely short summers.

boreal forest

also called taiga; a region of coniferous forest (pine, spruce, fir, etc.) in the Northern Hemisphere; located just south of the tundra.

temperate rain forest

a coniferous biome with cool weather, dense fog, and high precipitation.

temperate deciduous forest

a forest biome that occurs in temperate areas with a moderate amount of precipitation.

temperate grassland

a grassland with hot summers, cold winters, and less rainfall than the temperate deciduous forest biome.

chaparral

a biome with mild, moist winters and hot, dry summers; vegetation is typically small-leaved evergreen shrubs and small trees.

desert

a biome in which the lack of precipitation limits plant growth; deserts are found in both temperate and subtropical regions.

savanna

a tropical grassland with widely scattered trees or clumps of trees.

tropical rain forest

a lush, species-rich forest biome that occurs where the climate is warm and moist throughout the year.