APES Biomes & Ecosystems

Biome

A large region characterized by a specific type of climate, plant, and animal life.

Terrestrial biome

Land-based biomes such as forests, deserts, grasslands, and tundras.

Desert biome like

Very dry climate with extreme temperatures and little rainfall; organisms are adapted to conserve water.

Temperate deciduous forest

A forest with four seasons where trees lose leaves in the fall; moderate rainfall and biodiversity.

Tundra biome

A cold, treeless biome with permafrost, low precipitation, and low biodiversity.

Tropical rainforest biome

Hot and humid year-round with high rainfall and biodiversity; found near the equator.

Alpine tundra

Found at high altitudes; cold, windy, and dry with short growing seasons.

Savanna biome

A grassland with scattered trees; has distinct wet and dry seasons; found in tropical regions.

Grassland biome

Open areas dominated by grasses, with fertile soil and moderate rainfall; often used for agriculture.

Taiga (boreal forest)

A cold biome with coniferous trees, long winters, and short summers; found in northern latitudes.

Chaparral biome

A dry biome with hot summers and mild, wet winters; has drought-resistant shrubs.

Ocean biome

Aquatic biomes that include the open ocean, coral reefs, and coastal ecosystems.

Coral reef

A marine ecosystem with high biodiversity; built by coral animals in warm, shallow waters.

Bog

A wetland with acidic, nutrient-poor water and moss; often forms in cool climates.

Saltwater marsh

Coastal wetland flooded with salt water; supports grasses and serves as a nursery for marine life.

Estuary

A body of water where freshwater from rivers meets saltwater from the ocean; very productive ecosystem.

Deep ocean biome like

Cold, dark, and high-pressure; low biodiversity but some specially adapted organisms live here.