terrestrial biomes

Tundra

Treeless biome with a layer of permanently frozen soil under the surface

Boreal forest

Biome south of the tundra with dense evergreen forests and long, cold, dry winters

Temperate forest

Biome south of the boreal forest characterized by broad-leaved, deciduous trees, and well-defined seasons

Temperate woodland and shrubland

Biome characterized by small trees and mixed shrub communities

Temperate grassland

Biome characterized by fertile soils with a thick cover of grasses

Desert

Area with low rainfall, whose annual rate of evaporation exceeds its annual rate of precipitation; can support cacti and some grasses and animal species such as snakes and lizards

Tropical savanna

Biome characterized by grasses and scattered trees, and herd animals such as zebras and antelopes

Tropical seasonal forest

Biome characterized by deciduous and evergreen trees, a dry season, and animal species that include monkeys, elephants, and Bengal tigers

Tropical rain forest

Hot, wet biome with year-round humidity; contains Earth’s most diverse species of plants and animals