APES Module 2

Biome

region of the world where particular plants and animals can be found

Terrestrial biomes

defined by the dominant plant growth forms as well as annual temperature and precipitation

habitat

where a particular species lives in nature; not characterized by plants

Terrestrial biome groups

tundra, taiga, temperate, tropical

tundra

cold and treeless biome with low growing vegetation; permafrost

Taiga

forest biome; tolerate cold winters and short growing seasons; boreal forest

Temperate rainforest

coastal biome defined by moderate temperatures and high precipitation

Shrubland

woodland; hot dry summers, mild rainy winters

Temperature Grassland

cold desert, cold harsh winters and hot dry summers

Tropical rainforest

warm and wet biome, little seasonal temperature variation, high precipitation, soils are typically poor

Savana

tropical seasonal forest, warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons

Hot desert

hot temperatures, dry conditions, sparse vegetation

Vertical zonation

vegetation zones defined by altitude

cloud forests

high mountains where fog and mist keep vegetation continually wet

temperate seasonal forest

warm summers, cold winters