AP Enviro: Terrestrial Biomes

Tundra

A cold and treeless biome characterized by permafrost, which is a frozen layer of soil that prevents drainage.

Climate diagram (Tundra)

Growing season occurs during June to September, with average precipitation remaining low (less than 100 mm).

Taiga

A forest biome primarily composed of coniferous evergreen trees that can withstand cold winters and short growing seasons, also known as boreal forest.

Climate diagram (Taiga)

Growing season spans April to September, reaching about 20 degrees Celsius, with precipitation under 100 mm.

Temperate Rainforest

A coastal biome characterized by moderate temperatures and high precipitation.

Climate diagram (Temperate Rainforest)

Growing season lasts all year, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius and precipitation just under 200 mm.

Temperate Seasonal Forest

A biome with warm summers and cold winters, receiving over 1 meter (39 inches) of annual precipitation.

Climate diagram (Temperate Seasonal Forest)

Growing season is year-round, with temperatures just under 20 degrees Celsius and precipitation under 100 mm.

Shrubland

Also known as woodland, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

Climate diagram (Shrubland)

Growing season is all year, with the highest precipitation just over 100 mm.

Temperate Grassland

Also referred to as a cold desert, typically experiences cold, harsh winters and hot, dry summers.

Climate diagram (Temperate Grassland)

Growing season is year-round, with precipitation remaining under 100 mm.

Tropical Rainforests

A warm and wet biome located between 20° N and 20° S of the equator, featuring little seasonal temperature variation and high precipitation.

Climate diagram (Tropical Rainforests)

Temperatures remain relatively constant, under 30 degrees Celsius, with erratic precipitation reaching up to 400 mm.

Savanna

Also known as tropical seasonal forest, characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.

Climate diagram (Savanna)

Average precipitation peaks at about 250 mm, with low precipitation the rest of the year and constant temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius.

Hot Desert Biomes

Located at approximately 30° N and 30° S, characterized by hot temperatures, extremely dry conditions, and sparse vegetation.

Climate diagram (Hot Desert)

No precipitation, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius.