Module 12 and 13

Terrestrial Biome

A geographic region categorized by a specific combination of average annual temperature, annual precipitation, and distinctive plant growth forms.

Aquatic Biome

An aquatic region characterized by a particular combination of salinity, depth, and water flow.

Climate Diagrams

Tools that display monthly temperature and precipitation values to determine the productivity of a biome.

Permafrost

An impermeable, permanently frozen layer of soil often found in tundra biomes.

Boreal Forest

A forest biome predominantly made up of coniferous evergreen trees that can endure cold winters and short growing seasons.

Temperate Rainforest

A coastal biome with moderate temperatures and high precipitation, typically found along the west coast of North America and other similar locations.

Temperate Seasonal Forest

A biome characterized by warm summers and cold winters, receiving over 1 meter of precipitation annually and dominated by broadleaf deciduous trees.

Woodland/Shrubland

A biome with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, adapted to wildfires and drought.

Temperate Grassland/Cold Desert

A biome characterized by cold winters and hot, dry summers, with the lowest average annual precipitation of any temperate biome.

Tropical Rainforest

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

Tropical Seasonal Forest/Savanna

A biome with warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons, often featuring grasses and scattered deciduous trees.

Subtropical Desert

A biome located around 30° N and 30° S, characterized by hot temperatures, extremely dry conditions, and sparse vegetation.

Streams and Rivers

Flowing fresh water that originates from underground springs or runoff, varying in width and volume.

Freshwater Wetlands

An aquatic biome submerged or saturated by water for part of each year, shallow enough to support emergent vegetation.

Salt Marsh

A marsh with nonwoody emergent vegetation found along temperate coastline, among the most productive biomes.

Mangrove Swamp

A swamp occurring along tropical and subtropical coasts, containing salt-tolerant trees.

Intertidal Zone

The narrow coastal area between high tide and low tide, challenged by waves.

Coral Reef

The most diverse marine biome, found in warm, shallow waters beyond the shoreline.

Open Ocean

Deep ocean water located away from shore where light does not reach the ocean bottom.

Photic Zone

The upper layer of ocean water that receives enough sunlight for photosynthesis.

Aphotic Zone

The deeper layer of ocean water that lacks adequate sunlight for photosynthesis.

Chemosynthesis

A process by which some bacteria in the ocean generate energy using methane and hydrogen sulfide.