Biomes

aquatic: freshwater

A biome characterized by having a low salt concentration; includes ponds and lakes, rivers and streams, and wetlands

aquatic: marine

This biome covers about three-fourths of the earth and includes the oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries

taiga

a biome characterized by evergreen trees, with long and cold winters and only short summers

desert

a biome characterized by extreme dryness; cold ones experience cold winters and hot summers, while hot ones are uniformly warm throughout the year

mediterranean

a biome characterized by long, hot, and dry summers and cool, damp winters; the plant life includes characteristic short evergreen trees and shrubs with leathery leaves

temperate deciduous forest

a biome characterized by moderate winters and rainfall; trees are mostly evergreen or deciduous, dropping their leaves in winter

temperate grassland

a biome characterized by perennial grasses and other nonwoody plants; in North America, the prairies are examples of grasslands

savanna

a biome characterized by warm temperatures and two seasons (dry and rainy); primary vegetation is grasses, with some shrubs and rare trees

tundra

a biome that occurs in the Arctic and mountain regions; is characterized by low-growing vegetation and a layer of permafrost soil very close to the surface of the soil

tropical forest

biome characterized by warm temperatures and sufficient rainfall to support the growth of trees; may be deciduous or evergreen, depending on the presence or absence of a dry season