Term | Definition |
BIOSPHERE | Refers to all life on Earth |
BIOMES | Large geographical area
Distinct plant and animal groups
Adapted to particular environment
Climate and geography of region determine |
DESERT | Extreme maximum temperature for Hot Desert ranges;
Little rainfall; Hot and Dry Deserts;
Temperature ranges from 20 to 25° C |
TEMPERATE Deciduous Forest | Found in the eastern half of North America, and the middle of Europe
Average annual temperature is 50° F
Average rainfall is 30 to 60 inches |
GRASSLAND | Large, rolling terrains of grasses, flowers & herbs;
Average annual precipitation enough to support grasses & in some areas a few trees Grasses can survive fires because they grow from bottom |
TROPICAL RAINFOREST | Forest of tall trees
Dense growth of plants
Consistent year-round warmth
Average rainfall of 50 to 260 inches (125 to 660 cm.) |
TAIGA (Coniferous Forest) | Located near top of world, below tundra biome;
Lot of coniferous trees grow here;
Winters very cold with only snowfall AND temperature range 65--30° F; (-54 -- -1° C) ; Summers are warm, rainy, and humid; temperature range 20° F--70° F; (-7° C--21° C) |
TUNDRA | Main seasons are winter and summer
Spring and fall short periods between winter and summer
Average annual temperature is -18° F (-28° C)
Average summer temperatures range from 37° to 60°F (3° to 16°C) |
SALTWATER | Oceans and bodies of water containing salt |
FRESHWATER | Rivers, Streams and Lakes |
What biome do WE live in? | TEMPERATE Deciduous Forest |