Earths Major Biomes Definition of Biome A group

Earth's Major Biomes!

Definition of Biome • A group of land ecosystems with similar climates and organisms.

Rain Forest Biome • At least 80 inches of rain a year, overgrown with vegetation.

Temperate Rain Forest • Mild temperatures, dominated by coniferous trees, very wet – 80 + inches/year!

Tropical Rain Forest • Warm, humid, has deciduous trees that form a canopy. 80+ inches/year.

Desert • Less than 10 in. of rain a year. Very little plant or animal life. Huge temperature range.

Grassland Biome • Receive 15 -35 inches of rain a year. Often has no trees.

Savanna • Receives 30 -45 in. of rain a year. Can support small trees and shrubs. More life than a grassland.

Deciduous Forest Biome • Receives 20 -50 inches of rain a year. Distinct seasons. Contains deciduous trees!

Deciduous Trees • Deciduous trees lose their leaves over winter.

Coniferous Forest • Cold winters, mild summers, coniferous trees, plenty of rain (25 -50+ in. ). Also known as Boreal Forests, • or Taiga.

Coniferous Trees Are… • “Evergreen” trees, Pine, Fir, etc. Have needles instead of leaves.

Tundra • Extremely cold and dry! Permafrost dominates soil. Few small trees and shrubs.

Definition of Permafrost • When the soil just below the surface is frozen year round. Yes, that’s a man!

Ice and mountains • Because of the lack of life these places are not part of a biome.