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.