2. biome – a region where plants, animals, and environment are suited to one another
natural vegetation – typical plant life in an area unaffected by humans
plant community – the mix of plants that naturally grow in an area
environment – physical conditions of the natural surroundings

3. Earth’s Biomes

4. Earth’s 8 Major Biomes
rainforest – a large, dense forest in a hot, humid region (tropical or subtropical).
savannas – huge tropical grasslands & scattered trees
grasslands – areas with grass and very few trees
desert – the driest of the dry climates, either hot or cold
deciduous forest – trees that shed their broad leaves when winter approaches
alpine – mountain biome, varies widely according to altitude
tundra – regions where temperatures are always cool or cold with permafrost (a layer of soil just below the surface that stays permanently frozen)
taiga – cold region with coniferous trees (trees that have cones and needles for leaves)

5. Compare the climate map and the biomes map.
Are the two maps more similar, or more different?

6. Bodies of Water
1. Oceans and Seas A. Interconnected body of salt water B. Covers 71% of the earth
2. Lakes, Rivers, and Streams A. Lakes hold over 95% of earth’s fresh water B. Drainage Basin – Area drained by a major river
3. Ground Water A. Water held in the soil or underground B. Ground Water – Water held in the pores of rock C. Water Table – Level at which the rock is saturated

7. Hydrologic Cycle
The continuous circulation of water between the atmosphere, the oceans, and the earth

9. Ocean Currents move warm and cold water around the earth and effect climate. Global Warming effects the currents and could cause climate change.

11. Green House Effect & Global Warming