Tundra Biome Northern Regions around the Arctic Ocean Precipitation: ≤ 25 cm yearly; Short growing season Temperature: -12 to -6 ◦C average yearly temp summer temperature high as 10 degrees C Permafrost (freeze-thaw activity) 6-10 months winter Vegetation: mosses/lichens, low growing shrubs Short growing season; low to the ground for warmth Animals: Caribou, moose, deer, foxes Large compact bodies covered in fur.

Taiga Biome Boreal Forest (Coniferous Trees) Russian Name North America / Eurasia Precipitation: 100-130 cm per year (wet summers) Temperature: below freezing 4-10 degrees C Subarctic/ cold w/ long (6 mo) winters/ short summers Vegetation: conifer trees with waxy needles Animals: Moose, snow hares, lynx, foxes and migratory birds, finch, sparrow, warbler

Temperate Deciduous Forest North America, Asia, Central Europe, Korea, Japan Precipitation: 75-100cm per year Temperature: -20 - 38 degree C. Avg. 11°C Vegetation: Maple, Oak, birch along with small shrubs and ferns -- 6 month growing season Broad leaf plants, nutrient demanding Animals: Bear, deer, squirrels, raccoons, small insects and migratory birds

Tropical Rain Forest 10°latitude on either side of equator. Amazon (C Tropical Rain Forest 10°latitude on either side of equator. Amazon (C. America); Zaire, W. Africa; Madagascar Precipitation: lots of rain 250-400cm per year Temperature: hot and humid avg 30 + degrees Optimal growth conditions Vegetation: dense layers of trees w/ under story plants (many species) 3 canopies Animals: largest diversity of animals/insects

Tropical Rain Forest 3 layers of trees where light is abundant in upper layers and only 1% on ground Vegetation: epiphytes (orchids) air plants grow on branches. Lianas: woody vines Rafflesia arnoldi (largest flower – 3ft) rotting flesh smell Animals: vibrant colors, patterns, prehensile tails.

Savanna Biomes East Africa, Belize, Honduras, Tanzania, Venezuela, Columbia Precipitation: 50-80cm wet and dry periods Temperature: Avg 20-25°C year round Vegetation: Course grasses, flat top trees, thorns on trees and shrubs Animals: Giraffe, rhino, gazelles, elephants

Temperate Grasslands United States Lowlands (KS), S Temperate Grasslands United States Lowlands (KS), S. America (Argentina), Russia Precipitation: avg 50cm per year Temperature: avg 10°C w/ hot summers Vegetation: mostly grasslands, replaced by corn, soybean and wheat – Fertile soil Animals: antelope, bison, prairie dogs

Chaparral Biomes Southern Europe, N Chaparral Biomes Southern Europe, N. Africa, Asia Minor, Chile (30-40°latitude) Precipitation: 35-50cm / yr. dry summers. wet winters – coincides w/ low sun Temperature: 15-24°C Vegetation: shrub oak, olive, sage, trees, manzanita. Leather like foliage plants. Animals: quail, lizard, mule deer mountain lion.

Desert Biome Precipitation: <25cm per yr. Temperature: 30°C ave. w/ 43° plus summer days – high atm. pressure. -5° at night. Vegetation: Succulents w/ thick fleshy stems, forbs w. underground bulbs. NO Trees Animals: snakes, toads, spiders, elf owls

Deserts West coast of continents 20-30°latitude. Winds prevent moisture reaching area Baja, CA Rainshadows: Death Valley High mountain areas – lots of evaporation – precipitation does not reach area Interiors of continents: Gobi Desert Distance from moisture is too great