The World’s Biomes

What is a Biome? A biome is a large geographical area of distinctive plants and animal groups, which are adapted to that particular environment. The climate and geography of a region determines what types of biomes can exist in that region.

The Six Major Biomes Tropical Rain Forest Desert Grassland Tundra Savanna, Chaparral Tundra Taiga Temperate Deciduous Forest

Tropical Rain Forest Warm temperatures Wet weather Lush plant growth Found near the equator Average temperature: about 25°C Receives at least 200 cm of rain Some areas receives up to 600 cm Home to astonishing variety of organisms= biodiversity!

Tropical Rain Forest Slender Loris Chimpanzee Orangutan

Desert The driest biome on Earth Receives less than 25 cm Covered with a thin, sandy, or gravely soil that contains little organic matter Animals and plants have adaptation for extreme conditions Few animals are found

Desert Desert Tortoise Thorny Devil

Grassland Temperate and Tropical regions receives between 25cm and 75 cm of rain Perfect for growing wheat, rye, oats, barley, and corn Prairies and Plains in North America Stepps of Asia Savannas of Africa Pampas of South America

Grassland Saker Falcon Northern Lynx

Tundra Cold, dry, treeless region Sometimes called a cold desert Rain less than 25cm Winters six to nine months long Sun never appears above the horizon Land in dark 24 hours a day Average temperature -12°C

Tundra Polar Bear Arctic Fox

Taiga Located between latitudes 50°N and 60°N Stretching across Canada, northern Europe, and Asia Largest biome Precipitation mostly snow Averages 35cm to 100cm each year

Taiga Bald Eagle Bobcat

Temperate Deciduous Forest Four distinct seasons Leaves change colors in the fall, lose their leaves in the winter months Annual precipitation ranges from about 75cm to 150cm Temperatures range from below freezing during winter to 30°C

Temperate Deciduous Forest Eastern Chipmunk American Black Bear