 Marine vs. freshwater Marine – saltwater Freshwater – rivers, lakes, etc.  Photic zone vs. Aphotic zone Photic zone – light penetrates, higher biodiversity Aphotic zone – light does not penetrate, lower biodiversity

 Coral Reefs Shallow water biomes (photic zone) Sunlight penetrates, so photosynthesis occurs Reefs built out of coral skeletons

 Coral reefs Plankton makes up base of food chain Highest biodiversity of any biome Fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, cnidarians (jellyfish, sea anemones, corals), sea turtles

 Open ocean Photic zone:  Sunlight penetrates Aphotic zone:  No sunlight, crushing pressure, cold temperatures

 Open ocean Photic zone:  Plankton serve as base of food chain  Fishes, mammals (whales), many invertebrates Aphotic zone:  Sinking plankton and dead organisms serve as base of food chain  Deep-sea fishes, squids

 Estuaries Where saltwater and freshwater mix (usually where rivers empty into oceans)

 Estuaries High biodiversity Breeding ground/nursery for many animals Many birds, fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, mammals Salt-tolerant plants

 Lakes/Ponds Can be nutrient-filled murky water or nutrient poor clear water Susceptible to drying up

 Lakes/Ponds Fishes, mammals, birds, insects Aquatic plants

 Rivers/Streams Body of water that flows

 Rivers/Streams Biodiversity depends on speed of current Higher biodiversity in slower moving water Fishes, insects, invertebrates Plants

 Wetlands Areas that are flooded by freshwater Important in flood control Breeding ground/nursery for many animals Many plants

 Tundra Avg. temp: -26 °C to 12°C Avg. precip: <25 cm Miscellaneous: Long, cold winters with short daylight hours Short growth period Lowest biodiversity

 Tundra Plant life: Thin top soil Permafrost – frozen soil Small shrubs, grasses, lichens, mosses (shallow roots)

 Tundra Animal life: Caribou, polar bears, mosquitoes, birds, wolves, pika, rabbits, arctic fox

 Taiga Avg. temp: -10°C to 14°C Avg. precip: 35 to 75 cm Miscellaneous: Cool rainy summers and long, cold winters Contains largest trees in the world (redwoods and sequoias)

 Taiga Plant life: Some permafrost Conifers and evergreens Freeze tolerant and drought resistant

 Taiga Animal life: Moose, lynx, brown bear, wolf, elk, squirrels, birds

 Temperate forest Avg. Temp: 6°C to 28°C Avg. Precip: 75 to 125 cm Miscellaneous: 4 true seasons 4-6 month growing seasons Average biodiversity Hibernating and migratory animals

 Temperate Forest Plant life: deciduous trees (oak, maple) ferns flowering plants

 Temperate Forest Animal life: Black bears, raccoons, squirrels, foxes, deer, wild pigs, many song birds

 Rainforest Avg. Temp: 20°C to 34°C Avg. Precip: 200 to 400 cm Miscellaneous: Thin topsoil low in nutrients Hot year round Extremely moist and humid Highest biodiversity of terrestrial biomes

 Rainforest Plant life: Contains over 50% of plant species Lush plant life (trees, grasses, flowering plants)

 Rainforest Animal life: Amphibians, reptiles, monkeys, apes, leopards, many bird species, many insects

 Grassland Avg. Temp: 0°C to 25°C Avg. Precip: 25 to 75 cm Miscellaneous: Interior of continents Thick, nutrient rich topsoil ideal for agriculture

 Grassland Plant life: grasses

 Grassland Animal life: Large grazers (bison, deer, horses, antelope) Ground-dwelling birds (turkey, pheasant) Groundhogs, prairie dogs

 Savanna Avg. Temp: 16°C to 34°C Avg. Precip: 75 to 150 cm Miscellaneous: Tropical grasslands Distinct dry and rainy seasons

 Savanna Plant life: Tall grasses, scattered trees

 Savanna Animal life: Large grazers (rhinos, elephants, impala, gazelles, water buffalo, zebras) Lions, hyenas, ostrich

 Desert Avg. Temp: 7°C to 38°C Avg. Precip: <25 cm Miscellaneous: Covers 1/5 of earth Often located by mountain ranges that block moisture Moderately low biodiversity Extreme heat during day and cold during night

 Desert Plant life: Plants that conserve moisture such as succulents and cacti

 Desert Animal life: Reptiles, rodents, birds, coyotes