1. Ecosystems

2. Terms to Know
Ecosystem- interaction of plant life, animal life, and their environment.
Biome- term used to describe major types of ecosystems that can be found in various regions.
Deciduous forest is a biome; same climate, plants, and animals even in different parts of the world.

3. Tropical Rainforests At or near the equator Lots of rain Hot all year
6% of the earth’s land, but more than 50% of the earth’s plant and animal life.

4. Tropical Grassland Savannas Near equator
Lots of animals including herbivores and carnivores

5. Mid Latitude Deciduous Forest
Deciduous trees shed their leaves during one season (usually autumn) of the year.
Found in the middle latitudes of the earth.

6. Coniferous Forests Survive long, cold winters
Have needles or small leaves
Have cones to protect its seeds
Stay green all year round

7. Mixed Forest Both deciduous and coniferous forests
Found in mid to upper latitudes

8. Temperate Grasslands Prairies of North America Steppes of Eurasia
Tall grass that can survive colder winters

9. Chaparral
Forest with small evergreen trees and low bushes called scrub.
Lots of short trees and bushes

10. Desert Scrub Dry regions
Does have some vegetation that has adapted to limited water
Cactus is common sight in these areas

11. Desert
Very dry
Scarce vegetation
Very limited wildlife
Mostly sand

12. Tundra Always cold Permafrost- layers of frozen soil
Lots of vegetation that grows in lower temperatures

13. Ice Cap Frozen most of the year. Ice on top layers of the surface.
Scarce vegetation
Limited wildlife

14. Highlands
Vegetation, wildlife, and climate all depend on elevation.