1. Terrestrial Ecosystems
The 7 Major Biomes

2. Tundra Tree-less – has no trees
Permafrost- a permanently frozen layer of soil under the surface

3. Taiga Found South of Tundra
Biome dominated by cone bearing trees (gymnosperms)
Long Cold Winters
Short Summers
Nutrient Poor Soil

4. Temperate Deciduous Forest
Has trees that lose leaves in the fall/winter.
Pronounced seasons

5. Temperate Grassland Dominated by grasses Rich Fertile Soil
Support large grazing animals
Often converted into farmland.

6. Tropical Rain Forest Characterized by tall trees Near equator
Contain 1/5 of known species
Canopy – Tops of the trees
Epiphytes – plants that live on the branches of trees
Ex: orchid
Poor Soil

7. Savanna Tropical or sub tropical grasslands.
They have alternating wet and dry seasons.
Prolonged periods of drought.

8. Desert Dry and arid environment.
Lack of available water. Less than 25 cm of rainfall a year.
Vegetation is sparse – cactus and low lying shrubs prevalent.

11. Mountain Zones

12. Polar Ice