1. Biomes

2. Large geographic areas with similar climax communities.

3. Factors that Determine Climate Temperature Latitude –Zero latitude at the equator –90° latitude at the poles –The higher the latitude the lower the suns energy

4. Elevation –The distance above sea level –Atmosphere acts as insulation

5. Precipitation The amount of moisture that condenses and falls to the earth as rain.

6. Terrestrial Biomes(land) Tundra –A treeless area between the icecap and the tree line of Artic regions, having a permantly frozen sub- soil(Permafrost) and supporting low growing vegetation. Little precipitation

7. Taiga( Northern Coniferous Forest) Sun-artic, evergreen coniferous forests of sub-artic lands, covering vast areas of North America and Eurasia Dominated by fir and spruce trees

8. Temperate Deciduous Forest Found in the northern and southern hemispheres Latitudes below 50° Four distinct seasons Temp range –0 to 30°C 75 to 150cm of precipitation

9. Tropical Rainforest At the equator Lush green plants 200 to 400cm of rain per year Constant temp of 25°C Hot and humid

10. Grassland Temperate and tropical regions 25-75 cm of rain a year Good farming area Dry season

11. Desert Arid region Less than 25cm of rain per year Sparse or no vegetation Covered in sand or gravel

12. Aquatic Biomes(water) Two types of water biomes –Freshwater –Marine

13. Freshwater Biome The aquatic biome consisting of water containing fewer salts than the waters in the marine biome; divided into two zones: running waters (rivers, streams) and standing waters (lakes, ponds).

14. Marine Biome The aquatic biome consisting of waters containing 3.5% salt on average; includes the oceans and covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface.