Biomes

• The taiga biome, also known as the boreal forest, is characterized by cold temperatures, moderate precipitation, and coniferous trees as the dominant vegetation.
• Temperate grasslands are found between latitudes 30° to 60° north or south of the equator.
• The Arctic tundra is the coldest terrestrial ecosystem on Earth, with an average annual temperature below freezing.
• The tropical rainforest biome is characterized by high temperatures, high precipitation, and a dense canopy of trees.
• Arctic tundras have short growing seasons due to low levels of solar radiation during winter months.
• Permafrost is soil that remains at or below zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) for two or more years.
• Plants in arctic tundras include mosses, lichens, dwarf shrubs, and wildflowers such as saxifrage and avens.
• Deserts have low precipitation levels and hot temperatures during the day but cool at night due to radiational cooling.
• Grassland biomes occur between temperate forests and deserts.
• Rainforests receive more than 254 cm (100 inches) of rainfall annually.
• Deserts receive less than 10 inches (25 cm) of rainfall per year.
• Rainforests experience heavy rainfall throughout the year, leading to lush vegetation growth.
• Grasses dominate temperate grassland vegetation due to their ability to grow quickly from rhizome roots.
• The climate is characterized by cold winters and warm summers, with moderate amounts of annual precipitation.
• Most plant species in rainforests are evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves year-round.
• Temperatures in rainforests are warm all year round with no extreme fluctuations.
• Savannas are grasslands interspersed with scattered trees.
• The Mediterranean climate has mild winters with little snow and dry summers.
• Temperate forests have deciduous trees that lose their leaves during winter.
• In tropical rainforests, there may be no distinct seasonal changes at all.
• There are two types of rainforest biomes: tropical rainforests and temperate rainforests.
• Deserts have low rainfall and high temperatures during the day but cool at night.
• Mediterranean climates can be found along the west coast of South America, southern Australia, coastal California, and parts of Chile.
• Arctic tundra has short growing seasons and permafrost soil that never thaws.
• Grasses dominate the vegetation in deserts due to their ability to store water in their stems and roots.