Terrestrial Biomes Overview

A forest biome with moderate temperatures, distinct seasons, and high precipitation throughout the year. Trees lose their leaves annually.

A biome characterized by vast areas of grasses, limited rainfall, and extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Agriculture has greatly altered this biome.

A biome with abundant rainfall, mild temperatures year-round, and high biodiversity. Often found in coastal areas.

A biome located near the equator with high biodiversity characterized by abundant rainfall and consistently warm temperatures. Nutrient-poor soil.

High-latitude regions characterized by extremely cold temperatures and limited plant life, long winters and short summers

Mid-latitude regions experiencing distinct seasons, a range of temperatures and medium rainfall amounts.

Low-latitude regions near the equator experiencing consistently warm temperatures, high rainfall and high biodiversity, lots of vegetation.

Geographical areas where a specific biome is most prominent; often listed as part of the biome description to help define its characteristics.

Warm year-round with a distinct rainy season and low overall rainfall.

Grasses dominate due to limited rainfall; has large acacia trees.

Extreme temperature differences between winter and summer; very hot and very cold; very low rainfall.

Organisms adapted to survive; some are barren with sand dunes or have drought-resistant shrubs.

Cold, snowy climate; little daylight in winter; lots of daylight and productivity in summer; melting permafrost; important for migratory animals.

Very cold winters, mild summers, moderate rainfall; coniferous trees.

Evergreen shrubs; adapted to fires; low rainfall, but more than deserts; hot summers, mild winters.

Graph showing precipitation and temperature for a biome to help determine patterns and match a biome with its climatograph.

A type of defense mechanism where a harmless species imitates a dangerous or unpleasant species to deter predators.

An interaction where one organism (predator) hunts and kills another (prey) for food.

An animal that eats plants.

A close and long-lasting relationship between organisms of different species.

A type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

A type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped.

A type of symbiotic relationship where one species (parasite) benefits at the expense of another (host).

A trait or characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

A group of different species living together in a specific area, interacting with each other and their environment.

The ways different species affect each other in a community.

When organisms fight for the same resources (food, water, space) at the same time and place.

Anything an organism needs to survive, like food, water, or shelter.

One organism (predator) kills and eats another organism (prey).

Features that help predators catch prey more effectively, like sharp teeth, claws, or senses.

Features that help prey avoid predators, like speed, camouflage, or defenses.

Predation shapes food webs and helps control population sizes within a community.

An external parasite that lives on the surface of its host but does not enter the host's body.

An internal parasite that lives inside the body of its host.

A parasite obtains its nutrition from its host.

This is an example of commensalism. The triggerfish benefits by having the smaller fish clean up the food scraps it creates, while the triggerfish is not harmed or helped by the smaller fish.

This is an example of commensalism. The barnacle benefits by being transported to new areas, while the whale is not harmed or helped by the barnacle.