Types of Desert Biomes

A desert type that's very hot year-round and gets very little rain.

A desert with moderate temperature variations, cool winters and mild summers.

A desert type that is consistently cold year-round, receiving snow as precipitation.

A cooler desert type than the hot one.

Polar desert that's always covered in snow, with permafrost.

Warm climate with a rainy season and a dry season.

Rich soil that supports abundant grass growth.

Less than 50 centimeters of rain per year.

Extremely hot year-round.

Plants and animals adapted for the dry environment.

A natural environment where plants (flora) and animals (fauna) interact.

The variety of life and habitats on Earth.

Ecosystems with similar climates found across different regions of the world.

Terrestrial biomes are similar due to shared climatic patterns, like temperature and rainfall.

No, terrestrial biomes can be found far apart geographically, but have similar climate conditions.

Biodiversity, or the variety of life, is highest near the equator and decreases towards the poles.

Biomes dominated by trees and woody plants, featuring various types with distinct climates and plant/animal life.

Biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, characterized by wide-open spaces and varying climates.

Biomes with extremely low rainfall, characterized by sparse vegetation and specialized adaptations for survival.

A type of forest that receives a lot of rain (160-400 inches/year) and has warm temperatures (average 80°F/27°C).

A forest that experiences distinct seasons with rainfall, warm growing seasons (140-200 days), and cooler temperatures.

The largest terrestrial biome with long, cold winters and short, warm summers. It receives moderate rainfall and has a growing season of 130 days.

A type of grassland with a warm climate, featuring a rainy season and a dry season.

A grassland with rich soil that supports abundant grass growth. It experiences a variety of temperatures and rainfall.

A biome found in the northernmost regions of Earth, near the poles. Characterized by extremely cold temperatures, permafrost, and limited plant life.

A biome found at high altitudes, typically above 10,000 feet. Similar to Arctic tundra, it has cold temperatures, thin air, and limited plant growth.

The living and non-living components of water bodies, encompassing diverse ecosystems such as freshwater, estuaries, and marine environments.

Aquatic ecosystems with low salt concentrations, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Aquatic biomes with high salt concentrations, encompassing oceans and seas, characterized by diverse marine life.

An aquatic environment with low salt levels, like lakes, rivers, and streams.

A unique environment where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean, causing fluctuating conditions.

Estuaries are unique because they experience a constant mixing of freshwater and saltwater, leading to fluctuating conditions.

Marine ecosystems are defined by their high salt content, unique organisms, and specific environmental conditions.

A state where different living organisms and their environment interact harmoniously, maintaining a stable and healthy system.

The ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances and recover from changes, like floods or droughts.

The benefits humans receive from nature, including clean air, water, food, and resources.

The variety of life provides a rich source of natural compounds and ingredients for developing new medicines and treatments.

Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. It supports essential processes like climate regulation, water purification, and provides resources for humans.

Ecosystem services are the benefits humans receive from natural systems, such as clean air, fertile soil, and food. They are crucial for human well-being.

These services provide us with tangible resources like food, water, timber, and fibers. They form the basis of many industries.

These services regulate natural processes like climate, pollination, and disease control. They help to maintain a stable environment.

These services form the foundation of all other ecosystem services. They include processes like nutrient cycling, soil formation, and water purification.