The 7 Major Biomes Terrestrial Ecosystems

Tundra • Tree-less – has no

trees

• Permafrost- a permanently frozen layer of soil under the surface

Taiga

• Found South of Tundra

• Biome dominated by cone bearing trees (gymnosperms)

• Long Cold Winters

• Short Summers

• Nutrient Poor Soil

Temperate Deciduous Forest

• Has trees that lose leaves in the fall/winter.

• Pronounced seasons

Temperate Grassland

• Dominated by grasses

• Rich Fertile Soil

• Support large grazing animals

• Often converted into farmland.

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

Savanna • Tropical or sub

tropical grasslands.

• They have alternating wet and dry seasons.

• Prolonged periods of drought.

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.

Mountain Zones

Polar Ice