Biomes
There are eleven biomes on planet Earth—can you name them all?
What is a Biome?
A biome is a large area on Earth that has a specific climate, plants, and animals. Each biome, like a desert, forest, or ocean, has its own unique environment where certain types of plants and animals are naturally found. The climate in a biome, such as how hot, cold, wet, or dry it is, helps determine what kinds of life can thrive there.
-
The climate of a biome determines the temperature, humidity, and seasonal patterns, which shape the ecosystem. It influences the types of plants that can grow and the animals that can thrive in that environment.
-
Plants are the foundation of any biome, providing food and shelter for animals. They also play a key role in producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide.
-
Animals play an important role in maintaining ecological balance. They have many jobs like pollination, seed dispersal, and controlling population levels of other animals.
#1. Arctic Tundra
The Arctic tundra biome is a cold, treeless region located near the North Pole, encompassing parts of Alaska, Canada, Russia, and Greenland. Characterized by its harsh climate, the tundra experiences long, dark winters and short, cool summers. The ground is often frozen year-round, known as permafrost, which limits the growth of plants to low-lying shrubs, grasses, mosses, and lichens. Despite the extreme conditions, the Arctic tundra is home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, caribou, and migratory birds. During the brief summer, the tundra bursts into life with wildflowers and insects, creating a unique and fragile ecosystem.
#2. Boreal Forest
The Boreal forest, also known as the Taiga, is a vast biome that stretches across the northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. Characterized by its cold climate, long winters, and short summers, the Boreal forest is dominated by coniferous trees such as spruce, fir, and pine. This biome is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, bears, and lynxes, as well as numerous bird species that migrate seasonally. The undergrowth is sparse, with mosses, lichens, and hardy shrubs adapting to the challenging conditions.
#3. Tropical Grassland
The tropical grassland biome, often referred to as savanna, is characterized by vast open spaces dotted with scattered trees and shrubs. Found in regions near the equator, such as Africa, South America, and Australia, this biome experiences distinct wet and dry seasons. The tropical grassland supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including large herbivores like elephants, zebras, and antelopes, as well as predators such as lions and cheetahs. The grasses in this biome are adapted to withstand drought and fire, while the occasional trees, like acacias, have deep roots to access water during the dry season.
#4. Marine
The saltwater, or marine, biome is the largest biome on Earth, covering over 70% of the planet's surface. It includes oceans, coral reefs, and coastal areas, each with many different plants and animals. The marine biome is characterized by its saline water, varying depths, and distinct zones, from sunlit surface waters to the dark, deep-sea. Marine life includes everything from tiny plankton to the largest animals on Earth, such as whales. Coral reefs, often called the "rainforests of the sea," are full of life, supporting countless species of fish, invertebrates, and plants.
#5. Alpine Tundra
The alpine tundra biome is found in high mountain regions around the world, above the tree line where the climate is too harsh for trees to grow. Characterized by cold temperatures, strong winds, and a short growing season, the alpine tundra shares similarities with the Arctic tundra but occurs at high elevations rather than high latitudes. The landscape is marked by rocky terrain, low-growing plants like grasses, mosses, and hardy shrubs, and a blanket of snow for much of the year. Wildlife in the alpine tundra includes species specially adapted to the thin air and cold conditions, such as mountain goats, marmots, and pikas, along with a variety of birds and insects.
#6. Temperate Forest
The temperate forest biome is characterized by its moderate climate, with distinct seasons including warm summers and cold winters. Found across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, temperate forests are rich in biodiversity and feature a mix of deciduous trees like oaks, maples, and beeches, alongside evergreen species such as pines and firs. These forests support a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, birds, and numerous insect species. The forest floor is often covered with a thick layer of leaf litter, which nourishes the soil and supports an understory of ferns, shrubs, and wildflowers.
#7. Desert
The desert biome is defined by its extreme lack of precipitation, receiving less than 10 inches (25 cm) of rainfall annually. Found across the globe, deserts like the Sahara, the Mojave, and the Arabian are characterized by their hot days, cold nights, and sparse vegetation. There are also cold deserts including the Gobi and Antarctic desert which are generally cold all year long. While it may be surprising, deserts are home to a surprising variety of life forms adapted to survive with minimal water. Plants such as cacti, succulents, and hardy shrubs have evolved to store water, while animals like camels, lizards, and rodents are adapted to conserve moisture and endure the intense heat.
#8. Freshwater
The freshwater biome includes lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands, and is characterized by having little to no salt in the water (unlike the marine biome which includes the ocean). These ecosystems are home to a variety of plant species, from floating algae to rooted aquatic plants, as well as animal species including fish, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates. There are two different kinds of freshwater biomes: lotic and lentic. Lotic includes freshwater that flows (such as rivers and streams) while lentic includes still freshwater (such as ponds and lakes).
#9. Antarctic Tundra
The Antarctic tundra biome is a cold, harsh environment located primarily on the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. This biome is characterized by its extreme isolation, persistent cold temperatures, and strong, icy winds. The Antarctic tundra has very little plant life, with only hardy mosses, lichens, and algae able to survive the frigid conditions. Animal life is sparse on land, but the surrounding waters are rich with marine life, including seals, penguins, and various seabirds that come ashore to breed. The Antarctic tundra is the most extreme and least hospitable environment on Earth.
#10. Temperate Grassland
The temperate grassland biome is characterized by vast open plains dominated by grasses, with few trees or shrubs. Found in regions such as the North American prairies, the South American pampas, and the Eurasian steppes, this biome experiences moderate seasonal changes with hot summers and cold winters. The rich, fertile soil of temperate grasslands makes them ideal for agriculture, although much of this biome has been converted to farmland. Despite this, natural grasslands support a diverse range of wildlife, including large herbivores like bison, antelope, and wild horses, as well as predators such as wolves and birds of prey. The deep-rooted grasses are well adapted to survive fires and droughts.
#11. Tropical Forest
The tropical forest biome, also known as the rainforest, is one of the most diverse and vibrant ecosystems on Earth. Located near the equator in regions like the Amazon Basin, Central Africa, and Southeast Asia, tropical forests are characterized by their warm temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall year-round. This biome supports an incredible variety of plant and animal life, with towering trees forming a dense canopy that shelters countless species of plants, birds, mammals, insects, and amphibians. The understory is lush with ferns, vines, and smaller trees, creating a layered habitat teeming with life. Tropical forests are often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" because of their vital role in producing oxygen and storing carbon, making them essential for global climate regulation and biodiversity.
Support the Socratica Foundation
Join us in fostering curiosity about the environment and nature through deeper learning.