Glossary
Aquatic Biomes
Biomes found in water, characterized by factors such as salinity, temperature, oxygen levels, nutrient availability, and light penetration.
Example:
Oceans, coral reefs, and freshwater lakes are diverse aquatic biomes, supporting life adapted to their specific water conditions.
Biome
A large geographic area characterized by specific climate conditions and the unique plant and animal communities that inhabit it. It is a large-scale ecosystem defined by temperature and precipitation.
Example:
The Amazon rainforest is a prime example of a biome, encompassing vast areas with consistent warm, wet climates and incredible biodiversity.
Boreal Forest/Taiga
A terrestrial biome characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers, dominated by coniferous evergreen trees with needles.
Example:
Dense stands of spruce and fir trees are typical of the boreal forest/taiga, providing habitat for animals like moose and lynx.
Canopy
The uppermost layer of vegetation in a tropical rainforest, formed by the crowns of tall trees, which receives the most sunlight.
Example:
Monkeys and sloths often inhabit the canopy of the rainforest, where they find abundant food and shelter among the treetops.
Climate
The long-term, prevailing weather patterns in a given area, including average temperature and precipitation.
Example:
The consistent warm temperatures and high rainfall define the tropical climate of the Amazon, allowing for its dense rainforest.
Forest Floor
The lowest layer of a tropical rainforest, characterized by low light levels, high humidity, and rapid decomposition of organic matter.
Example:
Decomposers like fungi and bacteria are crucial on the forest floor, breaking down fallen leaves and branches to recycle nutrients.
Permafrost
Permanently frozen soil found in the tundra biome, which prevents the growth of large trees and influences the landscape.
Example:
The melting of permafrost in the Arctic can release trapped greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
Subcanopy
The layer of vegetation in a tropical rainforest located beneath the canopy, consisting of smaller trees and younger versions of canopy trees.
Example:
Birds and insects often forage in the subcanopy, finding protection from direct sunlight while still accessing resources.
Subtropical Desert
A very hot and very dry terrestrial biome with extremely low precipitation, supporting specialized vegetation like cacti and succulents.
Example:
Cacti in the subtropical desert have thick, waxy stems to store water and minimize evaporation in the arid conditions.
Temperate Rainforest
A terrestrial biome found in coastal areas with moderate temperatures and high precipitation, supporting coniferous trees and high species diversification.
Example:
The lush, moss-draped trees of the Pacific Northwest are characteristic of a temperate rainforest, thriving in the abundant rainfall.
Terrestrial Biomes
Biomes found on land, primarily characterized by their dominant plant life, temperature, and precipitation patterns.
Example:
Forests, grasslands, and deserts are all examples of terrestrial biomes, each with distinct plant and animal adaptations to their land-based environments.
Tropical Rainforest
A warm, wet, and humid terrestrial biome with little seasonal temperature variation, known for its exceptionally high biodiversity and distinct vegetation layers.
Example:
Many unique species of insects and amphibians can be found in the tropical rainforest, thriving in its consistently warm and moist conditions.
Tropical Seasonal Forest/Savanna
A terrestrial biome characterized by hot temperatures with distinct dry and wet seasons, supporting grasses and scattered trees.
Example:
During the dry season in the tropical seasonal forest/savanna, many animals migrate in search of water and food, like the wildebeest in Africa.
Tundra
An extremely cold terrestrial biome with very little precipitation, characterized by mosses, lichens, and low-growing plants, and the presence of permafrost.
Example:
Arctic foxes in the tundra have thick fur and small ears, adaptations that help them survive the frigid temperatures and sparse vegetation.
Weather
The day-to-day atmospheric conditions in a specific location, including temperature, precipitation, and wind.
Example:
Today's sudden thunderstorm is an example of weather, while the region's average annual rainfall describes its climate.
Woodland/Shrubland
A terrestrial biome with hot, dry summers and rainy winters, featuring drought-resistant shrubs and plants, and prone to wildfires.
Example:
In Southern California, the chaparral is a type of woodland/shrubland where plants have adapted to survive long, dry periods and occasional fires.