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Biome

By Laura Klappenbach, About.com

Definition:

n. A distinct group lifeforms and the environment in which they are found. (Source: Burnie)

The world's biomes can be grouped into the following types:

  • Aquatic: The aquatic biome includes freshwater habitats (ponds, lakes, streams, wetlands) as well as marine habitats (ocean, coastal waters, estuaries, coral reefs). Find out more: Aquatic Biome (UC Berkley)
  • Desert: The desert biome includes areas where rainfall is less than 50 cm/year. Desert habitat types include hot and dry, semiarid, coastal, and cold. Find out more: Desert Biomes (UC Berkley)
  • Forest: The forest biome includes areas that are dominated by trees and other woody vegetation. Find out more: Forest Biomes (UC Berkley)
  • Grassland: The grassland biome includes habitats dominated by grasses (not trees and shrubs). Grasslands include tropical savannas and temperate grasslands (prairies). Find out more: Grassland Biome (UC Berkley)
  • Tundra: The tundra biome includes cold habitats with low biotic diversity and simple vegetation structure. The tundra biome includes arctic tundra and alpin tundra habitats. Find out more: Tundra Biome (UC Berkley)

Source: Pullen, S. Ed. and The UC Berkeley Biomes Group. 'The World's Biomes', (On-line). UC Berkely Museum of Paleontology

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