Lesson

As we examine a range of climates, we are also introduced to different biomes. A biome represents a specific area characterized by its temperatures, amount of precipitation, and the types of plants that grow there.

Read a quick overview of climate.

In fact, terrestrial biomes are named according to their major type(s) of vegetation. For example, the deciduous forest, is named for the deciduous trees present such as maple and oak. The reason vegetation is used for naming is because plants are adapted to a particular range of temperatures and amount of rainfall. However, some biomes are not restricted to land. Aquatic biomes include our oceans, lakes, streams, ponds, and wetlands that are home to unique organisms as well. Since oceans are saltwater, they are referred to as marine biomes while our lakes and streams are called freshwater biomes.

Read a quick overview of biomes.