Biomes of the

World
Lilith Gomez

Temperate
Deciduous
Forest

This particular biome has developed in the

midlatitude regions where there is plenty of
precipitation and moderate temperatures.
The biome typically experiences all four
seasons. During the cooler months, trees
(oaks and maples) within this region will have
leaves that change color leading to the
eventual loss of its leaves.

Tropical Rain Forests

The Tropical Rain Forest has developed in areas that straddle
the equator. This area receives ample rainfall and has warm
temperatures throughout the year. Most areas of the Rain
Forest will receive more than 100 inches of rain per year. Due to
the amount of heavy rain the biome receives, most of the
nutrients that would normally be found in the soil have been
washed away. In addition, large trees shoot up to sky forming a
canopy. This canopy does not allow a lot of sunlight to reach the
ground of the Rain Forest. Therefore, there are few bushes and
other plant life located on the floor of Rain Forest.
The Rain Forest provides 40 percent off the Earths oxygen,
but only cover 6% of the planets surface. One fourth of the
medicines that humans use come directly from the Rain Forest.
It is widely believed by scientists that Rain Forest holds the key
to curing some of the most ravaging diseases that are found
throughout the world. Yet, like the Temperate Deciduous
Forest, the Rain Forest is losing ground. Humans have cut down
huge portions of the Rain Forest for agricultural use as well as
for the expansion of humanity.

Grasslands
The Grasslands Biome contains areas of rolling
terrain with flowers and herbs. Grasslands virtually
exist where the climate is drier. The biome receives
rain, but it is not enough to support great numbers of
trees. Furthermore, the soil make up of Grasslands is
relatively thin and dry for trees to grow and survive.
Some of the animals that are found within the
Grasslands Biome are cattle, antelope, bison, coyotes,
bobcats, and wild turkeys. Humans have found ways
to live in these areas, mostly for agricultural
production. However, there have been problems
where humans allow their cattle to overgraze the
terrain which has led to the exhaustion of the soil
and disappearance of the large prairies.

Deserts
Deserts cover nearly one fifth of the Earths surface.
Most of the worlds deserts are found near the Tropic of
Cancer or the Tropic of Capricorn. Most deserts receive
less than 10 inches of rain annually and the soil that is
found within this biome is very poor. Due to the lack of
rain, the increased heat during the day, and the poor soil
conditions, most plant life cannot survive in the desert.
The only plants that can survive in the desert include
Joshua Trees, Cacti, Yucca plants, and Chollas. These
plants have the ability to store water for long periods of
time. Obviously, camels can live and survive in the desert.
In addition, small nocturnal animals such as insects,
arachnids, and reptiles can survive the heat during day by
digging a hole to stay cool and come out at night to feast.
Deserts are virtually uninhabitable for humans, but they
have found ways to survive.

Tundra
The Tundra is mostly found along the highest
latitudes. Most of the Tundra biome is found in the
northern hemisphere. The soil in the Tundra is very
cold therefore it cannot support tree life. The
ground is permafrost, where anywhere between ten
inches to three feet of the soil is permanently
frozen. Since the ground is frozen and rocky, only
mosses and lichen can grow. During the summer
months, the permafrost melts temporarily creating
soggy marshes and bogs. This biome does support
large mammals, which feast on the little animals.
These animals include caribou, wolves, foxes, and
polar bears. Since most of the land is barren, most
humans typically stay away from this region.
However, those who want to live in the Tundra have
found ways to do so.