Major World Biomes:
Large regions of the earth may be categorized into major ecosystems,
or communities of plants and animals. These categories or "Biomes"
are defined by the predominant types of vegetation (plant life) in those far
ranging regions. BIRDZOO
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Terrestrial Biomes:
Deserts, Grasslands, Forests, Tundra
Grasslands vs. Savannah and Woodlands:
The Forest Biome can be divided into additional forest types, not infrequently these types are referred to as biomes in their own right. Taiga, Temperate Forest, Tropical Rainforest, are sometimes referred to as "Biomes"
Taiga (Boreal Coniferous Forest Biome) covering vast portions of northern N. A. Eurasia
Temperate Forest ( Deciduous Forest Biome) of temperate N. A. Europe, China etc.)
Tropical Rainforest (Rainforest Biome) occurring in regions between the tropics of Capricorn and Cancer.
Cloud Forest is but one type of tropical rainforest. Cloud forest occur in mountain regions where clouds provide much of the moisture and precipitation.
Tropical Dry Forest This forest type typically experiences an annual hard dry season. The average rainfall is sufficient enough to promote growth of trees, but these tree and plant species must be able to withstand periods of low precipitation and moisture. Many of the tree species in dry forest are also deciduous. During the driest months these species will drop their leaves much in the same manner that northern deciduous forest species loose their leaves in the fall and winter. This dry season leaf-drop reduces the water needs of the plant, as there is no evapotranspiration through the leaves. Much of the dry forests of Mexico and Central America have been converted into cattle ranches and planted in exotic grasses. These introduced plant species provide forage for livestock, but in turn, change the habitat, and displace native forest species. These native plant species are what comprise the forest habitat needed for both the plants and animals that form the dry forest ecosystem.