CHAPTER 10

A large, relatively distinct terrestrial region with similar climate, soil, plants, and animals, regardless of where it occurs in the world.

A region of coniferous forest (such as pine, spruce, and fir) in the Northern Hemisphere; located just south of the tundra. Also calledtaiga.

A biome with mild, moist winters and hot, dry summers; vegetation is typically small-leaved evergreen shrubs and small trees.

A biome in which the lack of precipitation limits plant growth; deserts are found in both temperate and tropical regions.

The process of community development over time, which involves species in one stage being replaced by different species.

Important environmental benefits, such as clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and fertile soil in which to grow crops, that the natural environment provides.

A coastal body of water, partly surrounded by land, with access to the open ocean and a large supply of fresh water from a river.

The cumulative genetic changes in populations that occur during successive generations.

A freshwater ecosystem such as a river or stream in which water flows in a current.

Lands that shallow fresh water covers for at least part of the year; wetlands have a characteristic soil and water- tolerant vegetation.

The tendency of better-adapted individuals–those with a combination of genetic traits best suited to environmental conditions–to survive and reproduce, increasing their proportion in the population.

A tropical grassland with widely scattered trees or clumps of trees.

A body of fresh water surrounded by land and whose water does not flow; a lake or a pond.

A forest biome that occurs in temperate areas where annual precipitation ranges from about 75 cm to 150 cm (30 to 60 in).

A coniferous biome with cool weather, dense fog, and high precipitation.

A lush, species-rich forest biome that occurs where the climate is warm and moist throughout the year.

The treeless biome in the far north that consists of boggy plains covered by lichens and mosses; it has harsh, cold winters and extremely short summers.