Terrestrial Biomes

poorly developed soils, permafrost, found at high latitudes or high altitudes

short and soggy summers; long cold and dark winters; low precipitation

ground-hugging plants such as mosses, lichens, sedges, and short grasses

Alaska, Russiam Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Greenland

Fragile biome affected by climate change and oil and gas piplines

Caribou, Arctic Fox, Snowy owl, Musk ox, Ermine

warm temperatures, seasonal rainfall

fertile soil compacted by grazing animals, seasons due to moving ITCZ, large herds of migrating animals follow seasonal precipitation

tall, perennial grasses, some drought-tolerant and fire resistant trees or shrubs

Zimbabwe, Indochina, Bolivia, Tanzania, Namibia, India

Converson to land for agriculture and graing, hunting , poaching, mining, recreation, and tourism

African elephant, Black mamba, Baboon, Emu, and Mongoose

Low precipitation, variable temperatures

Soils rich in minerals but poor in organic material, low resistance and resilience, low diversity, very low productivity

Cacti and other succulents, creosote bush and other plants with short growth cycles

Arizona, Egypt, Angola, Mexico, Iran, Saudi Arabia

Use of ATV’s, military exercises, drilling for oil, mining, nuclear waste disposal

Armadillo, Jackrabbit, Gila monster, Kangaroo rat, Fennec fox

warm to hot summers, cold winters, moderate seasonal precipitation

fertile soils, also called pampas, prairies, or steppes, dry windy conditions cause fires that prevent tree growth, productive

lush, perennial (short and tall) grasses and herbs; most are resistant to drought, fire, and cold

South Dakota, Oklahoma, Kansas, Hungary, Uruguay, Ukraine

Agriculture, grazing, urbanization, habitat fragmentation, hunting, and poaching

Prairie dog, Badger, Prairie vole, Fox squirrel, Mink