Climate Zones & Biomes

What is a biome?

A large geographic region characterized by a particular climate and the plant and animal communities adapted to it

What is the main factor that defines a climate zone?

Long-term patterns of temperature and precipitation in a region

What are the three main latitude-based climate zones?

Tropical, temperate, and polar

What characterizes a tropical rainforest biome?

High year-round temperatures, heavy rainfall, and extremely high biodiversity

What characterizes a desert biome?

Very low precipitation and, often, extreme temperature swings between day and night