Ecology and Biomes

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alpine tundra

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Biome of low-growing, wind-tolerant plants adapted to high-altitude conditions.

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arctic tundra

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Highest-latitude Northern Hemisphere biome, where low, cold-tolerant plants survive with only a brief growing season.

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benthic province

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The ocean’s sediments and rocks.

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biome

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Group of regions that may be widely separated but share a characteristic climate and dominant vegetation.

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biosphere

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All regions of Earth where organisms live.

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boreal forest

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Extensive high-latitude forest of the Northern Hemisphere; conifers are the predominant vegetation.

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coral reef

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Highly diverse marine ecosystem centered around reefs built by living corals that secrete calcium carbonate.

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dry shrubland

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Biome dominated by a diverse array of fire-adapted shrubs; occurs in regions with cool, wet winters and a dry summer.

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dry woodland

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Biome dominated by short trees that do not completely shade the ground; occurs in regions with cool, wet winters and a dry summer.

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El Niño

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Periodic warming of equatorial Pacific waters and the associated shifts in global weather patterns.