A biome is a geographic region that has a certain kind of community and climate.

If you traveled on land toward the Equator from either the North or South pole, you would move through different biomes. The biomes change with latitude, or the distance from the Equator.

There are 8 different types on biomes, both land and water. They include the tundra, taiga, temperate deciduous forest, tropical rain forest, grassland, desert, saltwater biomes, and freshwater biomes.

The tundra is located near the poles where it is very cold. No trees grow there because of permafrost, or a permanent ice on the ground which doesn't thaw, even in summer. Some common plants that grow there are: small shrubs, sedges, and small flowering planting. Animals that live there are: wolves, geese, seals, snowy owls, and elk.

The taiga is located just south of the tundra. This biome has cold winters, but warmer, longer summers. Unlike the tundra, the taiga has no permafrost, so it thrives with more plant and animal life like plants: trees, spruces, hemlocks, grasses, and firs. Animals include: elk, owls, bears, porcupines, and different types of bugs.

The temperate deciduous forest is located below the taiga. It is warmer, but still cold in winter and it is full of, you guessed it, deciduous trees. Deciduous trees are trees that lose there leaves in fall. Some common animals you would find here are eagles, mice, deer, and elk. Some plants are spruces, hemlocks, firs, and deciduous trees.

The tropical rain forest is located near the Equator, and because of that it is hot all year. Most of its animal population lives in the trees which could be: monkeys, snakes, sloths, and many, many birds. Plants that you could find there are: ferns, palms, and very tall broad leafed trees.

Grasslands are located nearly all around the wold except for tundra and the North and South pole. Grasslands have a lot of rainfall, and because of that they have much plant life like: any type of grasses that range to your ankles to your head. Some common animals could be: bison, coyotes, and jack rabbits.

Deserts are located near the Equator and are very hot all year round, but during the desert is cool. Many kinds of animals live in the desert like: lizards, rabbits, and vultures. Some common plants are: cacti, thorny bushes, and shrubs.

Saltwater biomes cover 3/4ths of the Earth's surface. Different organisms like: whales, sharks, seaweed, clams, and crabs. live in this biome.

Freshwater biomes can be divided into to 2 types: those that have standing water (lakes, ponds) and those that have running water (rivers, streams). Organisms that live in standing water include: different types of fish, plants, and microscopic organisms.

Organisms that live in running water include: different types of fish, microscopic organisms, and plants.

That is what we are learning

in science, and it is pretty fun too!