Hobbies And Interests
Marine Biome
The marine biome covers roughly 70 percent of the planet. There are over 1 million recorded plants living in the oceans and seas, but scientists believe there are many more to be discovered. Marine plants and algae are critical to human survival because they produce much of the world's oxygen. The marine biome is diverse with a range of animals from minute bacteria to the blue whale, which can grow to over 100 feet long.
Freshwater Biome
Freshwater biomes are divided into three categories. Ponds and lakes are found in many locations around the Earth. Their top layer is the warmest and is home to algae, aquatic plants, fish, amphibians, clams, insects and crustaceans. The layer below contains plankton, which are critical in the food chain. Rivers and streams start at their source, which may include a lake or snow pack, and travel in one direction to their mouths. Plants, algae and numerous fish species are found in rivers and streams. Wetlands are regions of standing water. They are home to species of insects, birds, amphibians and fur-bearing animals.
Desert Biome
The desert biome can be extremely hot, like the Sahara in Africa, or extremely cold, like the continent of Antarctica. What they share in common is a lack of precipitation. The desert biome constitutes 20 percent of the Earth's landmass. In the warmer climates plants, like cacti, have adapted with an ability to collect and store water. In cold deserts algae, grasses and some plant species can survive during the summer months. Species of cold-blooded animals -- like snakes, insects and lizards -- thrive in warm deserts. The area is also home to mammals like the kangaroo rat, kit fox and coyote.
Grassland Biome
As its name suggests the grassland biome is dominated by grasses including oats, foxtail and buffalo grass. The areas are known for their rich, dark soil and are found in North America, Eurasia, South America and Africa. Animals in the grasslands are primarily plant eaters and include deer, horse, bison and antelope.
Tundra Biome
The tundra biome is found predominately around the polar regions, but it is also located in mountainous areas above the tree line. It is marked by extreme cold with temperatures dipping to minus 126 F. Animals that have adapted to the hostile climate include some migratory birds, polar bears, hares, wolves, muskox and reindeer. Temperatures in mountainous tundra are not as harsh, so it is home to more species including marmots, mountain goats and sheep.
Forest Biome
The forest biome is broken into three subcategories. Tropical forests are found near the equator. The area experiences only wet and dry seasons and a consistent 12 hours of daylight. The forests are rich in birds, bats, small mammals and insects. Temperate forests are found in eastern North America, northeast Asia and much of Europe. The area has distinct seasons with temperatures ranging from minus 20 to 85 F. The forests are home to broadleaf deciduous trees, birds, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, wolves, foxes, black bears and rabbits. Boreal forests are the largest land biome stretching across much of North America and Eurasia. The climate is marked by short summers and long, cold, dry winters. Birds, moose, bears, foxes, wolves, weasels, shrews, bats and hares inhabit the boreal forest.