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Biomes - location of global ecosystems

The map shows the distribution of the global ecosystems or .

The main biomes: tundra, taiga (coniferous forest), temperate deciduous forest, temperate grassland, chaparral or evergreen hardwood (mediterranean), desert, tropical rainforest, savanna grassland.

Characteristics of biomes

Learn about different ecosystems and biomes across the world in this video.

  • Tundra - found near the North and South poles. Very few plants and animals can survive here.
  • Taiga (coniferous forest) - found in Scandinavia, Russia and Canada. Evergreen trees thrive in this cool temperate climate.
  • Temperate deciduous forest - found across Europe and in the USA. These trees lose their leaves every year and thrive in mild and wet conditions known as a temperate maritime climate.
  • Temperate grassland - found in Hungary, South Africa, Argentina and the USA. Consists of grass and trees that thrive in a temperate continental climate of moderate rainfall and mild conditions.
  • Chaparral or evergreen hardwood (Mediterranean) - found around the Mediterranean Sea, around Perth and Melbourne in Australia and California in the USA.
  • Desert - found near the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Conditions here are very hot and dry. Plants and animals are specially adapted to survive in the harsh conditions.
  • Tropical rainforest - found near the Equator. The climate is hot and humid and many different species can be found here.
  • Savanna grassland - found mainly in central Africa, southern India, northern Australia and central South America. Long grasses and a few scattered trees are found in these hot and dry conditions.

Ecosystems change gradually between the Equator and the Poles.

Ecosystems change going from the North Pole to the Equator: tundra, taiga, temperate deciduous forest, evergreen hardwood, desert, savanna grassland, tropical rainforest.