A biome is a large geographical region characterized by particular kinds of plants and animals and maintained by a distinct climate and soil conditions. There are eight generally recognized biomes throughout the world. The six terrestrial biomes (those found on land) are the rain forest, desert, grasslands, temperate deciduous forest, taiga, and tundra. The two aquatic biomes are the freshwater and marine biomes.

Rain forests are most commonly found in tropical regions close to the equator in areas of very heavy rainfall, at least 150 in (381 cm) per year, and with relatively constant warm temperatures. They are often recognized as one of the most biologically diverse habitats on Earth. Deserts are the driest biome with only an average annual rainfall of 10 in (25 cm). Organisms living in the desert must have special adaptations to survive in these dry conditions. Grasslands are the prairies. They can be found in both temperate...