AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -However, scientists disagree on how many biomes exist. Some count six (forest, grassland, freshwater, marine, desert, and tundra), others eight (separating two types of forests and adding tropical savannah), and still others are more specific and count as many as 11 biomes.

Detailed explanation-2: -There are five major types of biomes: aquatic, grassland, forest, desert, and tundra, though some of these biomes can be further divided into more specific categories, such as freshwater, marine, savanna, tropical rainforest, temperate rainforest, and taiga.

Detailed explanation-3: -Thus, scientists study biomes in order to develop a deeper understanding of the complex interactions that allow for the area’s specific biodiversity and to determine how human impact has negatively and/or positively affected a region.

Detailed explanation-4: -Temperature and precipitation, and variations in both, are key abiotic factors that shape the composition of animal and plant communities in terrestrial biomes. Some biomes, such as temperate grasslands and temperate forests, have distinct seasons, with cold weather and hot weather alternating throughout the year.