Ecosystems Explained

Ecosystem Biomes

Explore the Earth's major ecosystems and habitats by type and geography.

Tundra Taiga Grasslands Savannas Deserts Wetlands Coral Reefs Forests

Types of Weather

Weather patterns that shape ecosystems around the globe.

☀️ Sunny 🌧️ Rainy 🌬️ Windy ❄️ Snowy ⛈️ Stormy 🌫️ Foggy 💧 Humid 🌵 Dry

The Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water through Earth's systems sustains all life forms and ecosystems.

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Evaporation

Sunlight heats water into vapor.

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Condensation

Water vapor cools into clouds.

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Precipitation

Water falls as rain or snow.

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Collection

Water gathers in rivers and oceans.

Ecosystem Energy Flow

Energy moves through all ecosystems, beginning with the sun and cycling through living organisms.

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Producers

Plants convert sunlight into energy via photosynthesis.

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Consumers

Animals obtain energy by eating plants or other animals.

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Decomposers

Fungi and bacteria break down waste into nutrients.

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Energy Return

Nutrients return to the soil to restart the energy cycle.

Local Time

Explore biome locations globally — from Deserts to Tundra.

Sandhill 🔍

Sandhill is a natural formation in the United States that forms on the edge of the continental shelf, typically along the coastlines. It is characterized by its flat shape and high water tables, which can impact coastal ecosystems. Sandhills are important for erosion control, as they help to stabilize beaches and provide habitat for various species of marine life.

Sandhills 🔍

The term "sandhills" is a geographical concept that refers to large expanses of dry, sandy land located near rivers or lakes, often surrounded by mountains. These areas are characterized by high levels of precipitation and are found in arid regions. The term encompasses various types of desert environments, including the Great Sand Dunes National Park in the United States.

Deciduous Forest

Deciduous forests are composed mainly of broadleaf trees such as maple and oak, found across Europe, East Asia, and North America. These forests thrive in temperate climates with rich soils and distinct seasonal changes.

Flora & Fauna

Deer, foxes, bears, and songbirds thrive here alongside oaks, maples, and birches.

Taiga Forest

Also known as the boreal forest, the taiga spans vast regions of Canada, Russia, and Scandinavia. It is dominated by coniferous trees and experiences long, cold winters and short summers.

Flora & Fauna

Spruce, pine, and fir trees shelter moose, lynx, wolves, and migratory birds.

Grasslands

Grasslands cover large portions of continents where rainfall is too low to support dense forests. They support grazing animals and play an essential role in global carbon cycles.

Flora & Fauna

Home to bison, antelope, zebras, and elephants among tall grasses, acacias, and wildflowers.

Desert

Deserts are dry ecosystems with extreme temperature shifts between day and night. Despite limited rainfall, they are rich in specialized plant and animal life adapted to arid conditions.

Flora & Fauna

Cacti, succulents, snakes, scorpions, and nocturnal mammals thrive under the harsh desert sun.

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