The biome-an area of the earth that shares similar geography, climate, animals, and plants-is the concept that forms the backbone for studying the living world. Without a firm understanding of how animals and plants have adapted to a particular region of the earth, students would not have a strong grasp of the fields of ecology and environmental science. The Greenwood Guides to Biomes of the World provides students with a solid foundation for understanding biomes and how they compare and interact with one another. With the exception of the introductory volume, which provides general background information, volumes focus on:

* Tropical rainforests and tropical seasonal rainforests

* The major types of temperate forests: boreal forests, broadleaf deciduous, Mediterranean woodland, and scrub

* The temperate grasslands and the tropical grasslands

* Deserts

* High altitudes and polar biomes

* Wetlands, ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams

* Saltwater biomes along coastlines, on the continental shelf, and the open sea.

The set also provides discussions, graphs, charts, and illustrations to provide students with a more sophisticated understanding of this essential scientific concepts.