Biomes of the United States Quiz
Deserts, forests, grasslands, tundra (10 questions).
Biomes of the United States Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The United States covers a massive geographic area, resulting in incredible ecosystem diversity. From the frozen tundra of the north to the humid forests of the east and the arid deserts of the southwest, understanding these biomes is essential for mastering US geography.
Key Takeaways
- The Great Basin Desert is the largest desert in the US.
- Temperate Deciduous Forests dominate the Eastern US, where trees lose leaves annually.
- The Tundra biome is characterized by permafrost and a lack of trees.
- Temperate Rainforests are rare but prominent in the Pacific Northwest (e.g., Washington).
- The Great Plains historically consisted of vast stretches of tallgrass and shortgrass prairies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four major desert biomes in the US?
The four major deserts are the Great Basin, Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts, all located in the western and southwestern United States.
Where is the Tundra biome located in the US?
The Arctic Tundra is found almost exclusively in Alaska. Alpine Tundra can be found in the lower 48 states at very high elevations, such as the Rocky Mountains.
What distinguishes a deciduous forest?
Deciduous forests are characterized by broadleaf trees (like oak, maple, and beech) that lose their leaves in the autumn and remain dormant through the winter.
What biome covers the Great Plains?
The Great Plains are primarily a Temperate Grassland biome, consisting of prairies that receive less rainfall than forests but more than deserts.
Do rainforests exist in the United States?
Yes. Temperate rainforests are found in the Pacific Northwest (Washington/Oregon), and tropical rainforests are found in Hawaii and US territories like Puerto Rico.

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