Taiga forests occupy a larger area than all the tropical rain forests. These dark, mostly coniferous, forests grow in a band of extreme weather circling the northern hemisphere from Alaska to Japan. Biologists divide the living world into major zones called biomes, including deserts, oceans, tropical forests, and tundra. Looking at biomes helps us understand the connections between our planet's climate and the plants and animals that live there. Biomes also have a huge impact on people. Each book reveals the fascinating web of relationships between climate, plants, animals, and people that makes every biome unique. Inside this book Superb photography, bringing each biome dramatically to life Clear maps of each major region of every featured habitat identify the main areas of environmental stress Fact panels give at-a-glance information on each region Meets curriculum standards for the study of biomes and their importance for plants, animals, and people Glossary, sources of further information, and index Book jacket.