North American region
Quick Summary
Biogeography is the study of the geographic distribution of life on Earth, examining both where organisms live and the factors influencing these patterns. In North America, plant and animal communities are closely linked to climate and soil.12
The continent features diverse vegetation zones:
* Forests: Dominating humid regions, these include the Laurentian mixed forest (maple, oak, pine), the Eastern mesophytic forest (oaks, hickory, pine), and the vast boreal forest (spruce, fir, pine).234
* Grassland, Desert, and Tundra: These treeless environments are found in drier and colder areas, with tropical savannas present in parts of Central America.5
* Scrub Forest: The Western sclerophyllous scrub forest, characterized by chaparral and stunted trees, is adapted to dry summers and mild winters in California and the Southwest.6
These regions support a wide array of fauna, from large mammals like deer and bears to numerous bird and fish species, though populations have been impacted by factors such as hunting and habitat changes.234
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
