Figure 1.14 Habitats. Terrestrial habitats are distinguished by their dominant vegetation whereas aquatic habitats are distinguished by their depth and the presence or absence of flowing water. (a) Freshwater streams contain flowing water. (b) Lakes are typically large bodies of water that have very little flow. (c) In the tropical rain forest, warm temperatures and abundant rainfall support the highest productivity and biodiversity on Earth. (d) Tropical grasslands, which develop where rainfall is sparse, nonetheless support vast herds of grazing herbivores during the productive rainy season.

Photos by (a) George xyuSanker/naturepl.com; (b) McPHOTO/age fotostock; (c) Anup Shah/naturepl.com; and (d) Staffan Widstrand/naturepl.com.