SciDev.Net
Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
Definitions
List of terms for Biodiversity
Producing enough food for a rapidly growing population, and taking care of our planet are two of the world's biggest challenges.
T
Taxonomy
The principles and practice of classifying and naming living organisms. The basic unit is a species, several of which constitute a genus, which, in turn, are grouped into families. See also 'systematics'.
Temperate forest
One of three broadly defined types of forest — see also 'cold forests' and 'tropical forests'. Temperate forests are found in places where there is fairly evenly distributed rainfall, moderate temperatures and seasons that change. They usually contain several different species of trees.
Tropical forest
One of three broadly defined types of forest - see also 'cold forest' and 'temperate forest'. Tropical forests, which include rainforests, are characterised by high temperatures, regular, heavy rain, prolific plant growth, and thousands of species. Rainforest regions include Amazonia, the Congo Basin, Malaysia and Indonesia.
