Biotic Communities
Biotic communities, also referred to as Life Zones or Biomes, are ecosystems in which the natural resources are interdependent. Soil, water, climate, topical features, flora and fauna are all linked in a common community, resulting in unique life zones from sea level deserts to Arctic tundra. A stable biome is one that is adapted to the site, self-sustaining and aesthetically pleasing. Rights-of-way that are inconsistent with the biome are weedy, erosive, unstable and often become road hazards.
The diversity of Arizona's life zones are such that a trip from Yuma to the San Francisco peaks will take the traveler through as many life zones as a trip from Arizona to the Arctic circle.
| Arizona major biotic communities are: |
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Alpine Tundras |
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Az. Upland Sonoran DesertScrub |
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Chichuahuan DesertScrub |
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Great Basin Conifer Woodland |
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Great Basin DesertScrub |
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Interior Chaparral |
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Lower Colorado R. Sonoran |
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DesertScrub |
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Madrean Evergreen Woodland |
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Mohave DesertScrub |
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Petran Montane Conifer Forest |
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Petran Subalpine Conifer Forest |
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Plains & Great Basin Grassland |
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Semidesert Grassland |
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Subalpine Grassland |
| Click on map for larger view |
