</ol>

<p>Biomes are often given local names. For example, a Temperate grassland or shrubland biome is known commonly as <em>steppe</em> in central Asia, <em>savanna</em> or veld in southern Africa, <em>prairie</em> in North America, <em>pampa</em> in South America and <em>outback</em> or <em>scrub</em> in Australia. Sometimes an entire biome may be targeted for protection, especially under an individual nation's Biodiversity Action Plan.</p>

<h2><span class="mw-headline">Terrestrial biomes</span></h2>

<p>Climate is a major factor determining the distribution of terrestrial biomes. Among the important climatic factors are:</p>