The Earth is truly the most diverse planet in our solar system. After all, it’s one of the only planets able to sustain life. Over the millions of years of evolution on this planet, the Earth has served as home for a variety of breathtaking biomes that gave birth to some of the most distinct flora and fauna seen nowhere else in our solar system. From the very depths of the ocean to the coldest regions on land, here are some of the most beautiful biomes on Earth.

1. Aquatic

Aquatic biomes are absolutely stunning, especially in the tropics where there’s nothing but colorful fish and coral reefs. The ocean takes up to three quarters of the planet’s surface so it should be no surprise that there’s such a diverse range of wildlife down there. Saltwater and freshwater will meet at a border known as tidal estuaries where there are animals that have adapted to the best of both worlds, though most are unable to consume too much saltwater. Seaweed, sea stars, crabs, oysters, geese and herons are just some of the organisms you can find there.

2. Boreal Forest

Boreal forests are like the middleman between temperate forests and tundra, the ice-cold biome that is found in northern regions and high altitudes. This type of biome can be found across Canada, Russia and Scandinavia where there are lots of trees such as evergreen conifers like spine, fir and spruce. And given its location, it should be expected that this place is really cold but not as bone-chilling as the tundra, but what they do have in common is the lack of biodiversity.

3. Abyssal Zone

Up next is the deepest, darkest parts of the Earth that not even sunlight can reach. Most living organisms on Earth need sunlight to stay alive, but not these creatures. They have been successfully adapting to their cold and dark environment for millions of years. Some have red glowing eyes that are used to track other animals that give off their own light. But perhaps the biggest advantage is the special ability of certain species called chemosynthesis which is used to convert the sulfur from volcanic activity and tectonic movements in order to survive.

4. Temperate Forest

Temperate forests, like rainforests, are overflowing with an abundance of diverse animals such as deer, rabbits, skunks, wolves, foxes and bobcats. The trees found there are also plentiful—you can find oak, elm, willow, beech and hickory in large numbers. Because it’s closer to the poles, temperate forests will experience all four seasons. On average, temperatures during the winter will drop below zero but go as high as 32 degrees Celsius or 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Grasslands

The grasslands, savannah or veld—doesn’t really matter what you call it, they all refer to the same thing- are large stretches of grass that are the remnants of ancient forests from millions of years ago during the Cenozoic era. This is the result of sparse rainfall and lower temperatures while the Earth was preparing for the Ice Age. And yes, grasslands do in fact have trees, though they are usually few and far between. The wildfires don’t help either, but they do play a role in increasing the region’s biodiversity.