The authors of the book are famous scientists, employees of the Faculty of Geography of Moscow State University M.V. Lomonosov. The book gives concise descriptions of some of the terrestrial biomes of the globe, highlights the features of ecological regimes and structural and functional characteristics of communities. Patterns of ecosystem structure and functioning at the global level are summarized. The problems of transformation of terrestrial biomes are highlighted and attempts are made to link these processes with the task of preserving biological diversity.