concept of biomes Flashcards
what is a biome
an area with a distinctive climate and vegitation
all the types of biomes
tundra
boreal forest
temperate deciduous
savanna
temperate grassland
desert
polar
rainforest
tundra
high latitudes
brief summers
cold winters
shrubs and mosses
boreal forest
high latitudes
short cool summers
long cold winters
coniferous trees
low growing moss and lichen
temperate deciduous
mid latitudes
distinct seasons
warm summers
mild winters
yearly rainfall
leaf abscission in winter
savanna grassland
between the tropics
distinct wet and dry seasons
900 mm of rainfall
35 degrees highest
15 degrees lowest
temperate grassland
more variation in temperature and rainfall
open grasslands with sparsely populated trees
deserts
200 mm rainfall
15-30 degrees N/S equator
diurnal climate
xerophytes – succulents
polar
cold and dry
complete darkness for several months of the year
short growing season of only 2 months
rainforest
2000 mm rainfall
equatorial climate
hot and wet yearly
distinct canopy layer
endermic species
species specifically adapted to live in that environment
factors that determine characteristics and location of biomes
climate
latitude
winds
air pressure
factor - latitude
radiation is more concentrated at the equator and more disperse at the poles
– latitude influences climate
factor - high and low air pressure
differences in temperature influence air pressures around the world
low pressure - warm air rises
high pressure - cold air sinks
factor - winds
continual transfers of wind maintain the pressure belts which create different climatic zones