Biomes

Question 1

Tropical Forest

Answer 1

tropics; temperature varies little during year; daylight varies little during year; rainfall varies (amount of rain, not temperature, or light determine vegetation)
Greatest diversity of species of any biome
Vertical stratification–5 layers (emergent trees, upper canopy, low tree, shrub understory, ground layer)
Horizontal mosaic

Question 2

Savanna

Answer 2

Grassland with scattered trees; transition between tropical/sub-forest and desert

Question 3

Desert

Answer 3

Driest of all biomes; either too hot or too cold; based on evaporation not temperature; temperature variation (seasonal and daily)–high during the day, cold at night
rain shadows; density of vegetation (determined by precipitation); drought-resistant vegetation; seed-eating animals common; desert animals adapted to scarcity of water & extreme temps; many nocturnal animals; many active in cooler months

Question 4

Temperate Grasslands

Answer 4

similar to savanna–cold winters; soils are nutrient-rich; seasonal drought; occasional fires; grazing by large animals; dominant animals are insects

Question 5

Temperate Deciduous Forest

Answer 5

moisture; temperature varies seasonally; multiple layers of vegetation; increased plant diversity; vegetation loses leaves annually

Question 6

Northern Coniferous Forest (Taiga or Boreal)

Answer 6

largest terrestrial biome–long cold winters, short wet summers; more diversity than deciduous; snow; seed-eating mammals

Question 7

Tundra

Answer 7

High altitude; climate remains cold most of year; permafrost (prevents deep tree roots); species diversity is low–many animals hibernate, many insects don’t fly