Pt4 Flashcards
(16 cards)
Define a biome.
A biome is the largest geographic biotic unit, consisting of a major community of plants and animals that share similar life forms and environmental conditions.
Explain how biomes are distributed across the Earth.
Biomes are distributed based primarily on climate, which can lead to similar plants and animals being found in areas that are far apart if their climates are similar.
Describe the impact of longitude on climate.
Longtidue affects climate such that the farther you move north or south of the equator, the colder the temperature generally becomes.
How does elevation influence temperature?
Elevation influences temperature in that the higher you go in elevation, the colder the temperature gets.
List the eight biomes commonly agreed upon by scientists.
- Tropical Rainforest
- Tropical Savanna
- Desert
- Chaparral
- Grassland
- Temperate Deciduous Forest
- Temperate Boreal Forest
- Tundra.
Describe the characteristics of a Tropical Rainforest biome.
Tropical Rainforests are characterized by high rainfall, high humidity, and a warm climate year-round, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Explain the main features of a Desert biome.
Deserts are defined by their low precipitation, extreme temperature variations between day and night, and sparse vegetation adapted to dry conditions.
Define what a Chaparral biome is.
Chaparral biomes are characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with vegetation primarily consisting of shrubs and small trees.
How does a Tropical Savanna differ from a Grassland biome?
Tropical Savannas have a mix of grasslands and scattered trees, typically found in regions with seasonal rainfall, while Grasslands are primarily dominated by grasses with few trees.
Identify the climate conditions typical of a Temperate Deciduous Forest.
Temperate Deciduous Forests experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters, and trees that shed their leaves in the fall.
Discuss the significance of the Temperate Boreal Forest biome.
Temperate Boreal Forests, also known as Taiga, are significant for their coniferous trees, cold climate, and role in carbon storage and biodiversity.
How many biomes are generally recognized by scientists?
Most scientists agree on eight primary biomes.
Describe the typical climate conditions of a tropical rainforest.
Tropical rainforests typically have temperatures that fall between 20°C and 25°C year-round and receive more than 200 cm of rain annually.
Explain the biodiversity found in tropical rainforests.
Tropical rainforests may contain as many as 50% of all the world’s animal species.
Define the characteristics of a tropical savanna.
Tropical savannas are grasslands with a few scattered trees, experiencing a wet and dry season, and have hot temperatures.
Identify the geographical location where tropical rainforests are typically found.
Tropical rainforests are typically found near the equator.
