UNIT 7 ck12’s 6.8-6.9 Flashcards

(105 cards)

1
Q

What are terrestrial biomes?

A

All the land areas on Earth where organisms live.

Terrestrial biomes are characterized by specific climatic conditions.

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2
Q

What primarily determines the distinguishing features of terrestrial biomes?

A

Climate.

Climate affects the types of vegetation and organisms found in each biome.

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3
Q

List three examples of terrestrial biomes.

A
  • Tundras
  • Temperate forests
  • Grasslands

Other examples include chaparral, temperate and tropical deserts, and tropical forests.

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4
Q

What is the major factor that explains the differences between the desert and rainforest?

A

Abiotic factors and distance from the equator.

Abiotic factors include temperature, precipitation, and soil type.

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5
Q

What is climate?

A

Climate is the average weather in an area over a long period of time.

Weather refers to the conditions of the atmosphere from day to day.

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6
Q

How is climate generally described?

A

Climate is generally described in terms of temperature and moisture.

Temperature and moisture are key factors that characterize climate.

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7
Q

What are the major temperature zones based on latitude?

A
  • Tropical
  • Temperate
  • Arctic

These zones reflect the variations in temperature as one moves from the equator to the poles.

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8
Q

What factors, besides latitude, can influence temperature?

A
  • Proximity to oceans
  • Altitude

Land near the ocean typically has different temperature patterns compared to land farther inland.

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9
Q

How does proximity to the ocean affect temperature?

A

Land near the ocean may have cooler summers and warmer winters than land farther inland.

Water gains and loses heat more slowly than land, influencing coastal temperatures.

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10
Q

How does temperature change with altitude?

A

Temperature falls from lower to higher altitudes.

This is why tropical zone mountain tops may be capped with snow.

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11
Q

How can climates be classified in terms of moisture?

A

Climates can be classified as arid (dry), semi-arid, humid (wet), or semi-humid.

This classification depends on the amount of precipitation and evaporation.

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12
Q

What factors influence the amount of moisture in a climate?

A

The amount of moisture depends on:
* Precipitation
* Evaporation

Precipitation increases moisture while evaporation decreases it.

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13
Q

What global pattern of precipitation is influenced by air mass movements?

A

There is a global belt of dry air masses and low precipitation at about 30° N and 30° S latitude.

This pattern reflects the distribution of moisture around the globe.

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14
Q

How does temperature influence precipitation?

A

Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, leading to more rainfall in tropical areas.

This results in higher precipitation in warmer climates compared to colder ones.

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15
Q

What geographic features can influence precipitation levels?

A

Precipitation levels can be influenced by:
* Nearness to the ocean
* Mountain ranges

These features can affect local climate conditions significantly.

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16
Q

What happens to moist air from the ocean as it rises over a mountain range?

A

Moist air rises, cools, and its water vapor condenses, resulting in precipitation on the windward side.

This is a critical process in determining local weather patterns.

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17
Q

What is a ‘rain shadow’?

A

A ‘rain shadow’ is an area with little precipitation on the leeward side of a mountain range.

This occurs because the air is dry after losing moisture on the windward side.

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18
Q

What are the five basic needs of plants?

A
  • Air
  • Warmth
  • Sunlight
  • Water
  • Nutrients

These needs are crucial for plant growth and productivity in terrestrial biomes.

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19
Q

What determines how well a plant’s needs are met in a location?

A

The growing season and soil quality, which are determined mainly by climate.

The growing season varies based on temperature and moisture availability.

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20
Q

Define the growing season.

A

The period of time each year when it is warm and wet enough for plants to grow.

It can last all year in hot, wet climates or just a few months in cooler or drier climates.

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21
Q

What type of soil do plants grow best in?

A

Soil that contains plenty of nutrients and organic matter.

Nutrients and organic matter are added to the soil through the decomposition of plant litter and dead organisms.

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22
Q

How does decomposition rate vary with climate?

A

Decomposition occurs too slowly in cold climates and too quickly in hot, wet climates.

This affects the accumulation of nutrients and organic matter in the soil.

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23
Q

In which type of climate is soil usually best for plant growth?

A

Temperate climates.

These climates typically provide a balanced environment for decomposition and nutrient accumulation.

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24
Q

How does climate influence biodiversity?

A

Climate determines plant growth, which influences the number and variety of other organisms in a terrestrial biome.

Biodiversity generally increases from the poles to the equator and is greater in more humid climates.

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25
What is a notable difference between desert and rainforest biomes?
Desert biomes have low biodiversity, while rainforest biomes have high biodiversity. ## Footnote This difference is largely due to variations in humidity and climate.
26
What are adaptations in organisms?
Traits that evolve to help organisms survive in the climate of their biome. ## Footnote These adaptations can be structural, behavioral, or physiological.
27
Give an example of an adaptation in plants in arid climates.
Plants may have special tissues for storing water. ## Footnote These adaptations help them survive in environments with limited water availability.
28
What is dormancy in plants?
A state in which a plant slows down cellular activities and may shed its leaves ## Footnote Dormancy occurs during the coldest part of the year in cold climate biomes.
29
How do plants adapt to cold climates?
By becoming dormant during the coldest part of the year ## Footnote Dormancy helps plants conserve energy and survive harsh conditions.
30
What adaptations do animals have for cold temperatures?
Insulation in the form of fur and fat ## Footnote This adaptation helps animals like polar bears stay warm.
31
True or False: Dormancy in plants involves active growth.
False ## Footnote During dormancy, plants slow down cellular activities.
32
Fill in the blank: Animals adapt to cold temperatures by using _______.
[insulation in the form of fur and fat]
33
What are terrestrial biomes classified by?
Climate and biodiversity, especially types of primary producers ## Footnote Terrestrial biomes are influenced by both climate factors and the variety of living organisms that inhabit them.
34
How many major terrestrial biomes are identified in the world?
13 major terrestrial biomes ## Footnote These biomes are represented on a world map, illustrating their geographical distribution.
35
Fill in the blank: Terrestrial biomes are classified by climate and their _______.
[biodiversity] ## Footnote Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
36
What influences the classification of terrestrial biomes?
Climate and primary producers ## Footnote Primary producers, such as plants, play a crucial role in the ecosystem by converting sunlight into energy.
37
True or False: The types of primary producers are not important in classifying terrestrial biomes.
False ## Footnote The types of primary producers are a key factor in determining the characteristics of each biome.
38
What is the relationship between biodiversity and climate in terrestrial biomes?
Biodiversity and types of plants and animals are closely related to the climate of each biome.
39
Why are there no amphibians or reptiles in tundra biomes?
Amphibians and reptiles cannot maintain a constant body temperature and have about the same temperature as their surroundings.
40
Fill in the blank: Amphibians and reptiles cannot maintain a _______.
[constant body temperature]
41
What characteristic of amphibians and reptiles limits their presence in colder biomes?
Their inability to maintain a constant body temperature.
42
True or False: Tundra biomes support a wide variety of amphibians and reptiles.
False
43
What are the other names for tundra?
Alpine tundra (high altitudes) and Arctic tundra (high latitudes) ## Footnote Tundra is classified based on its geographical location.
44
What is the climate of tundra?
Arctic and arid ## Footnote Tundra regions experience extreme cold and low precipitation.
45
What is the growing season like in tundra?
Very short ## Footnote The short growing season limits plant growth and biodiversity.
46
How is the soil quality in tundra?
Very poor ## Footnote Soil in tundra regions is often frozen and lacks nutrients.
47
What is the biodiversity level in tundra?
Very low ## Footnote Tundra ecosystems have limited diversity in both plant and animal life.
48
What types of plants are found in tundra?
Mosses, grasses, lichens, few herbaceous plants, no trees ## Footnote The harsh conditions restrict plant variety.
49
What types of animals are found in tundra?
Insects, birds (summer only), no amphibians or reptiles, mammals such as rodents, arctic hares, arctic foxes, polar bears, caribous (summer only), mountain goats and chinchillas (alpine tundra only) ## Footnote Animal life is adapted to extreme conditions with seasonal variations.
50
What is another name for Boreal Forest?
Taiga, northern conifer forest ## Footnote The term 'Taiga' refers specifically to the boreal forest biome characterized by coniferous forests.
51
What type of climate does the Boreal Forest have?
Subarctic, semi-arid ## Footnote This climate is characterized by long, cold winters and short, mild summers.
52
What is the growing season like in the Boreal Forest?
Short ## Footnote The growing season is limited due to the harsh climate.
53
How would you describe the soil quality in the Boreal Forest?
Poor ## Footnote The soil in boreal forests is often acidic and nutrient-poor.
54
What is the biodiversity level in the Boreal Forest?
Low ## Footnote The low biodiversity is a result of the extreme climate and poor soil conditions.
55
Name three types of coniferous trees found in the Boreal Forest.
* Cedar * Spruce * Pine * Fir ## Footnote These conifers are well adapted to the cold climate.
56
What types of plants are commonly found in the Boreal Forest apart from conifers?
Mosses and lichens ## Footnote These plants thrive in the cooler temperatures and acidic soils.
57
Which animals are typically found in the Boreal Forest?
* Insects * Birds (mainly summer) * Mammals such as rodents, rabbits, minks, raccoons, bears, moose, and caribou (winter only) ## Footnote Amphibians and reptiles are notably absent in this biome.
58
True or False: The Boreal Forest has a high level of biodiversity.
False ## Footnote The biodiversity in the Boreal Forest is considered low compared to other ecosystems.
59
What is another name for a temperate deciduous forest?
Temperate hardwood forest, temperate broadleaf forest ## Footnote These names refer to the same type of forest ecosystem characterized by broadleaf trees.
60
What type of climate is found in temperate deciduous forests?
Temperate, semi-humid ## Footnote This climate supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.
61
What is the growing season like in temperate deciduous forests?
Medium ## Footnote The growing season varies in length, typically allowing for a variety of plant species to thrive.
62
How would you describe the soil quality in temperate deciduous forests?
Good ## Footnote This quality supports a rich biodiversity in these ecosystems.
63
What is the biodiversity level in temperate deciduous forests?
High ## Footnote These forests are home to a wide variety of species, both plant and animal.
64
Name three types of broadleaf deciduous trees found in temperate deciduous forests.
* Beech * Maple * Oak ## Footnote These trees are characteristic of the temperate deciduous forest ecosystem.
65
What types of plants are commonly found in temperate deciduous forests?
* Broadleaf deciduous trees * Ferns * Mosses * Shrubs * Many herbaceous plants ## Footnote This variety of plants contributes to the high biodiversity of the ecosystem.
66
List three types of animals that inhabit temperate deciduous forests.
* Insects * Amphibians * Reptiles * Birds * Mammals such as mice, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, deer, black bears, bobcats, and wolves ## Footnote The presence of these animals indicates a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
67
What are other names for temperate grassland?
Prairie, outback, pampa, steppe ## Footnote These terms refer to similar ecosystems found in different regions.
68
What is the climate of temperate grassland?
Temperate, semi-arid ## Footnote This climate is characterized by moderate temperatures and limited rainfall.
69
What is the growing season like in temperate grassland?
Medium ## Footnote The growing season is neither too short nor too long, allowing for a variety of plant growth.
70
How would you describe the soil quality in temperate grassland?
Excellent ## Footnote The rich soil supports the growth of grasses and other herbaceous plants.
71
What is the biodiversity level in temperate grassland?
Medium-high ## Footnote This indicates a diverse range of species, although not as high as in some other ecosystems.
72
What types of plants are found in temperate grassland?
Grasses; other herbaceous plants; no trees ## Footnote The absence of trees is a key characteristic of this ecosystem.
73
Which invertebrates are commonly found in temperate grassland?
Worms and insects ## Footnote These organisms play a crucial role in soil health and food webs.
74
What types of amphibians and reptiles inhabit temperate grassland?
Amphibians and reptiles ## Footnote They are part of the diverse animal life in this ecosystem.
75
Name some mammals found in temperate grassland.
Mice, prairie dogs, rabbits, foxes, wolves, coyotes, bison, antelope ## Footnote These mammals are adapted to the grassland environment.
76
Which unique mammal is found only in the Australian temperate grassland?
Kangaroo ## Footnote Kangaroos are emblematic of Australian wildlife and are well-adapted to grassland habitats.
77
What is another name for Chaparral?
Mediterranean scrub forest
78
What type of climate is characteristic of Chaparral?
Temperate, semi-arid
79
What is the growing season like in Chaparral?
Medium
80
How would you describe the soil quality in Chaparral?
Poor
81
What is the biodiversity level in Chaparral?
Low-medium
82
Name two types of plants found in Chaparral.
* Shrubs * Small trees such as scrub oak and scrub pine
83
What types of animals are commonly found in Chaparral?
* Insects * Reptiles * Birds * Mammals such as rodents and deer
84
What type of climate is found in deserts?
Temperate or tropical, arid ## Footnote Deserts can be classified based on temperature and moisture levels.
85
How does the growing season in deserts vary?
Varies ## Footnote The growing season in deserts is influenced by precipitation and temperature.
86
What is the soil quality like in deserts?
Very poor ## Footnote The poor soil quality in deserts limits plant growth and biodiversity.
87
What is the level of biodiversity in deserts?
None-low ## Footnote Deserts typically have limited biodiversity due to harsh environmental conditions.
88
Name three types of plants adapted to dryness found in deserts.
* Cacti * Sagebrush * Mesquite ## Footnote These plants have adaptations that allow them to survive in arid conditions.
89
What happens to plant life in extremely arid deserts?
Virtually no plants ## Footnote In conditions of extreme aridity, plant life is severely limited or absent.
90
List three types of animals commonly found in deserts.
* Insects * Reptiles * Birds ## Footnote Deserts support a variety of animals adapted to dry environments.
91
Which mammals are often found in desert environments?
* Rodents * Coyotes ## Footnote These mammals have adaptations that allow them to thrive in arid conditions.
92
What is the climate of a tropical rainforest?
Tropical, humid ## Footnote Tropical rainforests are characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity.
93
What is the growing season like in a tropical rainforest?
Year-round ## Footnote This allows for continuous growth of flora.
94
What is the soil quality in a tropical rainforest?
Poor ## Footnote The nutrient-poor soil is often a result of heavy rainfall leaching nutrients away.
95
What is the biodiversity level in a tropical rainforest?
Very high ## Footnote Tropical rainforests are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
96
What types of plants are commonly found in a tropical rainforest?
Tall flowering, broadleaf evergreen trees; vines and epiphytes; few plants on the forest floor ## Footnote These adaptations help plants thrive in the dense canopy.
97
Name some animals that inhabit tropical rainforests.
Insects, amphibians, reptiles, and birds; mammals such as monkeys, sloths, leopards, jaguars, pigs, and tigers ## Footnote This diverse fauna relies on the complex ecosystems of the rainforest.
98
What is another name for tropical grassland?
Savanna
99
What type of climate is associated with tropical grassland?
Tropical, semi-arid
100
What is the growing season like in tropical grassland?
Year-round
101
How would you describe the soil quality in tropical grassland?
Poor
102
What is the biodiversity level in tropical grassland?
Low-medium
103
What types of plants are found in tropical grassland?
Grasses, scattered clumps of trees
104
Name three types of animals that inhabit tropical grassland.
Insects, reptiles, birds
105
Which mammals are commonly found in tropical grassland? (List at least three)
* Zebras * Giraffes * Antelopes * Lions * Cheetahs * Hyenas