Year 9 Flashcards
(30 cards)
What are biomes?
Biomes are large communities of plants and animals that extend over large areas due to similar climatic conditions.
How are biomes distributed around the world?
Biomes cover the whole world, changing due to separate areas with different atmospheric conditions and climates.
How do climate variations affect biomes?
Climate and atmospheric conditions influence the types of vegetation, animal populations, soil fertility, and other characteristics of each biome.
What are the characteristics of the Tundra biome?
The Tundra biome is located closely below the Arctic circle and above the Antarctic circle. It features low precipitation (snow) and low temperatures.
Describe the Taiga (Boreal Forest) biome.
The Taiga biome is located below the tundra biome, towards the top of Earth. It features coniferous forests and long cold winters.
What are the key features of Deciduous Forests?
Deciduous Forests are located around the Tropic of Capricorn and Cancer, mid-Russia and mid-North America. They feature trees that lose leaves seasonally.
Where are Grasslands typically found and what are their characteristics?
Grasslands are located just above savanna, around and inward from the tropics. They are dominated by grasses with few trees.
What defines the Savanna biome?
The Savanna biome is typically located just above the equator. It features grasses with scattered trees and has distinct wet and dry seasons.
What are the key characteristics of Tropical Rainforests?
Tropical Rainforests are usually located on or around the equator. They feature high biodiversity and are warm and wet year-round.
Why do humans use biomes for productivity?
Humans rely on biomes for survival as they provide resources for food, clothing, shelter, and energy.
How do human activities impact biomes?
Humans change biomes through:
- Deforestation
- Introducing invasive species
- Pollution
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Mining
- Overuse of natural resources
What is sustainable biome management?
Sustainable biome management refers to practices that maintain the long-term health and productivity of biomes while meeting human needs.
Why is sustainability important for biomes?
Sustainability is important for biomes to ensure continued food security, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem services for future generations.
How do biomes differ from ecosystems?
Biomes are larger than ecosystems and contain multiple ecosystems within them. Biomes are defined by climate, while ecosystems are defined by the interactions between living and non-living components.
What factors determine the distribution of biomes?
Temperature, precipitation, latitude, altitude, and soil type are key factors determining biome distribution.
What adaptations do plants in desert biomes typically have?
Desert plants often have deep roots, waxy cuticles, and modified leaves (like spines) to conserve water.
How does altitude affect biome distribution?
As altitude increases, temperature decreases, creating distinct vegetation zones similar to changes in latitude.
What is sustainable agriculture?
Farming practices that maintain soil productivity, reduce environmental impact, and meet society’s food needs without compromising future generations.
How does climate change affect biomes?
Climate change can alter temperature and precipitation patterns, leading to shifts in biome boundaries and species composition.
What is desertification?
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically due to drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
How do biomes contribute to global climate regulation?
Biomes play a crucial role in the carbon cycle, water cycle, and energy balance of the Earth.
What is the importance of biodiversity in biomes?
Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, provides a variety of ecosystem services, and supports complex food webs.
What is agroforestry?
A land use management system that combines trees or shrubs with crops or livestock, often used to enhance sustainability.
How does soil type influence biome characteristics?
Soil type affects water retention, nutrient availability, and the types of plants that can grow in a biome.
