1GB3: People And Biosphere Flashcards
What are biomes?
Large scale global ecosystrems with distinctive vegetation
What is an ecosystem?
Includes all the living and non living things in an area
What determines the type of biome formed?
Climate in an area
What climate do tropical forests have?
Hot
Wet
Why is the climate in tropical forests hot and wet?
Found near the equator, day length is the same all year round
Forests get plenty of sunshine all year
Rainfall is very high and it rains everyday
What are characteristics of tropical forests?
Plants - plants grow quickly and are adapted to take in maximum light
Animals - dense vegetation provides lot of food for different habitats. Lots of different species of animals, insects, birds.
Soil - plants grow quickly and shed leaves all year round. Decompose quickly - constant supply of nutrients in soil and nutrients are cycled quickly
What is the climate like in temperate forests?
Mild
Wet
Why is the climate in temperate forests mild and wet?
Rainfall very high and there is rain all year round
Days are shorter in winter and longer in the summer - hours of sunshine vary through the year
What are characteristics of temperate forests?
Plants - mild wet climate supports fewer species than tropical forests
Animals - mold climate and range of plants prrovides food and habitats for mammals, birds and insects
Soil - plants lose their leaves in autumn , leaf litter decomposes quickly due to moist and mild climate. Soils are relatively thick and nutrient rich
What is the climate like in boreal forests?
Cold
Dry
Why is the climate cold and dry in boreal forests?
Short summer and long winters
In winter average temps are below -20 degrees C
In summer, average temps are about 10 degrees C
Precipiation is low, lot of this falls as snow
Lots of daylight in summer months but none in winter
Skies tend to be clear so during daylight hours there’s plenty of sunshine
What are characteristics of boreal forests?
