5.3 Introducing Global Ecosystems

Question 1

What is a biome?

Answer 1

➢ Large scale ecosystems - such as a topical rainforest

Question 2

What causes variations in vegetation around the west-east belts?

Answer 2

➢ Ocean currents
➢ Winds
➢ Distribution of land and sea

Question 3

What are the characteristics of a Tropical rainforest?

Answer 3

➢ Close to the Equator
➢ High temperatures 
➢ Heavy rainfall
➢ Ideal conditions for plants to grow
➢ A quarter of all medicines come from rainforest plants

Question 4

What are the characteristics of a Desert?

Answer 4

➢ Roughly 30 degrees north and south of the Equator
➢ Sinking air stops clouds from forming
➢ High daytime temperatures - low night-time temperatures - low rainfall

Question 5

What are the characteristics of a Polar ecosystem?

Answer 5

➢ Cold air sinks at the poles

➢ Leading to low temperatures and dry conditions

Question 6

What are the characteristics of Deciduous and coniferous forests?

Answer 6

➢ Roughly 50 - 60 degrees north of the Equator
➢ Deciduous trees shed their leaves in winter to retain moisture
➢ Coniferous forests retain their leaves to maximize photosynthesis during the summer months
➢ The UK’s natural vegetation is deciduous forest

Question 7

What are the characteristics of a Temperate grassland?

Answer 7

➢ These areas experience - warm dry summers - cold winters

➢ Land is mainly used for grazing animals since grass can tolerate these conditions

Question 8

What are the characteristics of a Mediterranean ecosystem?

Answer 8

➢ Countries around the area enjoy - hot, sunny, and dry summers - with mild winters

Question 9

What are the characteristics of a Tropical grassland (savanna)?

Answer 9

➢ Wet and dry seasons
➢ Dry seasons can be very hot and wild fires can break out
➢ Thunderstorms can occur during the wet season