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GEOG0020: Ecological Patterns and Processes > Biomes > Flashcards

Biomes Flashcards

1
Q

what is a biome

A

major terrestrial ecosystem

with unique and specific climatic conditions, soils, organisms, and location

generally following a latitudinal distribution

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2
Q

how do mountains effect biomes

A

Mountains form specific oro-biomes which may differ greatly from the surrounding environment

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3
Q

where is the tundra

A

beyond the arctic circle, no trees

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4
Q

tundra climate

A

cold

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5
Q

what is the growing period in the tundra

A

at most June to September, often shorter

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6
Q

soil characteristics of the tundra

A

permafrost

solifluction

low nitrogen availability

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7
Q

taiga climate

A

extremely cold

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8
Q

characteristics of taiga soil

A

permafrost

podsols

thick O horizons (organic matter layer)

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9
Q

what is a steppe and a cold desert

A

steppe refers to cold grasslands and desert is a cold desert

they experience cold winters with reduced precipitation

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10
Q

what is the climate of steppe and cold desert biomes

A

temperate

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11
Q

characteristics of steppe and cold desert soils in humid areas

A

podsols

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12
Q

characteristics of steppe and cold desert soils in semi-arid areas

A

brown soils, with extensive
A- horizons (topsoil) and very good nutrient supply – most
productive soils on earth

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13
Q

characteristics of steppe and cold desert soils in arid areas

A

lithosols (early soil development stages, mostly broken rock)

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14
Q

where are temperate deciduous forests found

A

mainly in northern hemisphere, bc leaf shedding in forest trees is as a result of cold winter months

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15
Q

climate of temperate deciduous forests

A

cold winter and warm, humid summer months

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16
Q

soil of temperate deciduous forests

A

brown soils with a medium availability of nutrients, old, weathered soils more acidic

17
Q

where does mediterranean shrubland exist?

A

five distinct zones; in the Mediterranean, California, southern Africa, Chile and SW-Australia

18
Q

climate of mediterranean shrubland biome

A

winter rains, only a short frost period and a warm, dry summer with water deficits for the vegetation

19
Q

soil characteristics of mediterranean shrubland biome?

A

usually shallow soil with high base saturation and high nutrient content, but lack of Manganese and Iron

In australia, it has very poor sandy soils

20
Q

location of hot deserts

A

~ 30° N and S

21
Q

climate of hot deserts

A

subtropical, arid, high interannual variability in precipitation. Sometimes there are fog deserts - no rain, only fog

22
Q

hot desert soil characteristics`

A

early developmental stages,

low in organic matter – salt accumulation

23
Q

where are tropical grasslands and savannas located

A

cover huge regions within the tropics, especially in Africa and S-America

24
Q

tropical grasslands and savannas climate

A

summer rains, deciduous trees shedding leaves in short dry seasons

25
Q

tropical forest climate

A

high rainfall, stable temperatures

26
Q

tropical rainforest soils

A

old poor soils, quick closed nutrient cycles. Very suitable for modern agriculture

27
Q

reference for species interaction

A

begon et al 2006

28
Q

tropical grassland and savannah vegetation

A

trees shed leaves in dry season ad make soft eaves in rainy season, but growth halted by poor soils

29
Q

tropical grassland and savannah fauna

A

highest density of large mammals e.g. serengeti, termites. High diversity. Wildebeest, antelope, elephants, lions

30
Q

hot desert vegetation

A

halophytes, ephemeral, extensive root system,

31
Q

hot desert fauna

A

nocturnal animals, burrowing bipeds, flightless beetles, camels

32
Q

mediteranean shrubland vegetation

A

highly diverse, forests and shrubs. If soils become very poor, it can be heath, some carnivorous plants

33
Q

what is temperate deciduous forest vegetation

A

dense tree crown cover in summer, flowering in early spring

34
Q

what is temperate deciduous forest fauna

A

fox, deer

35
Q

what is steppe vegetation

A

grasses, early flowering herbs, desert halophytes

36
Q

what is steppe fauna

A

snow leopard, antelope, horses, wolves

37
Q

what is taiga vegetation

A

mainly conifer forests, large swamps

38
Q

what is taiga fauna

A

very low biodiversity, moose, tiger

GEOG0020: Ecological Patterns and Processes (9 decks)

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