Biomes Flashcards
1
Q
Biomes
A
- A biome is an area classified according to the species that live in that location
- Scientists can define a biome by defining the temperature range, soil type, amount of light, and water that are peculiar to a location and create opportunities for particular species.
2
Q
Difference between Biomes and Ecosystems
A
Biomes are large ecological areas with specific climate and organisms, while ecosystems are smaller localized systems.
3
Q
Desert
A
- hot, arid ecosystem
- found in regions such as the Sahara
- little rainfall (less than 250 mm per year)
- -4 to 50 degrees celsius
- diverse flora (cacti - can survive as they are succulents) and fauna (camels - can store water for long periods of time) that are specially adapted to conserve water and withstand the harsh conditions
4
Q
Savanna Grasslands
A
- found in the southern hemisphere
- characterized by vast rolling grasslands and scattered trees
- average rainfall of 50-150cm
- average temperature of 20-30°C
- home to several tall grasses, scattered trees, and bushy vegetation, and animals such as zebras, giraffes, lions, elephants, and various bird species
5
Q
Temperate Grasslands
A
- found in North America, Eurasia, and South America
- features vast grasslands with few trees
- average rainfall of 300-600 mm
- average temperatures ranging from -20 to 30°C
- home to prairie grasses, wildflowers, and herbs such as buffalo grass, purple coneflower, and wild indigo
- large herbivores such as bison, pronghorns, and small mammals like prairie dogs and jackrabbits.
6
Q
Tropical Forests
A
- found near the equator
- characterized by high levels of biodiversity
- average rainfall of around 2500 mm per year
- average temperature of 25-27°C
- wide range of flora, including large trees, vines, and ferns
- wide range of fauna like monkeys, birds, snakes, and other small mammals
7
Q
Temperate Forests
A
- located in regions with moderate temperatures and precipitation
- featuring trees that lose their leaves during the winter season
- average rainfall of 750mm-1500mm
- temperatures ranging from -30°C to 30°C
- often home to plant and animal species such as oaks, maples, deer, bears, and wolves
8
Q
Woodland Forests
A
- located in temperate regions
- characterized by moderate rainfall
- average temperatures are 20-30 degrees celsius
- dominated by deciduous trees
- fauna such as deer, birds, and other small mammals can be found
9
Q
Tiago Forests
A
- located in Brazil
- characterized by its high biodiversity
- average rainfall of 2000-3000mm
- temperature range of 20-28°C
- lush, dense vegetation consisting of trees such as mahogany and Brazil nut
- diverse range of animals such as toucans, jaguars, monkeys and sloths
10
Q
Tundra
A
- found at the far northern regions of the Earth
- characterized by permafrost
- has extremely low temperatures (-56 degrees)
- little precipitation (150-250 mm per year)
- having low-growing plants like lichens, mosses, and small shrubs
- animals adapted to cold, like caribou, wolves, and polar bears
11
Q
Alpine
A
- found in high altitude mountain regions
- characterized by rocky terrain
- -12 to 10 degrees celsius
- 300mm per year
- home to hardy plant species like mosses, lichens, and alpine flowers
- wildlife such as mountain goats, marmots, and birds adapted to survive in the harsh conditions.
12
Q
Spatial Distribution of Biomes across the Earth
A
- The spatial distribution of different biomes across the world varies according to their climatic conditions.
- The north mainly consists of tundra and polar ice cap.
- The south mainly consists of polar ice cap.
- The east and west have a variety of different biomes, including but not limited to taiga, temperate grassland, tropical seasonal forest, temperate deciduous forest, and subtropical desert.
13
Q
What is the relationship between biomes and climate
A
- The relationship between biomes and climate is highly interconnected
- Climate, which includes factors such as temperature, precipitation, and sunlight, plays a fundamental role in determining the types of plants and animals that can survive and thrive in a particular region
- Different biomes have adapted to specific climatic conditions over time, resulting in unique ecological communities