Biomes Flashcards

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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.
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2
Q

Difference between Biomes and Ecosystems

A

Biomes are large ecological areas with specific climate and organisms, while ecosystems are smaller localized systems.

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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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