biomes

Question 1

the temperate (mid-latitude) grassland biome

Answer 1

CLIMATE
- extremely cold winters (often -10°)
- extremely hot summers (over 20°)
- low rainfall (400mm-800mm per year) most of this falls in summer due to high levels of convection
- lack of rainfall and limited water availability means that seasonal grasses dominate the vegetation
- trees cannot survive here, except alongside rivers and streams. this is due to low total rainfall and also the fact that natural fires and the grazing animals kill young tree saplings

Question 2

soil profile associated with temperate grasslands

Answer 2

• dark brown colour
• deep humus layer (close to surface)
• mull humus
• thick sod layer
• burrows from invertebrates
• crumb/granular soil structure
• clay/loam soil texture
• pH 6-7 neutral / slightly alkaline

Question 3

the tundra biome

Answer 3

WINTER
- bitterly cold and dark
- between 6-10 months below freezing (0°) and average temps at -25°)
- sun barely rises above horizon
- plant activity is impossible

SUMMER
- sun shines all day and night
- temps reach 4-15° during this 50-60 day long growing season

PRECIPITATION
totals often lower than deserts, between 130-250mm but as evaporation and transpiration are low there is water available in summer to supply plants.
the region is swept by strong winds averaging 45-90km/h and lack of trees means no protection for the vegetation