Biomes Flashcards
What is the tropical rainforest biome?
The wettest and warmest biome, found in regions like the Amazon and western/central Africa.
Key elements include high plant and animal diversity, high ecosystem productivity, and poor mineral nutrient soils.
What characterizes tropical dry (seasonal) forests?
Forests that experience a pronounced dry season, with common deciduous trees that drop leaves and flower during this time.
Productivity and diversity are less than in tropical rainforests.
What defines temperate rainforests?
Dominated by tall coniferous trees, found in temperate zones like the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
Key elements include mild winters, heavy rain, frequent fog, and rich organic matter soils.
What are the key features of temperate broadleaf forests?
Forests in regions with moderate rainfall and high seasonal temperature variation, including deciduous forests in the eastern U.S. and Europe.
Productivity is similar to temperate rainforests, but plant and animal diversity is lower than in tropics.
What is the boreal coniferous forest?
Forests dominated by conifers like spruces and firs, found in areas of moderate to high rainfall.
Key elements include low productivity, low plant species diversity, and large mammals like moose and bears.
What defines temperate grasslands?
Biomes where precipitation is insufficient for dense forests, often called prairies or steppes.
Productivity is about one-third of tropical rainforests, with rich agricultural land due to limited decomposition.
What characterizes tropical scrub forests and savannas?
Common in dry tropical regions of Africa, with seasonal rainfall and scrub vegetation.
Productivity and species diversity are significantly less than in tropical rainforests.
What is the Mediterranean biome?
Found in regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea and California, characterized by dry areas receiving most rain in winter.
Vegetation includes dense, woody shrubs and small trees, with adaptations for water retention.
What defines desert biomes?
Areas receiving less than 25 cm of precipitation per year, covering a broad temperature range.
Deserts can be hot or cold, characterized by sandy or rocky soil and low productivity.
What is the tundra biome?
Occurs in arctic regions beyond the tree line, with vegetation primarily consisting of grasses, lichens, and dwarf trees.
The soil is permafrost, and productivity is low, with dramatic fluctuations in rodent populations.
