Biomes Flashcards
What is a Biome?
A large ecosystem is called a biome. A biome contains particular plant and animal groups, which are adapted to that particular environment.
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a group of living organisms interacting with the non-living parts of an environment. Ecosystems can vary in size, eg a single hedgerow or a whole rainforest.
The type of plants and animals found in each ecosystem depends on the type of climate and soils. The harsh conditions of an extreme environment mean that only plants and animal species that have adapted are able to survive in the area. The vegetation, climate and soils are closely linked with one another.
What are the 2 main Biomes you have studied?
Rainforest
Hot Desert
What are the characteristics of tropical rainforest?
23.5° north - 23.5° south of the equator.
Hot and wet all year.
Rich in plants and animals.
Poor soils.
What are the characteristics of a hot desert?
15-30° north and south of the equator.
Very hot and dry.
Limited plants.
When describing the location of something what must you include?
Compass directions Lines of latitude Oceans Countries Continents
Where might you find a tropical rainforest?
south of the equator
Africa
Brazil
South East Asia
Where might you find a desert?
Either side of the equator
NOT on the equator
Deserts do not have rainfall or very little rainfall
How might something adapt to a rainforest?
Sloth - Long arms, strong and slow
Spider Monkey - 2ft Tall
Poison Dart frog - toxic
Piranha - Razor sharp teeth
EAT but DON’T be eaten!
How might something adapt to a desert?
Camel - Stores fat in hump to keep hydrated, flat feet to walk on sand
What are the advantages of a coral reef?
1 - Can shelter land from ocean storms and floods
2 - Can be used to treat forms of cancer and HIV
3 - 500 Million people rely on it for food and protection
4 - Removes CO2 from atmosphere
5 - Improves quality of water by trapping things that float
6 - Living laboratory for scientists
7- provides $375M per year in goods and services
What are some of the threats to coal reefs?
Global warming because it causes the temperature of the sea to rise and fish will die.
CO2 in the atmosphere makes the water acidic and can kill the fish
What % of the worlds surface are coral reefs?
0.1%
Why does a rainforest have high biodiversity?
it has over 390 Billion tress and provides 20% of the earths oxygen!
It contains half of the worlds animals
What challenges would you face in a hot desert?
Little or no rainfall
Extreme temperatures (Hot in day and cold at night)
Lack of food (Very few animals and no plants)
some animals draw moisture from the air (Scorpion)
