Ch. 6 Key Terms Flashcards
biome
large region characterized by a specific type of climate and certain types of plants and animal communities
climate
refers to weather conditions such as temperatures, precipitation, humidity, and winds that occur in an area over a long period of time.
latitude
distance north or south of the equator and is measured in degrees with the equator equal to 0
altitude
height of an object above sea level
tropical rain forest
always humid and warm and get about 200-450 cm of rain each year. they help regulate world climate and play vital roles in the nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon cycles
emergent layer
the top layer of the tropical rain forest, consists of tallest trees 60-70 m.
canopy
considered primary layer of the forest. grows about 30 m tall. absorbs up to 95% of sunlight.
epiphyte
plants that use an entire surface of a tree as a place to live.
understory
trees, plants, and shrubs that are adapted to little light live here.
temperate rain forest
occurs in north america, australia, and new zealand. large amounts of precipitation, high humidity, and moderate temps.
temperate deciduous forest
trees drop their broad, flat leaves each fall. located between 30-50 degree north latitudes.
taiga
northern coniferous forest that stretches in a broad band across the north hemisphere just below the arctic circle
savanna
tropical biome dominated by grasses, shrubs, and small trees.
temperate grassland
covers large areas of the interior of continents, where there is moderate rainfall but trees and shrubs cannot be established because there is not enough rain or fires are too frequent.
chaparrel
temperate shrubland biome that is found in all parts of the world with a mediterranean climate.
