chapter 6 Flashcards
biome
an area classified according to the species that live in that location.
climate
temperature, air pressure, humidity, precipitation, sunshine, cloudiness, and winds
latitude
the measurement of distance north or south of the Equator.
altitude
the distance above sea level.
tropical rain forest
a tropical woodland with an annual rainfall of at least 100 inches
emergent layer
the top foliage layer in a forest where the trees extend above surrounding trees. canopy. the layers of treetops that shade the forest floor
canopy
branches and foliage of a tree above ground or water.
epiphyte
air plant, any plant that grows upon another plant or object merely for physical support.
understory
a shrub or tree that is small enough and sufficiently shade tolerant to thrive under the canopies of other, taller trees.
temperate rain forest
a hot, moist biome where it rains all year long.
temperate deciduous forest
vegetation composed primarily of broad-leaved trees that shed all their leaves during one season.
taiga
biome (major life zone) of vegetation composed
savanna
vegetation type that grows under hot, seasonally dry climatic conditions
temperate
to climates between Polar and Tropical.
grassland
area in which the vegetation is dominated by a nearly continuous cover of grasses.
chapparral
a plant community consisting of evergreen, sclerophyllous shrubs adapted to a Mediterranean-type climate
desert
a barren area of land where little precipitation occurs and consequently living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life.
tundra
treeless regions found in the Arctic and on the tops of mountains
permafrost
any ground that remains completely frozen
