Chapter 6 key terms Flashcards
Biome
A large region characterized by a specific type of climate and certain types of plant and animal communities
Climate
The average weather conditions in an area over a long period of time
Lattitude
The distance north or south from the equator; expressed in degrees
Altitude
The height of an object above a reference point, such as sea level or the earths surface
Tropical Rain Forest
A forest or jungle near the equator that is characterized by large amounts of rain and little variation in temperature and that contains the greatest known diversity of organisms on Earth
Emergent Layer
The top foliage layer in a forest where trees extend above surrounding trees
Canopy
The layers of treetops that shade the forest floor
Epiphyte
A plant that uses another plant for support, but not for nourishment
Understory
A foliage layer that is beneath and shaded by the main canopy of a forest.
Temperate Rain Forest
A forest community, characterized by cool, humid weather and abundant rainfall, where tree branches are draped with mosses, tree trunks are covered with lichens and the forest floor is covered with ferns.
Temperate Deciduous Forest
A forest that is characterized by trees that shed their leaves in the fall
Taiga
A region of evergreen, coniferous forest below the arctic and subarctic tundra regions.
Temperate
Relating to or denoting a region or climate characterized by mild temperatures.
Grassland
A large open area of country covered with grass, especially one used for grazing.
Chaparral
A type of vegetation that includes broad leafed evergreen shrubs and that is located in areas with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
