Characteristics of ecosystems Flashcards
Tropical rainforest
Location
Centred along the equator
Tropical rainforest
Temperature
Hot all year (25-30*C)
Tropical rainforest
Rainfall
Very high (over 2000mm/yr)
Tropical rainforest
Flora and fauna
Biodiverse- more than half of all plant and animal species live in the TRF
Tropical grasslands
Location
Between latitudes 5-30N/S of the equator
Tropical grasslands
Temperature
Warm all year (20-30*C)
Tropical grasslands
Rainfall
Wet/dry seasons (500-1500mm/yr)
Tropical grasslands
Flora and Fauna
Grasslands with widely spaced trees. Large herds of animals graze the land
Hot desert
Location
Roughly 30*N/S of the equator
Hot desert
Temperature
Hot by day (over 30*C) cold by night
Hot desert
Rainfall
Very low (below 300mm/yr)
Hot desert
Flora and fauna
Plants and animals have to be well adapted to cope with the harsh environment. Many animals are small and nocturnal
Temperate deciduous forest
Location
Between latitudes 40-60 North of the equator
Temperate deciduous forest
Temperature
Warm summers and mild winters (5-20*C)
Temperate deciduous forest
Rainfall
Variable rainfall (500-1500mm/yr)
Temperate deciduous forest
Flora and fauna
Deciduous trees shed their leaves in autumn to conserve energy. Some animals hibernate or migrate
Tundra/Polar
Location
Far latitudes of 65* N/S of the equator
Tundra/Polar
Temperature
Very cold winter (-50*C) and cool summers
Tundra/Polar
Rainfall
Low rainfall (below 500mm/yr)
Tundra/Polar
Flora and fauna
Small plants grow close to the ground and only in summer. It is a fragile ecosystem easily damaged by humans
