Ecosystems Flashcards
What is a biome?
A biome is a large ecosystem which has its own climate, plants and animal species.
What is biosphere?
The living layer of the earth is known as the biosphere and is found between the lithosphere (rocks below us) and atmosphere (air above us!).
Where are global biomes located?
On GoodNotes
Why do biomes differ?
Climate is the most important factor that affects biomes. The temperature and precipitation affects the type of vegetation, animals and soil.
It affects how:
Thick and rich the soil is. Rock weathers fastest into soil in a hot damp climate.
Which affects:
The vegetation has adapted to suit the climate and soil. Plants grow fastest and thickest in a hot damp sunny climate.
Which affects:
The animals as they have adapted to feed on the pkant or each other and to cope with the climate.
Describe 4 different biomes.
Temperate Deciduous forest biome: 4 distinct seasons, soil is shallow with hard rock near the surface, trees shed their leaves in autumn and become inactive through winter.
Coniferous biome (Taiga biome): Long, cold winters, short, mild summers. Soil not as fertile, layer of bedrock beneath it. Confierous trees/ forests, thick forests, never lose their needles.
Tropical rainforest biome: Avg temperature is 28°C. At least 2000 mm of rain a year. Hot humid, no seasons. Soil is red, thick layer of litter. Vegetation grows in distinct layers. Adapted to the climate amd poor soils.
Hot desert biome: Less than 20 inches of precipitation each year. The hottest biome. Soil is thin, sandy, rocky, dry. Plants have to be able to withstand long periods without water.
