People and The Biosphere Flashcards
Biome
global-scale ecosystem like tropical rainforest or temperate grassland
ecosystem
biological community of interdependent factors
biotic factor
living organism that shapes its environment
abiotic factor
non-living organism that shapes its environment
What local factors can alter the biome distribution locally?
- altitude
- rock
- soil type
- drainage
How does altitude affect biome distribution?
- higher altitude = more precipiation
- higher = steeper slopes + soils are thinner
- vegetation changes with altitude because of temp and precipiation
- temp decreases
location,climate,vegetation
Tropical rainforest
- Location: near equator
- Climate: warm temp + high rainfall
- Vegetation: high biodiversity
location,climate,vegetation
Temperate forests
- Location: 30-60 latitude (UK)
- Climate: mild temp, mod rainfall
- Vegetation: deciduous trees
location,climate,vegetation
Boreal forests
- Location: High latitudes (Canada)
- Climate: cold winters, cool summers, low rain
- Vegetation: coniferous trees
location,climate,vegetation
Tropical grasslands
- Location: near equator
- Climate: warm, seasonal rainfall
- Vegetation: grasslands with scattered trees
location,climate,vegetation
Temperate grasslands
- Location: mid-latitudes
- Climate: hot summer, cold winter, mod rain
- Vegetation: grass
location,climate,vegetation
Deserts
- Location: low latitudes
- Climate: very hot/cold, little rain
- Vegetation: cacti, drought-resistant plants
location,climate,vegetation
Tundra
- Location: high latitudes
- Climate: cold, low rain
- Vegetation: moss, lichens
local factor
How does soil type alter the biome distribution?
local
How does rock type alter the biome distribution?
local
How does drainage alter the biome distribution?
List biotic and abiotic factors
Biotic
* flora
* fauna
Abiotic
* soils
* rock
* water
* atmosphere
2 characteristics of temperate forest biomes
- rain all year round
- deciduous trees
- seasonal climate
- nutrient rich soils
- covers UK
