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?
