People in the Biosphere Flashcards
Describe the location of the tundra biome
Far north E.g Russia and Canada
Not as common in the southern hemisphere
Describe the characteristics of the Tundra biome
Harsh, cold winters
Short summers’
Treeless
Precipitation is very low
Describe the location of the Taiga/boreal forest biome.
Located at latitudes below the tundra biome
Describe the characteristics of the taiga/boreal forest biome
around 50cm of precipitation per year
They are drought resistant
Describe the location of the temperate deciduous forest
North and South of the equator
locations in Europe and USA
Describe the characteristics of the temperate deciduous forest
Highly seasonal
Moderate precipitation
Describe the location of the temperate grassland biome
Located south from the equator
far from coastal areas
Describe the characteristics of the temperate grassland biome
Dominant vegetation
Low precipitation
Describe the location of the desert biome
Around 30N and south of the equator
Describe the characteristics of the desert biome
Very low precipitation
High temperatures
Describe the location of the tropical rainforest biome
Close to the equator
Describe the characteristics of the tropical rainforest biome
Has many species
very high precipitation
Describe the location of the savannah biome
Located between 15-30N and south of the equator
Describe the characteristics of the savannah biome
Precipitation is very seasonal
Has dry seasons
Describe the location of the Mediterranean biome
Around 40-45N of the equator
Describe the characteristics of the Mediterranean biome
Mild, moist winters
diverse wildlife
How are biomes influenced by Climate
-Biomes around the equator are warmer as the sun shines more encouraging plants to grow
-At higher latitudes the sun becomes less intense and more seasonal, influencing the type of vegetation which can grow there
Name the 3 things which would influence the local factors of a biome
Altitude
Rock and soil type
Drainage
How does altitude have a influence of the local factors of a biome
-The temperature gets colder when height of land increases. For every 1000m temperature decreases by 6.5 degrees Celsius. At high latitudes temperatures can reach below 0
-Precipitation usually increases with height, which alters the vegetation and soil at different altitudes
How does Rock and soil type have a influence of the local factors of a biome
Rock and soil type can cause a major difference in vegetation and wild life. When rocks are broken down nutrients are released from rocks into soils which dictates the type of plants which can grow
How does drainage have a influence of the local factors of a biome
Drainage is how fast water enters and leaves soil. Drainage is influenced by:
Topography, Soil type, amount of vegetation and Precipitation and temperature. Poorly drained soil can be left waterlogged and boggy
What do biomes offer for human resources
Food and water: meat , berries, crops
Energy sources: Fossil fuels, Timber
Materials: metal, wood, rocks
How is energy exploited in biomes
Fossil fuels are being extracted at a unsustainable rate, which also emits CO2 gas due to the machinery.
Extracting creates lasting environment damage (e.g. mines)
How is water exploited in biomes
The population requires long lasting, clean water sources. However water sources are being depleted faster than being. Ground water stores called aquifers are being depleted at a faster rate than replenishment
How are mineral resources being exploited in biomes.
Mineral resources are naturally occurring elements. Some minerals take billions of years to form, but are being depleted at a faster rate for commercial use
How does the biosphere maintain green house gases
It regulates the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide by photosynthesis. Carbon is stored in trees, rocks, permafrost and the sea.
How does the biosphere maintain soil health
The biosphere keeps soil fertile through nutrient cycling, which is the movement of nutrients around the biosphere between soils, plants, animals and organic matter.
How does the biosphere maintain water regulation
Through the hydrological cycle, Trees intercept, absorb and evaporate water, putting it back into the atmosphere. Then it will fall down again through precipitation
Describe the Malthusianism view
Malthus describes how the population will decrease when there is a Positive check (war, famine and disease)
Describe the Boserupian view
No matter how large the population grows, the population will always discover new ways to sustain food supplies, such as new agricultural technology and systems to sustain food supplies
