psysical n enviro variable (climate) Flashcards
what are the key environmental variables that determine farming patterns?
soils and climate
most crops require what to grow well?
climatic conditions
what are the examples of crops that are grown commercially?
rice and potatoes
what does rice require to grow?
high rainfall
why does rice need high rainfall?
needs a period of time standing in water
what temperature does rice grow best in?
between 16 and 27c
what type of soils does rice grow best in?
alluvial soils
what are alluvial soils?
fertile soils deposited when a river floods
why are clay soils good for rice?
retain water
how is potato blight caused?
too much rainfall, disease that destroys potato
what temperatures do potatoes grow best in?
18-20c
what kind of soils do potatoes prefer?
loos and sandy soils
what type of agriculture takes place in polar regions?
nomadic cultivation
what is nomadic cultivation?
when a farmer moves form one place to another to find better supplies such as water
what is sedentary farming?
when a farmer stays in the same place
what prevents sedentary farming in polar regions?
permafrost
what are the two climatic types?
semi arid and mediterranean
where are semi arid climates found?
near the equator
what are examples of areas with a semi arid climate?
savannah grassland, sahel (below the sahara)
why are species adapted in stem arid climates?
they experience wild fires
where are mediterranean climates found?
warm coastal areas 30-40 degrees in latitude
what does of vegetation is found here?
shrubs, bushes, small trees
how much rain do Mediterranean climates receive a year
50 cm
how much rain do semi arid climates receive?
25-50 cm a year
what is the difference in seasons between the two climates/
Mediterranean experiences distinct summer and winter seasons whereas semi arid does not
what kind of threat are areas with a Mediterranean facing?
development as they are desired areas
