The Biomes

Question 1

Describe the soils in temperate deciduous forests

Answer 1

Rich and fertile brown soils.

Active weathering provides high levels of nutrients.

Annual leaf fall provides organic matter further enriching the soil.

Question 2

Describe the vegetation in temperate deciduous forests.

Answer 2

Deciduous oak, beech, birch and ash trees shed leaves in autumn ➔ conserve water loss from stomata in winter.

Fully grown trees provide a canopy.
Sub-canopy of saplings such as hazel.
Herb layer of bracken, brambles and bluebells
Ground layer is dark and moist ➔ moss

Question 3

Describe the location and climate of tropical rainforests.

Answer 3

Found in a broad belt through the tropics; Central and South America, central parts of Africa, South-East Asia and northern parts of Australia.

 Over 2000mm of rainfall a year

 Temp. averages 27oC throughout the year

Question 4

Describe the soils in tropical rainforests.

Answer 4

Surprisingly infertile.

Dead leaves decompose rapidly in damp, hot conditions ➔ most nutrients found at the surface ➔ many trees and plants have shallow roots.

Fungi growing on roots transfer nutrients from the air.

Heavy rainfall can dissolve and carry away nutrients ➔ leaching ➔ infertile red-coloured soil, ‘latosol’ ➔ rich in iron and very acidic

Question 5

Describe the vegetation in a tropical rainforest.

Answer 5

Largest number of plant and animal species of any biome

Majority live in the canopy where there is maximum light (e.g. birds such as parrots and toucans, and mammals such as monkeys)

Rainforest floors too dark to support many plants, with animals such as deer eating seeds and berries”

Question 6

What are some adaptations of plants in the tropical rainforest?

Answer 6

• Leaves have flexible bases so they can turn to face the sun
• Leaves have drip tips to allow heavy rain to drip off the leaf
• Thin smooth bark on trees allow water to flow down easily
• Trees have buttresses which are massive ridges that help support the base of tall trees, transport water and oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange by increasing surface area

Question 7

What are lianas?

Answer 7

Woody creepers rooted to the ground but carried by trees into the canopy where they have their leaves and flowers

Question 8

What are epiphytes?

Answer 8

Plants which can live in branches high in the canopy to seek sunlight. They obtain nutrients from water and air

Question 9

Describe the location of hot deserts.

Answer 9

Found in dry continental interiors in a belt approximately 30oN and 30oS

Air rises at the equator ➔ descends at these latitudes ➔ high pressure anticyclone ➔ very few clouds

High temp. during the day and below freezing at night

Question 10

Describe the soils found in hot deserts

Answer 10

Sandy or stony

Lack of dense vegetation ➔ little organic material

Dry but soak up water rapidly

Evaporation draws salts to the surface ➔ white residue on the surface

Not particularly fertile

Question 11

What are the adaptations of plants in hot deserts?

Answer 11

Widespread roots just below ground or long tap roots (7-10m)

Seeds - can be dormant for years then germinate quickly when it rains

Succulents - some plants (cactus’s can store water in their roots, fruit, stems or leaves)

Small leaves or spines/Glossy and waxy leaves help minimise water reduction

See paper flashcard for specifics

Question 12

Describe the location and climate of temperate deciduous forests.

Answer 12

Found across much of NW Europe, eastern N. America and parts of East Asia.

Rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year.

Temperatures are moderate and the growing season lasts for 7 months