exam 3 pt 5 (terrestrial biomes -> coniferous forest)

the structure + distribution of terrestrial biomes are controlled by climate and ___________

disturbance

disturbance

events that modify biome patterns

→ storms, fires, human activity

climograph

a plot of temperature + precipitation in a region

ecotone

terrestrial biomes grading into each other without sharp boundaries

what vertical layering exists in a terrestrial biome?

upper canopy, low-tree layer, shrub understory, ground layer of herbaceous plants, forest floor, root layer

tropical forest

hot + wet, high biodiversity, thin/nutrient-poor soil, dense canopy, found near the equator (tropics)

temperate forest

moderate climate with all 4 seasons, moderate to high rainfall, fertile soil, trees lose leaves in fall

savanna

warm, seasonal rainfall with wet + dry seaons, scattered trees, frequent fires + grazing

temperate grassland

hot summers + cold winters, moderate rainfall, dominated by grasses, very fertile soil, few trees due to fire + grazing

chaparral

mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers, shrubs + small trees, frequent wildfires, plants adapted to drought and fire

tundra

very cold with short growing season, low precipitation (a cold desert), permafrost (frozen soil), low-growing plants like mosses and lichens, very low biodiversity

coniferous forest

long, cold winters + short summers, moderate precipitation, evergreen/needle-leaf trees, acidic + nutrient-poor soil, low biodiversity