Biomes and Ecosystems Review: Desert, Tropical Dry Forest, Temperate Grasslands & Savanna, Estuaries, Tropical Rainforest, Mangrove Forests

Flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes on deserts, tropical dry forests, temperate grasslands & savannas, estuaries, tropical rainforests, and mangrove forests, focusing on climate, geography, flora and fauna, indigenous peoples, and anthropogenic issues.

What fraction of the world is desert?

1/5 of the world is desert.

What climate features define deserts?

Little to no rainfall with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Which desert mammal has large ears and is nocturnal to avoid heat?

Fennec Fox.

Which desert rodent gets most of its water from seeds and drinks little water?

Kangaroo rat.

Which ant is noted as the most heat-tolerant and can withstand 128°F?

Saharan silver ant.

How do camels primarily conserve water in the desert?

Humps store fat (and help conserve water).

What movement do Sidewinder snakes use to move efficiently on sand?

Sideways movement.

Which desert bird is known for speed and eating insects?

Road Runner.

Name a major human activity that worsens water scarcity in deserts.

Desertification due to water scarcity, plus activities like off-road driving and mining that disturb moisture.

What farming technique helps reduce water loss in deserts?

Drip irrigation.

Which indigenous group is associated with the desert region (Mojave)?

Mojave.

Where are Tropical Dry Forests mainly located?

South America and Australia.

How long is the dry season in Tropical Dry Forests typically?

About six months (December to May).

What is the conservation status of Tropical Dry Forests?

Very rare and endangered; less than 5% remain.

Name two indigenous groups connected to Tropical Dry Forests.

Manjui and Maka.

What is a major threat to Tropical Dry Forests?

Deforestation.

Provide a simple policy-oriented solution to Tropical Dry Forest deforestation.

Lessen paper use and advocate for policies; reforestation and tree planting.

Which tree is noted for storing water in Tropical Dry Forests?

Ceiba tree.

Name a carnivorous mammal listed for Tropical Dry Forests.

Bush Dog.

What plant growth form is described as growing on other plants in Tropical Dry Forests?

Epiphytes.

Where are temperate grasslands and savannas located?

Great plains of North America; Pampas of Argentina/Uruguay; savannas of Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa; Mongolian Steppes.

What type of vegetation dominates savannas?

Tall grasses with scattered trees; fire adaptation; nutrient-dense soils.

Name two large herbivores commonly found in savannas.

Antelopes and Zebras.

Which large predator is listed for African savannas?

Leopard.

Which indigenous group is associated with African savannas?

Maasai.

Which indigenous group is associated with Australian savannas?

Palawa.

What is a major land-use issue affecting savannas?

Overgrazing and soil nutrient depletion; urban development.

What farming practice helps protect savannas from overgrazing?

Rotational grazing (controlling stock numbers and grazing periods).

Estuaries occupy approximately what percentage of Earth's surface?

About 3%.

Name a habitat supported by estuaries.

Seagrass or Mangroves.

What is the Chesapeake Bay estuary noted for in the notes?

Largest estuary in the US with extensive river systems (64k sq miles, ~150 rivers/streams).