Terristal Biomes vocab by Tubro

Characterize the soils in Boreal Forests.

Acidic and nutrient-poor with abundant bogs and lakes.

What is the dominant vegetation in Boreal Forests?

Evergreen conifers.

What is a biome?

A major regional complex of similar plant communities recognized by its dominant plant type and vegetation structure.

What are the primary factors that determine biomes?

Temperature and precipitation, which create distinct climate regimes.

What is a climatograph?

A diagram illustrating monthly temperature and precipitation, used to classify biomes.

How are biomes positioned in relation to mean annual temperature and precipitation?

Biomes are plotted along axes of mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation to visualize their climate ranges.

Describe the climate of a Temperate Deciduous Forest.

Warm summers and moderate rainfall year-round.

What is the dominant vegetation in Temperate Deciduous Forests?

Broad-leaf deciduous trees such as oaks, beeches, and maples.

Characterize the climate of Temperate Grasslands.

Warm with low rainfall and strong seasonal temperature swings.

What is the typical vegetation in Temperate Grasslands?

Grasses with few trees.

Describe the climate of Temperate Rainforests.

Warm with very high rainfall throughout the year.

What characterizes the vegetation structure in Temperate Rainforests?

Tall, moisture-loving trees and a dense, shaded understory.

Describe the climate of Tropical Rainforests.

Hot with high rainfall year-round.

What is a unique characteristic of nutrient cycling in Tropical Rainforests?

Most nutrients are stored in living plant tissue, while soils are often poor.

Characterize the climate of Savannas (Tropical Grasslands).

Hot with pronounced wet and dry seasons.

What is the typical vegetation in Savannas?

Grasses with scattered trees, often fire-adapted species.

Describe the climate of Chaparral (Mediterranean) biomes.

Warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

What are common adaptations in Chaparral vegetation?

Fire-dependent seed germination and shrub dominance.

Characterize the key traits of Deserts.

Extremely low precipitation and temperature extremes.

What adaptations are common in Desert organisms?

Water-conserving physiology in plants and animals.

Describe the climate of Tundra.

Cold and very dry, akin to a cold desert.

What is the typical vegetation in Tundra?

Lichens, mosses, and low shrubs.

Characterize the soil condition in Tundra.

Permafrost remains frozen year-round.

Describe the climate of Boreal Forests (Taiga).

Cold with low-to-moderate rainfall.

Compare the soil fertility of Temperate Deciduous Forests and Temperate Grasslands.

Temperate Deciduous Forests have fertile soils, while Temperate Grasslands have poor soil fertility.

What is the typical disturbance in Temperate Rainforests?

Frequent canopy gaps from fallen trees.

How do biomes relate to global distribution maps?

Biomes are mapped globally to show their geographic spread and specific examples.

What is the key takeaway about biomes?

Biomes are defined by the interplay of temperature and precipitation, shaping vegetation, soil, and ecological disturbances.