General Biology - Biosphere and Biomes

Flashcards focusing on key vocabulary related to the biosphere and biomes for study and review.

Biosphere

The sum total of all places where living organisms can be found.

Biome

A large-scale geographic region with characteristic climate, vegetation, and fauna.

Climate

The long-term average of weather patterns in an area, influenced by solar radiation and other factors.

Solar Radiation

The energy from the sun that varies across the Earth and is a significant factor determining climate.

Tundra

A treeless biome found in circumpolar regions, characterized by cold, dry conditions, and a short growing season.

Taiga or Boreal Forest

A cold biome characterized by coniferous forests, found between the arctic circle and 60° latitude.

Temperate Rainforest

A biome characterized by warm, moist air, resulting in abundant rainfall and diverse vegetation, including large coniferous trees.

Chaparral

A biome with hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters, home to shrubby vegetation adapted to fire.

Temperate Grassland

A biome with sufficient natural grass but insufficient moisture to support trees, known for large annual temperature variations.

Desert

A biome with very low precipitation, characterized by drought-resistant plants and significant temperature variation between day and night.

Tropical Rainforest

A lush, dense biome found near the equator, known for its high biodiversity and consistently warm, humid conditions.

Savanna

A tropical biome characterized by grasslands with scattered trees, having a seasonal rainfall pattern.

Emergent Properties

New characteristics that emerge when interacting components of a system, like the biosphere, come together.