Biomes and Nitrogen Fixation

These flashcards cover key terms related to biomes' productivity and nitrogen fixation processes, highlighting important concepts and mistakes in research methodology.

Net Primary Productivity (NPP)

The rate at which energy is converted by photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs to organic substances.

Tropical Rainforest

A biome characterized by high rainfall, rich biodiversity, and high NPP.

Estuaries

Coastal bodies of water where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, known for high productivity.

Desert

A biome with low moisture levels, typically characterized by low NPP.

Open Ocean

A marine biome with vast areas of water that has relatively low NPP compared to coastal or estuarine environments.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which nitrogen in the atmosphere is converted into ammonia or related nitrogenous compounds in soil.

Symbiotic Bacteria

Bacteria that live in a close association with legumes, playing a crucial role in nitrogen fixation.

Inhibition of Nitrogen Fixation

High levels of soil nitrogen can suppress the activity of symbiotic bacteria in legumes, leading to decreased nitrogen fixation.

Tundra

A very cold, dry biome with permafrost, a short growing season, and vegetation such as mosses, lichens, and small shrubs.

Taiga (Boreal Forest)

A biome characterized by cold winters and cool summers, moderate rainfall, and vegetation primarily consisting of coniferous trees such as spruce, pine, and fir.

Temperate Deciduous Forests

Forests found in countries like the United States, South Korea, and Germany, characterized by distinct seasons and moderate climate. The weather includes moderate rainfall and temperature fluctuations from very cold in winter to warm in summer.

Temperate coniferous Forests

Forests found in countries like the United States, South Korea, and Germany, characterized by distinct seasons and moderate climate. The weather includes moderate rainfall and temperature fluctuations from very cold in winter to hot in summer.

Tropical Rainforest

Hot and very wet year-round, characterized by the highest biodiversity, with plants including tall broadleaf trees, vines, ferns, and orchids.

Savanna

A warm biome characterized by seasonal rainfall, featuring distinct wet and dry seasons. Vegetation predominantly includes grasses and scattered trees such as acacia, while supporting a variety of wildlife adapted to these conditions.

Grassland

A biome characterized by moderate rainfall, primarily consisting of grasses with few trees due to fire and drought. Plants include tall grasses (prairie) and wildflowers.

Temperate Coniferous Forests

Forests in temperate regions with warm summers, cool winters, and enough rainfall to sustain evergreen trees. Common in Canada, Scandinavia, and Russia, these forests primarily consist of conifers like pine, spruce, and fir, which have needle-like leaves that stay green year-round

Overstory

The uppermost trees in a forest.

Understory

Layer made up of young trees, short species of trees, shrubs, and soft-stemmed plants.