APES 1.2 - Terrestrial Biomes

What are temperate grasslands?

Like temperate grasslands but cooler temp. and wet and dryness is much less dramatic

How often does it rain in temperate grasslands?

It rains enough to sustain grasses, but not enough to grow forests

How is the biodiversity level in temperate grasslands?

Much lower than tropical grasslands

What are temperate grasslands known for?

They have the richest soil quality

What is an example of a temperate grasslands?

Russian Steppes

How is the rainfall in temperate rainforests?

They receive a lot of rain all year round (large trees)

How are the temperature of temperate rainforests?

They are at higher latitudes, so temperatures are much cooler

Which state has the largest old-growth forest?

Alaska

How is the latitude of deciduous forests?

Mid-latitude

What trees are found in deciduous forests?

Oak, hickory, elem, maple, ash, that lose leaves in winter

How are the seasons in deciduous forests?

Very dramatic

What are other names for the coniferous forest?

Taiga and Boreal

Which is the largest terrestrial biome?

The coniferous forest

What is the latitude of a taiga?

Higher latitude than deciduous forests

What do boreal forests have?

Coniferous trees (pine) they dont lose leaves in winter

What is an example of a boreal forest?

Redwoods

What is a chaparral?

A coastal biome with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters

What plants do chaparrals have?

Spiny evergreen shrubs

What are chaparral forests maintained by?

Fire

Why is fire needed in chaparral forests?

Needed for some seeds to exterminate

What is a tundra?

A cold desert (very little precipitation)

How is the weather in tundra?

Bitter cold, high winds

How is the growing season in tundras?

very short growing season?

What do tundras have under their surfaces?

Permafrost

What do permafrost in tundras restrict?

Plants from having deep roots

Where are tundras found?

Artic and high mountains

Where is temperature the warmest?

At the equator (coldest at the poles)

Why is the temperature warmest at the equator?

Due to the angle at which the sun hits the earth

What does global rainfall depend on?

Wind circulation which is driven by the sun

Which biome has the highest precipitation?

Tropical Rainforests

Which biome has the most stable temperature?

Tropical Rainforests!

What is a limiting factor for many plants and epiphytes in tropical rainforests?

Sunlight

Why is sunlight a limiting factor in tropical rainforests?

Large tropical trees

Which biome has the highest biodiversity of terrestrial biomes?

Tropical rainforests!!

How is the soil in tropical rainforests?

very poor—all decaying organic matter is sucked by large vegetation

What are hot deserts?

Hot areas with extremely low rainfall

Where do hot deserts occur?

At latitudes of around 30* north and south of the equator

Do animals have special adaptations for low precipitation?

Yes!

What are tropical grasslands/savannahs?

Open grassland with scarce shrubs and trees

Where are tropical grasslands/savannahs found?

Between rainforests and deserts latitude-wise

How is the weather in savannahs?

Warm temperatures all-year round (tropical)

What seasons do tropical grasslands have?

wet and dry season (not enough rain to be a forest, but enough to not be a desert

Where do large herbivores and predators dominate?

Savannahs

What is an impact humans have on biomes?

Deforestation

Which biomes can deforestation be found?

Tropical Rainforest (Amazon, Indonesia)

What does deforestation cause?

Loss of biodiversity and release of CO2

What is soil erosion?

Where agricultural practices degrade soil

What are examples of soil erosion?

Tilling/ploughing before planting

Compaction & overgrazing by livestock Salination: over-irrigation leads to a built up of salts

What is the best thing we as humans can do to soil?

Let it heal itself and prosper on its own

How is climate change a human impact?

The heating of the planet causes weather patterns and biomes to shift (it changes biodiversity)

How does climate change affect plants?

There are extended growing seasons

How does climate change affect animals?

It causes them to change migration patterns

Why are droughts (climate change thing) bad?

It can cause a higher chance of forest fires

How is global warming affecting a tundra?

It causes permafrost to melt

How can we prevent global warming?

We can switch to renewable sources of energy, or impose a “carbon tax” for fossil fuels.

Which biome stores the most carbon?

Tundra