6.1 Key Terms for Matching Set 5

Climate Zone

Region with similar long-term climate: tropical (warm/wet, near equator), temperate (moderate, mid-latitudes), polar (cold, near poles).

Biome

Large geographic area defined by similar climate, plants, and animals. Examples: tropical rainforest, desert, grassland, tundra, taiga, temperate forest, ocean.

Tropical Biome

Near equator; high rainfall and temperature; highest biodiversity on Earth.

Desert Biome

Very low precipitation (<25 cm/year); extreme temperatures; organisms adapted to conserve water.

Tundra

Near poles; permafrost; low biodiversity; very short growing season.

Grassland / Savanna

Moderate rainfall; dominated by grasses; supports large herbivores (e.g., zebras, elk).

Ocean Currents

Large-scale movements of ocean water that redistribute heat globally. Gulf Stream warms Western Europe. Disruption → climate shifts.