Overview of Terrestrial Biomes

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to the various terrestrial biomes discussed in the lecture.

Tropic of Cancer

The line of latitude at 23.5° N, marking the northern boundary of the tropics.

Tropic of Capricorn

The line of latitude at 23.5° S, marking the southern boundary of the tropics.

Equator

The line of latitude at 0°, dividing the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Biome

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

Temperate Deciduous Forest

A biome characterized by broad-leafed deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the fall.

Temperate Grassland

Also known as steppe or prairie, a dry region with few trees and extensive grasses.

Temperate Rainforest

A biome with high rainfall and consistent temperatures, typically found in the Pacific Northwest of the USA.

Tropical Rainforest

A dense, warm biome with the highest biodiversity, characterized by high year-round rainfall.

Desert

A biome with low precipitation and extreme temperatures, inhabited by specially adapted animals and plants.

Tundra

A cold, dry biome with permafrost and short growing seasons, home to specific cold-adapted flora and fauna.

Boreal Forest

Also known as taiga, the largest biome characterized by cooler, drier regions and dominated by conifers.

Chaparral

A biome with seasonal wet winters and dry summers, dominated by evergreen shrubs adapted to resist fire.