🌱 APES Topic 1.2: Terrestrial Biomes

What is a biome?

A large geographic region on land defined by its climate and the distinct plant and animal life adapted to these conditions.

What factors determine key terrestrial biomes?

Temperature, precipitation, latitude, altitude, soil type, and disturbances like wildfire.

What characterizes the tundra biome?

Very cold climate, short growing season, low precipitation, permafrost, and low-growing plants.

What type of trees dominate the boreal forest (taiga) biome?

Coniferous trees.

What are the main characteristics of a temperate rainforest?

Moderate temperatures, high precipitation, large evergreen trees, and abundant ferns and mosses.

Which biome has distinct seasons and is dominated by deciduous trees?

Temperate Seasonal Forest.

What is the climate like in grasslands?

Moderate precipitation, hot summers, and cold winters, dominated by grasses.

What defines the savanna or tropical seasonal forest?

Warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons, grasses with scattered drought-tolerant trees.

What are the key features of a tropical rainforest?

Hot year-round, very high and frequent precipitation, extremely dense vegetation and high biodiversity.

What characteristics define a desert biome?

Very low precipitation, extreme temperature swings, and plants with water-saving adaptations.

How does nutrient availability in soils relate to biomes?

Nutrient availability is closely tied to decomposition rates, which vary with temperature and moisture.

How can the distribution of biomes be affected over time?

It can change due to climate change and human activities such as deforestation and agriculture.