Abiotic Factors and Major Biomes Overview

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components affecting species distribution.

Sunlight

Primary energy source influencing plant growth.

Temperature

Affects metabolic rates and species survival.

Moisture

Essential for hydration and plant growth.

Wind

Influences temperature and moisture distribution.

Seasons

Result from Earth's axial tilt of 23 degrees.

Spring Equinox

Occurs in March; day and night equal.

Summer Solstice

Occurs in June; longest day of year.

Fall Equinox

Occurs in September; day and night equal.

Winter Solstice

Occurs in December; shortest day of year.

Tropical Circulation Cells

Warm air rises at the equator.

Temperate Circulation Cells

Air circulation patterns in temperate zones.

Prevailing Winds

Dominant wind patterns affecting climate.

Coriolis Effect

Curvature of air and water movement.

Deserts

Regions with less than 50 cm rainfall annually.

Rainforests

High biodiversity biome with over 200 cm rain.

Boreal Forest

Cold forest biome with evergreen conifers.

Tundra

Cold biome with permafrost and low diversity.

Grasslands

Biomes dominated by grasses, seasonal rainfall.

Latitude

Distance from equator affecting climate and biomes.

Nearby Oceans

Influence local climate and precipitation patterns.

Nearby Mountains

Affect precipitation through orographic lift.

Plant Adaptations

Features enabling survival in specific biomes.

Animal Adaptations

Traits aiding survival in specific environments.

Nutrient Poor Soil

Common in rainforests, limits plant growth.

Permafrost

Permanently frozen subsoil in tundra regions.

Biodiversity

Variety of life forms in a biome.

Evapotranspiration

Water loss from soil and plants.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns.