BIO Chap 52: EXAM III- Terrestrial Biomes Overview

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to various terrestrial biomes and their unique features.

Tropical rainforests

Found near the equator with hot, humid climates, high rainfall, and layered forests.

Nutrient-poor soil

Soil in tropical rainforests is nutrient-poor and acidic due to heavy rainfall washing away minerals.

Vertical spatial heterogeneity

The distinct layers within a rainforest: emergent, canopy, understory, and forest floor.

Savanna

Tropical grasslands found at latitudes of 10-20 degrees with warm climates and wet/dry seasons.

Desert

Areas found at 30 N and S latitude characterized by low precipitation and extreme temperature variations.

Chaparral

Also known as scrublands or Mediterranean climate, found in regions like California and South Africa.

Temperate grassland

Grasslands located at 30-50 N latitude known as prairies in North America with rich and thick soil.

Boreal forest

Located between 50 and 60 N latitude, known also as Northern Coniferous Forest or Taiga with long winters.

Arctic tundra

Found above 60 N latitude, characterized by cold temperatures, little precipitation, and permafrost.

Polar ice

Regions above 66 degrees latitude with frigid temperatures and lack of soil due to ice sheets.

Benthic realm

The seafloor of aquatic biomes.

Pelagic realm

The open water of aquatic biomes.

Photic zone

The sunlit upper layer of aquatic environments.

Aphotic zone

The dark, deeper layer of aquatic environments.

Biodiversity

Increases toward the equator due to warm, stable climates that support diverse ecosystems.

At low elevations, what type of conditions are there?

tropical

At mid elevations, what type of conditions are there?

Temperate forests

At high elevations, what type of conditions are there?

Boreal, tundra, and ice caps