Y9 Geography

What is a biome?

a large-scale ecosystem characterized by specific climate, vegetation, and animal life.

Name the 7 major global biomes.

Tropical rainforest, desert, tundra, taiga, temperate forest, temperate grasslands, savanna

What determines the global distribution of biomes?

Latitude, air pressure systems, and precipitation patterns.

Why are rainforests found near the equator?

Due to rising warm air and high precipitation in low-pressure zones.

How does altitude affect biome type?

Higher altitudes are colder and have thinner soils, reducing vegetation.

Name three local factors that influence biomes.

Soil and rock type, water availability and drainage, and altitude.

What’s the difference between abiotic and biotic factors?

Abiotic = non-living (climate, soil); Biotic = living (plants, animals).

What does a climate graph show?

Average monthly temperature and precipitation.

What does a climate graph for a desert look like?

High temperatures, very low rainfall, large temperature range.

What does a taiga climate graph show?

Cold winters, mild summers, moderate rainfall.

What’s the difference between products and services from biomes?

Products = tangible resources; Services = processes ecosystems provide.

Give two examples of rainforests products.

Timber, medicines.

Give two examples of biome services.

Carbon storage, nutrient cycling.

How do indigenous peoples use biomes?

Sustainably for food, medicine, and shelter using traditional knowledge.

How do biomes affect the carbon cycle?

Forests absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis (carbon sinks).

How do biomes influence the nutrient cycle?

Dead organic matter decomposes and recycles nutrients into soil.

What’s one impact of deforestation on the hydrological cycle?

Reduced transpiration and rainfall, potentially leading to droughts.

What is a renewable resource?

A resource that naturally replenishes (e.g. wind, solar).

What is an ecological footprint?

The amount of Earth's resources a person or population uses.

What is Earth Overshoot Day?

The date when humanity exceeds Earth's annual resource capacity.

What did Malthus believe about population and resources?

Population grows faster than food supply, leading to crisis.

What was Boserup’s theory?

Population growth encourages innovation to increase food supply.

Where is the taiga located?

Across Canada, Russia, and Scandinavia.

What kind of trees dominate the taiga?

Coniferous trees like spruce and pine.

Name two animal adaptations in the taiga.

Thick fur for insulation, white fur for camouflage.

Why is the taiga nutrient cycle slow?

Cold temperatures slow decomposition.

What are two indirect threats to the taiga?

Acid rain and pests/diseases.

Name two direct threats to the taiga.

Logging and tar sands development.

What’s the difference between direct and indirect threats?

Direct = caused by human activity (e.g. logging); Indirect = secondary effects (e.g. climate change).

What is clearfelling?

Cutting down all trees in an area.

What is selective logging?

Only cutting down certain trees, preserving the ecosystem.

Why do people have conflicting views about exploiting the taiga?

Economic gain vs environmental protection.

What is a wilderness area?

A natural, largely untouched area.

What is conservation?

Wise use of natural resources to prevent depletion.

Why are national parks important for the taiga?

They protect ecosystems and regulate sustainable use.

What are challenges to taiga preservation?

Migration, lack of funding, and pollution.