Environmental Science Unit 6 Climate and Biodiversity
Taiga
Con-bearing trees.
Deciduous
Term describing a tree that sheds its leaves seasonally.
Latitude
The distance north or south of the equator, as measured in degrees.
Desert
The fragility is indicated by long recovery time from disturbance.
Precipitation and Temperature
The main factor that determines what type of plants grow in a biome.
Mountains
The majority of the world's forests are located here.
Taiga
A forest biome dominated by coniferous trees, such as pine, fir, and spruce.
Tropical Rainforest
A forest that is known for its year-round uniformly warm temperature.
Savanna
A tropical grassland with widely scattered clumps of trees
Temperate Climate
Areas of the earth lying between the equatorial region and the two poles.
Tropical Rainforests
At least half of the known species of terrestrial plants and animals are found here.
Rain Forest
Biome that supports the most diversity of live on Earth.
Climate
Both describes weather conditions over long periods of time, and describes average patters of weather.
Microclimates
Can be produced by mountains, bodies of water, and cities.
Surface-Level ocean currents
Caused by prevailing winds blowing over the ocean surface
Convection Cells
Exist on the earth's surface primarily because: 1. water evaporates from the ocean 2. warm, moist air rises 3. the warm air cools and condenses 4. cool, dry air sinks and moves across the earth's surface
Rain
Frequently results whenever warm, moist air rises.
Coniferous Forests
Generally located in the Northern Hemisphere.
Vertical Ocean Currents
Generated by cold and dense ocean water sinking and warm and less-dense water rising.
Tundra
Has a layer of soil that is permanently frozen beneath the top soil.
Precipitation
In deciduous forests, this is best described as occurring throughout the year.
Overgrazing
Is most severe in grassland ecosystems.
Biomes
Large terrestrial regions with similar climate, soil, plants, and animals.
Chaparral
Located primarily in coastal areas that have Mediterranean-style climates with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Temperate Deciduous Forest
Oak, hickory, maple, poplar, and beech are typical tree species.
Deserts
Often formed on the dry side of mountain ranges.
Spines
Plants in desert biomes may have these as a defense against being eaten by animals.
Succulents
Plants that store water in their tissues.
Deforestation
Process of forest destruction around the world because of humans.
Rainfall
This is the most significant limiting factor for grasslands.
Rain shadow effect
This refers to drier conditions on the leeward side of mountain ranges.
Tropical Rain Forests
Threatened by deforestation and the trade of rain forest plants and animals.
Conifer
Tree that produces cones.
Broadleaf Evergreen Plants
Trees of wet tropical rain forests.
Biomes
Usually described by their vegetation.
Chapparral Plants
Usually survive fires because they can resprout from small amounts of surviving plant tissue.
Savanna
You would likely see large herds of grazing animals, such as rhinos, gazelles, and giraffes.
