Biomes Flashcards

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What are terrestrial biomes characterized by?

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Terrestrial biomes are characterized by plant growth forms, temperature, and precipitation.

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What are the key characteristics of a Tropical Rainforest biome?

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Location: Equator. Biota: Broadleaf trees, ferns, vines, flowers, primates, cats, snakes, birds, insects. Climate: Warm and high precipitation all year. Productivity: Highly productive. Human Impact: Deforestation for farming, poaching.

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Where are Temperate Rainforests located and what are their characteristics?

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Location: Coastal, mid-latitudes. Biota: Redwoods, ferns, mosses. Climate: Mild/warm, high precipitation; dryer in summer. Productivity: Medium/high. Human Impact: Climate change leading to less rainfall; deforestation.

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Describe the Temperate Seasonal Forest biome.

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Location: Eastern sides of continents, 30-40°. Biota: Deciduous trees, shrubs, flowers, deer, squirrels, songbirds. Climate: Moderate, seasonal temperatures; consistent precipitation all year. Productivity: High. Human Impact: Deforestation; invasive species; climate change droughts.

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What are the characteristics of the Taiga/Boreal Forest biome?

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Location: 50-60° N. Biota: Perennials, conifer trees, wolves, moose, beavers. Climate: Cold winters, cool summers; high precipitation. Productivity: Low. Human Impact: Loss of ice & snow, drought, invasive species; fires, deforestation; disease.

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Describe the Desert biome.

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Location: 30° N and S. Biota: Cacti, succulents, insects, scorpions, reptiles. Climate: Warm temperatures year-round; low precipitation. Productivity: Low. Human Impact: Hotter summers and less precipitation due to climate change; loss of water sources due to irrigation.

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What are the characteristics of the Savanna biome?

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Location: Transition desert to forest. Biota: Grasses, scattered trees, hoofed animals. Climate: Warm, wet/dry seasons. Productivity: Medium. Human Impact: Longer dry seasons, increased fire risk; poaching; fragmentation.

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Describe the Shrubland/Chaparral biome.

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Location: Argentina, California, Mediterranean (coastal). Biota: Small shrubs, reptiles, deer, rabbits, squirrels. Climate: Hot, dry summers; mild, rainy winters. Productivity: Low. Human Impact: Fragmentation; cattle farming and clearing of land; droughts & increased fire risk.

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What are the characteristics of the Temperate Grassland/Prairie biome?

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Location: 30-40° N; mid-continents. Biota: Grasses, scattered trees, hoofed animals. Climate: Moderate temperatures; seasonal changes; variable precipitation. Productivity: Medium. Human Impact: Habitat loss due to development and farming; droughts & increased fire risk, overgrazing and biodiversity loss.

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Describe the Tundra biome.

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Location: North of 60°. Biota: Lichens, mosses, short grasses, ox, caribou, shorebirds. Climate: Very cold to mild temperatures; low precipitation all year. Productivity: Low. Human Impact: Loss of snow/ice due to greenhouse effect; fragmentation; oil/gas drilling; poaching.