Terrestrial Biomes (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Define biome.
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Cards in this collection (21)
Define biome.
A biome is a group of similar ecosystems that have developed in similar climate conditions and cover a large geographic area.
Which combination of climatic factors is the main determinant of where biomes are found?
The combination of temperature and precipitation is the main factor that determines the distribution of biomes.
True or False?
Each biome contains only one ecosystem.
False.
A biome covers a large geographic area, so multiple ecosystems can be found within a single biome.
Which forest biome is dominated by coniferous trees and has a growing season of only 2-3 months?
The taiga (boreal forest) is dominated by coniferous trees and has a growing season of only 2-3 months.
Taiga soils are shallow with a thick litter layer because of slow .
Taiga soils are shallow with a thick litter layer because of slow decomposition.
Which forest biome has four distinct seasons and deciduous trees such as oak and maple?
The temperate seasonal forest has four distinct seasons and deciduous trees such as oak and maple.
True or False?
Tropical rainforests support dense vegetation because their soils are very nutrient-rich.
False.
Tropical rainforest soils are relatively infertile due to leaching; dense vegetation is supported by the rapid recycling of nutrients in the upper soil layers.
Approximately what proportion of the world's plant and animal species live in tropical rainforests?
Tropical rainforests contain approximately 50% of the world's plant and animal species.
Define nonmineral terrestrial natural resources.
Nonmineral terrestrial natural resources are resources such as freshwater and trees for lumber that are essential for human use.
What seasonal pattern characterizes the shrubland biome?
The shrubland biome has mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Why are shrubland soils nutrient-poor?
Shrubland soils are nutrient-poor due to frequent fires.
Temperate grasslands have soil with nutrients near the surface.
Temperate grasslands have fertile soil with nutrients near the surface.
When is the growing season in a savanna?
In a savanna, the growing season occurs during the wet season, which lasts 4-5 months.
True or False?
Temperate rainforests are found only within the tropics.
False.
Temperate rainforests are found between 40° and 60° latitude, for example in the Pacific Northwest (USA), New Zealand and Chile.
Desert biomes receive below mm of precipitation per year.
Desert biomes receive below 250 mm of precipitation per year.
Which biome, found between 60° and 75° latitude, has permafrost and a growing season of only 1-2 months?
The tundra is found between 60° and 75° latitude, has permafrost and has a growing season of only 1-2 months.
How can mountains create dry areas?
Mountains create dry areas through the rain shadow effect, which makes the leeward side of the mountain arid.
How do higher latitudes and altitudes affect vegetation?
Higher latitudes and altitudes have colder climates, which reduce vegetation density and diversity.
True or False?
The global distribution of biomes is fixed.
False.
Biome distribution is dynamic; boundaries shifted in the past (for example, tundra expanded during ice ages) and continue to shift today.
In which directions is climate change pushing biome boundaries?
Rising temperatures are pushing biome boundaries poleward and upward in elevation.
, caused by droughts plus overgrazing and over-cultivation, expands deserts into once-productive lands.
Desertification, caused by droughts plus overgrazing and over-cultivation, expands deserts into once-productive lands.
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