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Biomes
A geographic area characterized by its climate, plant life and ecological community.
3,599 Questions
What are the main biomes defined by?
The main biomes are defined by factors such as climate, vegetation types, and patterns of biodiversity. These factors help classify different regions into distinct biomes such as tropical rainforest, temperate forest, grasslands, deserts, and tundra. Each biome has unique characteristics that influence the types of plants and animals that can thrive there.
Why is soil thin in the tundra and rich in the grassland biome?
Soil in the tundra is thin because of the cold temperatures, slow decomposition rates, and limited plant growth, which hinders the development of thick soil layers. In contrast, grassland soils are rich due to the deep root systems of grasses, which contribute organic matter and nutrients to the soil through decomposition, leading to fertile and productive soils.
Why is fire a constant there in temperate woodland and shrublands?
Fire is a constant occurrence in temperate woodland and shrublands due to the dry climate and vegetation present in these ecosystems. The frequent occurrence of lightning strikes, coupled with the presence of flammable plant species, makes these areas highly susceptible to fires. Additionally, some plant species in these ecosystems have adaptations that promote fire as part of their life cycles, such as serotinous cones that release seeds after a fire.
What is the the average annual temperature in a biome in Celsius?
The average annual temperature in a biome can vary greatly depending on the specific biome type. For example, tropical rainforests may have average temperatures around 25-28°C, while tundra biomes may have average temperatures around -10 to 10°C. Each biome has its own unique temperature range based on factors such as latitude, altitude, and proximity to large bodies of water.
What is the opposite to biome?
Since a biome is classified by the plants and animals that live in it, I would consider "barren", "desolation", "sterile", or "lifeless" to be opposites.
... also possibly
wasteland
abiotic
inorganic
How do nature's biomes repair itself?
Nature's biomes repair themselves through processes such as natural succession, where plant and animal communities gradually change over time to restore balance after disturbances. Other forms of natural regeneration include the re-establishment of soil nutrients, the growth of new plants, and the return of wildlife. These ecosystem processes work to recover and restore the structure and function of the biome over time.
Sunlight is a key factor in determining the type of vegetation and animal life present in a biome. It provides energy for photosynthesis, which is essential for plant growth. Biomes in areas with long hours of sunlight, such as tropical rainforests, tend to have high biodiversity and lush vegetation. In contrast, biomes in regions with limited sunlight, such as deserts or polar regions, have adapted to survive with less direct sunlight.
Which biome yearly rianfall mainly evaporates?
The desert biome experiences yearly rainfall that mainly evaporates due to high temperatures and low humidity levels. This leads to limited water availability for plants and animals in the desert ecosystem.
Why are the south- facing slopes in the southern hemisphere colder than north- facing slopes?
South-facing slopes in the southern hemisphere receive less direct sunlight, leading to less heating compared to north-facing slopes. This results in colder temperatures on the south-facing slopes because they do not receive as much warmth from the sun as the north-facing slopes.
How are world climates and biomes organized?
World climates are organized into categories based on factors such as temperature and precipitation. These categories include tropical, dry, temperate, continental, and polar climates. Biomes are then organized within these climate categories based on factors like vegetation, wildlife, and adaptations of organisms to specific environmental conditions.
What are the characteristics of temperate and tropical rain forests?
When you hear the term rain forest, you probably think of a warm, humid, "jungle" in the tropics. But there is another type of rain forest. The northwestern coast of the United States receives more than 300 centimeters of rain a year. Huge trees grow there, including cedars, redwoods, and Douglas firs. However, it is difficult to classify this region. Many ecologists refer to this ecosystem as a temperate rain forest. The term temperate means having moderate temperatures.
Trees in the rain forest form several distinct layers. The tall trees form a leafy roof called the canopy. A few giant trees poke out above the canopy. Below the canopy, a second layer of shorter trees and vines form an understory. Understory plants grow well in the shade formed by the canopy. The forest floor is nearly dark, so only a few plants live there.
The abundant plant life in tropical rain forests provides habitats for many species of animals. Ecologists estimate that millions of species of insects live in tropical rain forests. These insects serve as a source of food for many reptiles, birds, and mammals. Many of these animals are, in turn, food sources for other animals. Although tropical rain forests cover only a small part of the planet, they probably contain more species of plants and animals than all the other biomes combined.
Is the marine biome the largest of all the ecosystems?
Yes, the marine biome is the largest biome on Earth, covering about 71% of the planet's surface. It includes oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries. Marine ecosystems support a wide variety of plant and animal life.
Why is temperrature less of a limiting factor in water biomes than in land biomes?
Water has a higher heat capacity, meaning it can absorb and retain more heat than land. This helps buffer temperature changes in water biomes, making them more stable. Additionally, water's high heat conductivity allows for heat to be distributed more evenly throughout the water column, reducing temperature extremes.
Why are the mountain forests called mix forest?
Mountain forests are called mixed forests because they consist of a diverse mix of tree species, rather than being dominated by a single type of tree. This diversity of trees provides ecological benefits, such as increased habitat for wildlife and resilience to disturbances like pests and disease. In mountainous regions, variations in elevation and microclimates can support a wide range of tree species, contributing to the mix of trees found in these forests.
Most humans live in the biome known as temperate deciduous forest. This biome experiences four distinct seasons with moderate temperatures and abundant rainfall, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal species.
How do ocean currents affect the biomes of certain areas?
Ocean currents can influence the temperature, nutrient levels, and oxygen distribution in different regions, which in turn affects the marine life present. For example, warm currents can support tropical coral reefs, while cold currents can support rich plankton blooms. Changes in ocean currents due to natural or human-induced factors can result in shifts in species distribution and productivity in a biome.
What are the abiotic factors that help to characterize a biome?
Abiotic factors that help characterize a biome include temperature, precipitation, soil type, sunlight, and elevation. These factors influence the types of plants and animals that can thrive in a particular biome and contribute to its overall characteristics.
What biome has evergreen trees that can stand cold temperatures?
Evergreen trees, which do not lose their leaves in winter, are found in a range of biomes. Some of the biomes in which they are the dominant vegetation include:
- Rainforest
- Desert
- Temperate woodland and shrubland
What biome does a tulip live in?
Tulips are typically found in temperate grassland biomes, which have moderate temperatures and sufficient sunlight for their growth. They thrive in regions with well-drained soil and a distinct change in seasons.
Which is the coolest biome on earths surface?
The rainforest biome is often considered one of the coolest due to its high biodiversity, lush vegetation, and unique animal species. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, making it an incredibly diverse and fascinating ecosystem.
Which biome is the researchers most likely studying?
The researchers are most likely studying the rainforest biome due to its high biodiversity, complex ecosystem interactions, and potential for discovering new species.
Which two factors are abiotic limiting factors that affect organisms in marine biomes?
Temperature and salinity levels are abiotic limiting factors that can significantly impact organisms in marine biomes. Organisms have specific temperature and salinity ranges within which they can survive and thrive, and changes in these factors can disrupt their physiological processes and overall health.
What factors are in the biotic close up?
Biotic factors in an ecosystem's close-up include living organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms interacting with each other and their environment. These factors play a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem's dynamics, diversity, and stability.
WHAT CLIMATE REGION HAS THE LEAST RAINFALL?
Desert regions typically have the least rainfall, with many receiving less than 10 inches of rain annually. Antarctic and Arctic regions also have very low precipitation due to the cold temperatures.
