Basics
How quickly can weather change?
Hour to hour or day to day
Why are places near the equator hot year round?
They receive direct sunlight year round.
What kind of climate does Florida have?
Warm and humid.
What type of climate does a palm tree grow well in?
Warm and tropical
What animal can go for days without water in the desert?
Camel
How many years do scientists look at when studying climate patterns?
30
What happens to temperature as elevation increases?
It gets colder
What kind of climate does Alaska have?
Cold and snowy
What type of climate do pine trees grow well in?
Cold
What two physical adaptations help polar bears stay warm in the Arctic?
Thick fur and layers of fat
What is weather?
What is elevation?
How high above sea level a place is.
Why can mountain tops have snow even in the summer?
Higher elevation makes temperatures colder.
Why can cactus live in hot, dry deserts?
They can store water
What do some animals do in the winter when food is scarce?
Hibernate
The average weather pattern in a location over 30 or more years.
What is latitude?
The distance from the equator.
What kind of temperatures do places far from the oceans experience?
Extreme- very hot summers and very cold winters.
What factor determines what animals can live in an area?
The types of plants that grow there since animals depend on plants for food and shelter.
What 2 essential resources do humans still depend on climate for?
Growing food and having access to fresh water.
What are two of the five elements that weather includes?
Temperature, precipitation, wind speed/direction, humidity, and cloud cover.
How do ocean currents affect climate?
They warm up or cool down the air above them, which affects the climate of nearby land.
Why do coastal areas have milder temperatures?
Oceans absorb and release heat slowly.
Why are plants especially sensitive to climate?
Different plants need different amounts of water, sunlight, and temperature ranges to grow.
Name 3 ways that humans have adapted to live in almost every climate on Earth.
By building shelters, creating clothing, and developing technology.