Global
Define the terms weather & climate
Weather: short-term atmospheric conditions
Climate: weather of a specific region averaged over a long period of time
What are biomes? List the two types of biomes (land & water based)
Generalized/major types of ecosystems that broadly correspond to major climatic regions
Terrestrial - land based
Aquatic - water based
What effects global temperature?
The angles in which the sun rays are hitting the earths surface
Higher level of sunlight/area = warmer
(max solar radiation occurs at 90 degree)
How are terrestrial biomes defined?
1. Average annual temperature
2. Average annual precipitation
3. Annual variation in temperature and/or precipitation
4. Dominant vegetation
Define seasonality. What causes seasonality in temperature?
Regular annual fluctuations in temperature and/or precipitation
The tilt of earth’s axis causes differences in the angle of the sun
How are aquatic biomes defined?
1. Fresh vs. Salt
2. Water depth
3. Water movement (running vs. stagnant)
What are convection cells? What is the relationship between warm/cold air & water? When does precipitation occur during these cycles?
Cycles of heating and cooling, rising and falling air
- warm air holds more water than cool air
Precipitation occurs when the air cools down
REMEMBER: air is sinking at 30 degree latitudes & poles (dry) & rising at 0 & 60 degree latitudes (wet)
List some characteristics of tropical rain forests. What plants are likely to be found here?
- generally near the equator
- warm climate & high precipitation
- little seasonality in temperature
- high species diversity & high productivity
*Broad-leaved evergreens
What is a rain shadow?
A rain shadow occurs when moist or from the ocean hits a mountain side (air is pushed upwards)
—> air cools & releases water
Rain on the ocean side, dry on the other side (dry side = rain shadow)
List some characteristics of tropical Savannah’s. Why is there less trees there compared to tropical forests?
- warm temperatures year round
- have dry & rainy seasons
Perennial grasses dominate; they are better adapted to dry weather and frequent fires compared to trees.
- herbivory prevents tree growth & seasonal drought