Biomes & Biome Types
How many primary biomes are typically recognized on Earth?
10
How does weather differ from climate?
Weather refers to day-to-day conditions in the atmosphere, whereas climate refers to long-term averages.
What is the primary factor used to classify aquatic ecosystems as salt, fresh, or brackish?
Salinity
Formula: Net Primary Production ?
NPP = Gross Primary Production - Use
How do desert mammals physically adapt to help regulate their body temperature?
They often have exaggerated appendages. (ex. big ears)
Which biome is characterized by extreme seasonal temperatures and soil rich enough for extensive farmland?
Prarie (temperate grassland)
Which diagram is used to summarize an area's average monthly temperature and precipitation?
Climatograph.
Which horizontal lake zone is shallow enough for rooted plants and closest to the shore?
Littoral
What is the rate at which primary producers undergo photosynthesis called?
Gross primary production.
From what structure are cactus spines modified?
Leaves.
Describe the nutrient levels typically found in tropical rain forest soil.
The soil is generally nutrient-poor.
What is the annual precipitation requirement for a tropical rain forest?
At least 2 m (6.6 ft).
Which horizontal ocean zone is located above the continental shelf?
Neritic zone
Which term describes the biomass that remains after primary producers use some organic matter for cellular respiration?
Net primary production.
What is the purpose of oily compounds found in some chaparral plants?
They facilitate the spread of fire.
In which US region is the largest extent of temperate rain forest found?
Pacific Northwest
What is the maximum annual precipitation allowed for an area to be classified as a desert?
Less than 25 cm (9.8 in.).
In aquatic ecosystems, the upper layer where enough sunlight penetrates for photosynthesis is called the _____.
Photic zone.
In terms of net primary productivity, how do warm, wet biomes generally compare to cold, dry biomes?
Warm, wet biomes generally have higher net primary productivity.
What physical feature helps boreal forest trees shed snow?
Their conical shape.
What environmental factors typically limit tree growth in a savanna?
Frequent fires and strong winds.
Which biome features mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers with frequent droughts?
Chaparral.
What type of ecosystem is formed where a river flows into the ocean or an inland sea?
Estuary.
Why is productivity low in the open ocean zone?
Due to low light penetration.
Why do many savanna animals migrate or burrow?
To find water or survive when water is scarce.