Characteristics
What is parent material?
Underlying geological material from which soil develops
What are 2 types of plains found in the United States?
2 of any of these: Great, Coastal, Till, Flood, and Pine Savannah
What is one way fire can be suppressed naturally?
Mountain ridges, moist areas, water bodies, microlandforms.
What type of terrain produces the most tree density?
Moderate slopes.
What is the dry side of a mountain called?
Rain shadow, or leeward.
Name 2 processes that create landforms.
Erosion, sedimentation, geological movement.
Where are the effects of physiography in ecosystems most obvious?
Mountainous regions
What is a cause of microlandforms?
Wind and snow knock trees over. Soil can be shallow due to bedrock or high water tables. Shallow root systems easy to uproot. Some species have shallow roots naturally.
Habitat too dry, crispy soil shrinks and pulls away from rocks
Habitat too moist, sloppy soil is easily moved and disturbed
Why are northeast facing aspects the most productive?
They receive sunlight in the morning when its cooler, minimizing water loss.
What are hills made of glacial till called?
Moraines/drumlins/flutes.
What is the key geological feature allowing Till Plains to resist wildfires that the Great Plains don't have?
The parent material in Till Plains has poor drainage, which makes it less susceptible to fire.
Why do microhabitats form?
When trees fall over, they form new microhabitats that animals and small plants can occupy. These habitats are much different from the one the tree grew in.