EcologyLesson 3 of 4 in the course Ecology and the Biosphere

Terrestrial Biomes: Climate and Adaptations Across Major Land Ecosystems

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Terrestrial biomes are large regions of land characterized by their climate and typical vegetation. This lesson explains how climate helps determine biome distribution, then explores tropical wet forests and savannas as examples of warm tropical biomes.

Earth’s biomes are grouped into two broad categories: terrestrial biomes, which occur on land, and aquatic biomes, which include freshwater and ocean environments. The eight major terrestrial biomes are distinguished largely by their characteristic temperatures and precipitation.

All flashcards

What is net primary productivity?
The rate at which primary producers accumulate biomass after accounting for their respiration.
What is the canopy of a tropical wet forest?
The uppermost continuous layer of tree branches and leaves; some taller trees emerge above it.
What are epiphytes?
Plants that grow on other plants, typically without harming their supporting plants.
How does fire influence savanna plants?
Many savanna plants survive fires through well-developed roots and resprout afterward.
What is permafrost?
Ground that remains frozen year-round; it restricts root growth and slows organic-matter decay.

Quiz questions

  1. What two broad categories are used to group Earth's biomes?Answer: Terrestrial biomes and aquatic biomes.
  2. Which two climate factors are especially useful for distinguishing major terrestrial biomes?Answer: Temperature and precipitation.
  3. Which conditions allow tropical wet forests to support plant growth throughout the year?Answer: Warm temperatures, abundant rain, and fairly consistent daylight.
  4. A plant grows on a tree in a tropical wet forest without usually harming it. What is it called?Answer: An epiphyte.
  5. Why are grasses more prominent than trees in many savannas?Answer: A long dry season limits tree growth, while grasses tolerate the conditions.

Based on Biology 2e by Mary Ann Clark, Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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