Biomes of North America Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which biome is the coldest?

Desert

Tundra (correct)

Tropical Rainforest

Grasslands

Which biome is the hottest?

Tropical Rainforest

Coniferous Forest

Desert (correct)

Tundra

Which biome has the most rainfall?

Temperate Deciduous Forest

Tundra

Tropical Rainforest (correct)

Desert

How does rainfall relate to temperature in a biome?

More rain, higher temperature. Less rain, lower temperature. Signup and view all the answers

Which biomes have the same average temperature?

Grasslands and Deciduous Forest Signup and view all the answers

Name three different types of forests.

Coniferous Forest, Temperate Deciduous Forest, Tropical Rainforest. Signup and view all the answers

How does the number of species differ as distance from the equator changes?

If the biome is closer to the equator, then there will be an increased amount of species. Signup and view all the answers

What are the six biomes in North America?

Tundra, Desert, Deciduous Forest, Coniferous Forest, Grasslands, Tropical Rainforest. Signup and view all the answers

How does biodiversity in biomes change with latitude?

Higher up, colder; lower, warmer. Close to the equatorial region presents much sunlight. Signup and view all the answers

Define primary succession.

Primary succession results from the creation of new substrates such as by volcanoes, sand dunes, and glaciers. Signup and view all the answers

Define secondary succession.

The series of changes that occur after a disturbance in an existing ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What is a pioneer community?

The first integrated set of plants, animals, and decomposers found in an area undergoing primary ecological succession. Signup and view all the answers

Define seral stage.

Any successional community between pioneer and climax community. Signup and view all the answers

Define climax community.

The final stage in the succession. Signup and view all the answers

What is deflected succession?

A succession in which human activity results in the naturally occurring climax community being replaced by the plagioclimax. Signup and view all the answers

Define plagioclimax.

A community that has been created by human interference that prevents climatic climax from being reached. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biomes of North America

The tundra is recognized as the coldest biome in North America.
The desert is the hottest biome, characterized by extremely high temperatures and low precipitation.
Tropical rainforests receive the most rainfall among the biomes.

Rainfall and Temperature Relationships

Coniferous forests experience low temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Tropical rainforests have the highest temperatures and rainfall.
Generally, higher rainfall correlates with higher temperatures, while lower rainfall correlates with lower temperatures.

Temperature Similarities Among Biomes

Grasslands and deciduous forests maintain similar average temperatures.

Types of Forests

Three distinct forest types in North America include:
- Coniferous Forest (Taiga)
- Temperate Deciduous Forest
- Tropical Rainforest

Biodiversity and Equatorial Proximity

Proximity to the equator significantly increases species diversity within a biome.

Major North American Biomes

North America consists of six primary biomes:
- Tundra
- Desert
- Deciduous Forest
- Coniferous Forest
- Grasslands
- Tropical Rainforest

Latitude and Biodiversity

Biodiversity is affected by latitude:
- Higher latitudes tend to be colder.
- Lower latitudes are typically warmer, with regions closer to the equator receiving abundant sunlight.

Ecological Succession Definitions

Primary Succession: Occurs on new substrates without soil, such as volcanic ash or glacial deposits; pioneer plants create new soil.
Secondary Succession: Involves changes in an existing ecosystem following a disturbance, preserving some soil.
Pioneer Community: The initial collection of organisms, including plants, animals, and decomposers, establishing in an area undergoing primary succession.
Seral Stage: Any community that occurs between the pioneer and the climax communities.
Climax Community: The stable end point of ecological succession, representing a mature ecosystem.

Human Impact on Succession

Deflected Succession: Occurs when human actions alter the natural progression of ecological succession, preventing the development of a climatic climax community.
Plagioclimax: A human-influenced community that disrupts the natural climax community from being formed.

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Description

Explore the diverse biomes of North America with these flashcards. Learn about the characteristics, climate, and key features of various biomes like tundra, desert, and tropical rainforest. This quiz will deepen your understanding of how these ecosystems function.