Climate and Ecosystems Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What characterizes the summer and winter temperatures in cool/cold deserts?

Summer temperatures are warm to hot, while winter temperatures can range from quite cool to below freezing.

Discuss the annual precipitation level and its impact on the semiarid climate.

Semi-arid regions receive about 16 inches of precipitation per year, making them suitable for some of the most productive agricultural lands.

Explain the distinction between wet and dry seasons in savanna climates.

Savanna climates have a distinct wet season that lasts 4-6 months and a longer dry season that can vary from 2 to 11 months.

Identify the temperature range typically experienced in savannas year-round.

<p>Savanna temperatures generally range from 20-35°C throughout the year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two most significant factors in defining different climates?

<p>Temperature and precipitation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does altitude affect climate?

<p>Increases in altitude lead to decreases in temperature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes tropical wet and dry climates from tropical wet climates?

<p>Tropical wet and dry climates have a rainy season in summer and a dry season in winter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum annual rainfall for a desert?

<p>Deserts receive less than ten inches of rain per year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do ocean currents influence climate?

<p>Ocean currents circulate warm and cold water, impacting nearby land temperatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are areas near the equator typically associated with more precipitation?

<p>They are usually affected by low pressure, which leads to rising air and cloud formation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does latitude affect temperature and sunshine hours?

<p>With increasing distance from the equator, temperatures and sunshine hours decrease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do prevailing winds play in climate conditions?

<p>Winds from warmer areas bring warmer air, increasing temperatures in their path.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are two key adaptations of savanna trees that help them survive in a dry climate?

<p>Savanna trees have thick bark for fire resistance and twisted trunks to withstand strong winds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do grasses in the savanna adapt to the dry season?

<p>Grasses in the savanna go dormant during the dry season, allowing them to conserve water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two large grazing animals commonly found in the savanna.

<p>Zebras and wildebeests are two large grazing animals that inhabit the savanna.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of crops do people typically farm in savanna regions?

<p>People typically farm drought-resistant crops like millet and sorghum in savanna regions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do savanna plants prevent water loss through transpiration?

<p>Savanna plants have long, narrow leaves to minimize water loss through transpiration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do wildfires play in the savanna ecosystem?

<p>Wildfires help maintain the savanna ecosystem by promoting new growth and enhancing plant resilience.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is pastoralism, and how is it linked to the savanna environment?

<p>Pastoralism is livestock herding, which is common in the savanna due to its grazing lands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are many savanna trees deciduous, and how does this benefit them?

<p>Many savanna trees are deciduous to avoid water loss, which helps them survive during dry periods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do some animals adapt to conserve energy in harsh climates?

<p>They develop high stamina and function only when necessary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural adaptations help animals cope with hot and dry conditions?

<p>Animals have specialized structures that increase surface area and help them stay cool.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do some animals avoid heat during the day?

<p>They hibernate during the day and are active at night when it is cooler.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key features of equatorial climates that support biodiversity?

<p>Equatorial climates are hot, humid, and receive high annual rainfall without seasons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical temperature range in equatorial rainforests?

<p>Temperatures generally range from 26°C to 29°C throughout the year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the forest floor layer of an equatorial rainforest.

<p>The forest floor is dark and covered in humus, consisting of dead and decaying plant matter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do animals in savanna environments typically survive dry conditions?

<p>Many animals migrate to more humid areas or have adaptations for low moisture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does camouflage play for animals in avoiding predators?

<p>Camouflage helps animals blend into their surroundings, making it harder for predators to find them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do buttress roots play in the structure of tropical rainforest trees?

<p>Buttress roots anchor the trees to the ground, providing stability due to their shallow root systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how fan palms are adapted to their environment in the tropical rainforest.

<p>Fan palms have large, fan-shaped leaves that trap sunlight and water, with segments that allow excess water to drain off.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of light reaching the under canopy layer in tropical rainforests.

<p>Light reaches the under canopy layer limitedly, allowing seedlings to remain dormant until larger plants die and create gaps.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the emergent layer in the structure of the tropical rainforest?

<p>The emergent layer consists of the tallest trees, which can grow up to 60 metres, allowing them to capture more sunlight for photosynthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the primary habitat for most rainforest wildlife.

<p>The main canopy layer serves as the primary habitat for most rainforest wildlife, including various mammals, birds, and insects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adaptations allow lianas to thrive in the rainforest ecosystem?

<p>Lianas are adapted to thrive by climbing trees to access sunlight, spreading from tree to tree in search of light.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the layers of the tropical rainforest contribute to its biodiversity?

<p>The distinct layers provide diverse habitats that support different plant and animal species, enhancing overall biodiversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of the canopy layer in a tropical rainforest.

<p>The canopy layer is crucial as it houses the most significant diversity of animal species and plays a vital role in photosynthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Latitude and Temperature

The closer a location is to the equator, the higher the temperature and the more sunshine hours it receives.

Altitude and Temperature

As altitude increases, temperature decreases.

Continentality and Temperature

Locations further inland experience more extreme temperature fluctuations than coastal areas. They heat up faster in the summer and cool down faster in the winter.

Ocean Currents and Temperature

Ocean currents can influence the temperature of nearby landmasses, with warm currents causing warming and cold currents causing cooling.

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Aspect (Slope) and Temperature

In the northern hemisphere, slopes facing south receive more sunlight and are therefore warmer than slopes facing north.

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Prevailing Winds and Temperature

Winds coming from warmer areas bring warmer air, increasing temperatures.

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Pressure Systems and Precipitation

Areas of low pressure are associated with rising air, condensation, and cloud formation, leading to increased precipitation. Areas of high pressure have descending air, resulting in dry conditions.

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Tropical Wet and Dry Climate

Characterized by a rainy season in summer and a dry season in winter. These climates are found near tropical wet climates.

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What are cool/cold deserts?

Cool/cold deserts are found in the mid-latitudes, typically in the Northern Hemisphere, often in the 'rain shadow' of mountains. They have warm to hot summers and cool to freezing winters.

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Describe the semi-arid climate.

Semi-arid climates receive moderate precipitation (around 16 inches per year) and have hot summers and mild to cold winters. They are often found in the interior of continents or near deserts.

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What are the main characteristics of a savanna climate?

Savanna climates are hot and dry with distinct wet and dry seasons. They experience warm to hot temperatures year-round (20-35°C) and receive moderate rainfall (500-1500 mm) during a 4-6 month wet season.

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How can savannas be categorized?

Savannas can be divided into three categories: wet, dry, and thornbush, based on the length of the dry season. Wet savannas have the shortest dry season (3-5 months), followed by dry (5-7 months) and thornbush (longest).

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How are savannas classified based on vegetation?

Savanna ecosystems can be further classified based on vegetation: Savanna woodland (light canopy), tree savanna (scattered trees), shrub savanna (scattered shrubs), and grass savanna (few trees/shrubs).

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Savanna Biome

A biome characterized by grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs, adapted to a dry climate with seasonal rainfall.

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Savanna Grasses

Tall grasses that grow in clumps and go dormant during the dry season, a key feature of the savanna.

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Savanna Trees

Trees in the savanna are adapted to drought with thick bark, twisted trunks, and often short stature.

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Savanna Grazing Animals

Animals like zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles that roam the savanna and graze on the abundant grasses.

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Savanna Predators

Predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas that hunt the grazing animals in the savanna.

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Savanna Plant Adaptations

Plants in the savanna have developed adaptations to survive drought, such as deep roots, narrow leaves, and thick bark.

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Pastoralism

The practice of herding livestock in the savanna, taking advantage of the abundant grazing land.

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Subsistence Farming in the Savanna

The savanna's climate allows for limited cultivation due to unreliable rainfall, leading to a reliance on grazing animals for sustenance.

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Rainforest Canopy

The dense layer of treetops in a rainforest, providing shelter and a habitat for many animals.

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Emergent Trees

The tallest trees in a rainforest that reach above the canopy, seeking even more sunlight.

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Understory

The layer beneath the canopy, shaded and cooler with limited sunlight, where small plants and saplings grow.

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Forest Floor

The layer at the very bottom of a rainforest, covered with leaf litter and animal remains

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Lianas

Vines that climb up trees to reach sunlight in the canopy, spreading from tree to tree.

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Buttress Roots

Large, flat roots that extend outwards from the base of rainforest trees, providing stability.

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Plant Adaptations

The ability of plants to adapt to their environment to survive.

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Layers of the Rainforest

The rainforest has five distinct layers: Emergent, Canopy, Understory, Shrub, and Ground. Each layer has unique features and its own set of inhabitants.

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Savanna Animal Adaptations to Heat

Animals in the savanna adapt to dry conditions by using strategies like increased surface area for heat dissipation, seeking cool areas like mud, and adjusting their activity times to cooler periods.

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Savanna Animal Adaptations to Predators

Many savanna animals have adapted to avoid predators through speed, camouflage techniques, and sometimes migrating to other humid areas during the dry season.

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Equatorial Rainforest Climate

Equatorial rainforests have high rainfall and constant temperatures across the year, resulting in a humid climate without distinct seasons.

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Rainfall Patterns in the Amazon Rainforest

The highest rainfall in equatorial rainforests occurs in March, while the lowest rainfall is in August.

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Temperature in Equatorial Rainforests

Temperatures in equatorial rainforests remain relatively constant throughout the year, with an average range of only a few degrees.

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Location of Equatorial Rainforests

Equatorial rainforests are found near the equator, encompassing regions like Central America, South America, Central Africa, and South-East Asia.

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Equatorial Rainforest Forest Floor

The forest floor of an equatorial rainforest is dimly lit due to dense tree canopies, contributing to a thick layer of decaying organic matter known as humus.

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Vegetation on the Rainforest Floor

Only a limited amount of vegetation can grow on the forest floor of an equatorial rainforest due to the limited access to sunlight.

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Study Notes

World Climatic Regions

  • Climatic conditions in a region can be influenced by landscape, relief, and human/natural activities.
  • Climate varies across space and time.
  • Microclimates are areas within larger climatic regions with small variations in climate. Examples include: top of a hill, sunny side of a hill, shaded side of a hill, and the bottom of a hill.

Factors Influencing Climate

  • Key factors for defining climates: temperature and precipitation.
  • A location's position on a continent, topography, and elevation also affect climate.
  • General climate regions: tropical (low latitude), dry, mid-latitude, high latitude, and highland.
  • Other factors affecting climate:
    • Latitude
    • Altitude
    • Distribution of land and sea
    • Location of global high and low pressure
    • Prevailing winds
    • Ocean currents

Equatorial Climate

  • Location: Low latitudes (23.5° North and South of the equator) in areas like the Amazon, New Guinea, South-east Asia, and the Zaire Basin.
  • Annual Precipitation: Over 2000mm.
  • Temperature Range: 26-28°C, constant high temperatures, diurnal range ~7°C.
  • Seasons: None – hot and wet throughout the year.
  • Humidity: High, usually over 75-80%.
  • Prevailing Winds: Winds blow from high-pressure areas to the equatorial region, known as trade winds.
  • Factors influencing equatorial climate:
    • Maximum insolation due to the direct midday sun.
    • Low pressure leads to rising air, condensation, cloud formation, and high precipitation.
    • Dense vegetation leads to high evaporation and transpiration, creating heavy daily convectional rainfall.

Hot Desert Climate

  • Location: 15° - 30° north and south of the equator (tropical and sub-tropical). Examples: Sahara, Kalahari, Namib, Australia, Middle East.
  • Annual Precipitation: Below 250mm.
  • Temperature Range: Daytime temperatures can reach 50°C but average around 25°C. Night-time temperatures can drop below 0°C, with a large diurnal range (up to 45°C). Annual temperature range is ~15°C.
  • Seasons: Summer and winter differ little, but temperature variations occur.
  • Humidity: Low, usually between 10-30%.
  • Prevailing Winds: Offshore winds, blowing from the east across the land, do not collect moisture.
  • Factors influencing the hot desert climate:
    • High pressure all year – air descends and warms; precipitation is low.
    • Prevailing winds are often from land masses, reducing moisture content.
    • Some deserts are in rain shadows, reducing rainfall.
    • Cold ocean currents reduce summer temperatures.
    • Pressure systems lead to sinking air, preventing cloud formation and high aridity.

Semi-Arid Climate

  • Precipitation: Receives about 16 inches of precipitation per year.
  • Temperatures: Summers are hot, winters mild to cold, and some areas may have snow.
  • Location: Interior of continents or around desert regions.
  • Characteristics: Contains some of the world's most productive agricultural lands.

Savanna Climate

  • Characteristics: Hot and dry, with a distinct wet and dry season. Temperatures are warm to hot year-round (20-35°C). There’s seasonal rainfall (4-6 months), and annual rainfall totals are moderate (500-1500mm).
  • Dry season: Typically longer than the wet season, but it varies. Ranges from 2 to 11 months.
  • Wet season: Mean monthly temperatures are in the range of 10 to 20°C.
  • Dry season: Mean monthly temperatures are in the range of 20 to 30°C.
  • Savanna types: Wet , Dry , Thornbush
  • Location: Parts of Africa, Australia, South America, and India.

Tropical Rainforest Climate

  • Location: Near the equator in Central America, South America, Central Africa, and South East Asia.
  • Precipitation: High, rainfall almost daily.
  • Temperature Range: High temperatures are constant all year, with limited temperature variation (~ 2°C)
  • Important Features:
    • Highest monthly rainfall is usually in March (over 300mm).
    • Lowest monthly rainfall is usually in August (under 50mm).
  • Vegetation Layers/Structure in rainforest: Emergents, Canopy, Under Canopy, Shrub layer, Ground layer

Plant Adaptations in Tropical Rainforest

  • Fan Palms: Large, fan-shaped leaves, with segment to allow water to drain quickly away. This feature helps them prevent breaking.
  • Buttress Roots: Large, wide roots extending from the forest floor. This feature helps them anchor the tree to the ground.
  • Lianas: Vines that grow up and on trees to create the canopy.
  • Drip-tip Leaves: Pointed and glossy to remove water quickly.
  • Epiphytes: Plants live on the surface of other plants, enabling access to sunlight.
  • Stilt Roots: Provide support for tall trees in shallow rainforest soils.

Animal Adaptations in Tropical Rainforest

  • Sloth: Algae growing on its fur helps camouflage.
  • Toucans: Large bills for reaching and eating fruit.
  • Primates: Have prehensile tails for climbing.
  • Geckos: Have large, flattened toe pads with sticky scales to grip trees.
  • Stick Insects: Stick and leaf shapes help them camouflage.

Rainforest Structure:

  • Layers:Emergents, Canopy, Under Canopy, Shrub layer, Ground layer.
  • Emergents: Extremely tall trees, higher up the canopy.
  • Canopy: Continuous layer of tree tops, relatively sheltered.

Rainforest Importance

  • Supports significant biodiversity.
  • Provides essential resources.

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World Climatic Regions PDF

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Test your knowledge on the characteristics of various climates including cool/cold deserts and savannas. Explore the factors that influence temperature, precipitation, and the adaptations of plants and animals in these unique environments.

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