Name that Biome Flashcards

Taiga:
- Forested biome dominated by cone-bearing evergreen trees.
- Features long, cold winters and short, mild summers with moderate precipitation and high humidity.
Temperate Deciduous Forest:
- Characterized by moderate winters and long summers.
- Even rainfall throughout the year supports trees like maple and oak.
- Trees lose all leaves in autumn.
Tropical Rainforest:
- Has a stable, year-long growing season.
- Known as the most productive of all biomes, rich in biodiversity and species variety.
Desert:
- Receives less than 25 cm of rainfall annually.
- Plants possess adaptations to reduce water loss; many animals are nocturnal to cope with heat.
Tundra:
- Cold, treeless biome characterized by the presence of permafrost.
- Known as the largest and northernmost biome on Earth.
Chaparral:
- Dominated by shrubs, with hot, dry summers that increase the risk of fire.
- Dense, low plants contribute to fire hazards.
Temperate Grassland:
- Also referred to as prairie or veldt.
- Rich and fertile soil makes this biome excellent for agriculture; features alternating wet and dry seasons.
Savanna:
- Characterized by alternating wet and dry seasons.
- Organisms must adapt to withstand periods of drought.

Precipitation:
- Deserts receive very little (less than 25 cm/year), while tropical rainforests have abundant rainfall.
Temperature Variance:
- Taiga has cold winters with mild summers; deserts often have extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night.
Vegetation Types:
- Taiga: cone-bearing trees; Tundra: little to no trees; Tropical Rainforest: diverse vegetation; Chaparral: shrubs.
Soil Fertility:
- Temperate grasslands have rich soil ideal for farming, while deserts typically have poor soil due to low organic matter.

Plant Adaptations:
- Desert plants have features such as reduced leaf surface area to minimize water loss.
Animal Adaptations:
- Nocturnal behavior in desert animals helps avoid daytime heat; various species in rainforests have adaptations for high humidity and competition.
Ecosystem Diversity:
- Tropical rainforests are the most diverse ecosystems, housing myriad species that play specific roles in the ecosystem.