Temperate Zone Climate and Ecosystems

Study Notes

Characterized by a moderate climate with slightly slanting sun rays.
North Temperate Zone includes regions in Europe, Northern Asia, North, and Central America.
South Temperate Zone covers Southern Australasia, southern South America, and Southern Africa.
Experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, with longer days in summer and longer nights in winter.

Found in various sizes across countries, with open grassy plains and few trees.
Known as:
- Prairies in North America
- Steppes in Russia
- Pampas in South America
- Veld in South Africa
- Downs in Australia
Features a temperate climate with cold winters and hot summers, receiving most rainfall in spring and summer.
Temperature extremes can range from 100°F in summer to -40°F in winter.

Includes adapted animals such as reindeer, caribou, bears, foxes, hares, and musk ox.
Birds include Arctic terns and snowy owls, using camouflage fur that changes color with seasons.
Aquatic wildlife includes fish, whales, seals, and walruses.

Harsh living conditions result in sparse human population.
Inuits, formerly known as Eskimos, traditionally lived in igloos and used harpoons for hunting.
Modern Inuit now use rifles and live in permanent wooden houses.

Stretches between the Arctic Circle and North Pole, and Antarctic Circle and South Pole.

Soil remains permanently frozen except during the brief summer.
Only hardy species like mosses, lichens, grasses, blueberries, and cranberries can grow.

Rainfall greatly influences vegetation; wetter areas yield longer grasses.
Natural factors like tornadoes, blizzards, and fires affect grassland characteristics.
The Ombu tree is uniquely adapted to survive fire.
Grass types vary, with prairie grasses being long and steppe grasses as short.

Home to various animals such as prairie dogs, wild horses, bison, and a variety of birds and insects.
African veld includes species like gazelles, zebras, and rhinoceroses.
Steppe habitats support rabbits, mice, antelope, and foxes.

Farming and cattle rearing dominate the economy in temperate grasslands.
Prairies, known as the "Granary of the World," house significant agriculture and dairy industries.
Cowboys in North America (Vaqueros) and Gauchos in South America are responsible for cattle ranching.
Velds focus on sheep rearing, especially merino sheep for wool.
Important mineral deposits in the region include iron, coal, diamonds, and gold, with Johannesburg renowned as the "Gold Capital of the World."

Torrid Zone: Between Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) and Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S).
Temperate Zones: Between Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) and Arctic Circle (66.5° N), and Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S) and Antarctic Circle (66.5° S).
Frigid Zones: Areas above the Arctic Circle (66.5° N) and below the Antarctic Circle (66.5° S).