Types of Biomes Quiz

Study Notes

Biome: An area of the planet characterized by specific plants and animals, defined by temperature, soil, light, and water.
Characteristics of biomes include: temperature, soil type, amount of sunlight, and water availability.
Different types of biomes: Alpine, chaparral, desert, grassland, savanna, taiga, temperate deciduous forest, tropical rainforest, and tundra.

Alpine: Mountainous regions, cold temperatures, and limited plant growth.
Chaparral: Hot, dry summers and mild winters; prone to fires; low-lying vegetation.
Desert: Can be hot or cold; has very little vegetation due to low rainfall.
Grassland: Large areas of grasses with few trees; susceptible to fires.
Savanna: Grassland with scattered trees; warm and rainy seasons, but drought periods.
Taiga: Largest biome; long, cold winters; coniferous trees.
Temperate Deciduous Forest: Four distinct seasons; many deciduous trees.
Tropical Rainforest: Warm, rainy weather year-round; high biodiversity.
Tundra: Extremely cold; treeless; permanently frozen ground (permafrost).

Keystone species: Species that have a large impact on their habitats and many other species.

Indicator species: Species that are very sensitive to environmental changes, and provide insight into the health of the habitat.

Mangrove trees: Their leaves filter excess salt from brackish water; roots stabilize coastlines and reduce erosion; provide habitat for fish.

Primary succession: Occurs on surfaces where no soil exists (e.g., volcanic rock); pioneer species like lichens break down rock to form soil.
Secondary succession: Occurs on surfaces where soil already exists (e.g., after a flood or fire); existing soil supports faster growth.

Pioneer species: The first species to inhabit an environment lacking vegetation. (e.g., lichens)

Biodiversity index: Measures the number of species in an area and the number of individuals of each species (a higher index indicates higher diversity).