Global Ecosystems Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

Which global ecosystem has trees which drop their leaves in winter?

Temperate deciduous forest. The trees drop their dead leaves because of lower temperatures in winter.

Describe the distribution of tropical rainforests.

Found close to the Equator, but in places extending as far as the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The largest area is in South America, with others in central Africa and South East Asia.

Where in the world are coniferous forests found?

In large areas of North America, Europe and Asia, in the high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.

True or false? Hot deserts and polar/tundra areas have low levels of biodiversity.

True. Areas such as the Sahara, and areas inside the Arctic Circle like northern Canada and Greenland, have low biodiversity.

Describe the global distribution of hot deserts.

Mostly between about 15 and 35 degrees north and south of the Equator, around the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, with large areas in northern Africa, the Middle East and Australia. They are very dry, with sparse vegetation.

Where are savanna grasslands found and what is their climate like?

Between the tropics, either side of the rainforest belt, with the largest area in Africa. It is hot all year with a distinct wet season and dry season; vegetation is mainly grass with scattered trees.