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Biomes – Mediterranean Shrub and Woodland (Fig. 2.22)
Location
– In bands 30° - 40° N and S of equator
Climate
– Cool and moist during fall, winter and spring
– Hot and dry during summer
– Fire a consistent and important factor
Soils
– Moderately low nutrient availability
– Susceptible to erosion, particularly after fires
Biology
– Moderately high spatial and biological diversity
– Interaction between fire and vegetation of particular importance
Biomes – Temperate Grassland (Fig. 2.25)
• Location
– In bands 35° - 60° N and S of equator
– Extensive areas in North America and Eurasia
• Climate
– Cool to warm (5º to 30º C)
– Dry to moist 25-100 cm/yr, most during summer growing season
– Short growing season with significant winter frost period
– Long drought periods not uncommon
• Soils
– Generally nutrient rich with moderate to high organic content
– Basic to neutral
• Biology
– Although structurally simple, diversity of vegetation may be high
– Movement and dispersal a key factor for populations
– Interaction between fire, grazers, and vegetation of particular importance
Biomes – Temperate Forest (Fig. 2.28)
• Location
– In bands 30° - 55° N and S of equator
– Extensive areas in North America and Eurasia
• Climate
– Cool to warm (5º to 30º C)
– Moist to wet (65-300 cm/yr)
– Moderate to long growing season with moderate to absent winter frost period
• Soils
– Generally nutrient rich with moderate to high organic content
– Basic to neutral
• Biology
– Structurally complex, diversity of vegetation and animals high
– High biomass
– Microbial loop of great importance in nutrient cycling
Biomes – Tropical Rain Forest (Fig 2.13)
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Location
– 0 ° - 10 ° N and S of equator (rising air masses!)
Climate
– Warm to hot (25 ° to 27 ° C)
– WET! 200 – 400 cm/yr
– LOW variability in climate extremes
Soils
– Rapid decomposition, continuous leaching
– Low nutrient availability, often acidic
Biology
– High spatial diversity
– High biological diversity
– Limited adaptations associated with variable climate (TERRESTRIAL!)
– Strong biological interactions