Concept explainers
You have seen that Earth’s terrestrial biomes reflect regional variations in climate. But what determines these climatic variations? Interpret the following diagrams in reference to how each represents effects on global patterns of temperature, rainfall, and winds.
a. Solar radiation and latitude:
b. Earth’s orbit around the sun:
c. Global patterns of air circulation and rainfall:
(a)
To determine: Solar radiation and latitude representing the effects on global pattern of temperature, rainfall and wind and also the climatic variations.
Introduction:
Biomes are the regions with similar climate and terrestrial biome distribution is decided by rainfall and temperature. The terrestrial biomes are tundra, rainforest, desert, taiga, temperate forest, alpine and savanna.
Explanation of Solution
The solar radiation amount received by earth is depends upon the location of the biome. The amount of received sunlight will be high if the biome is located at equator, resulting in hot conditions in biome. At the poles, biomes are cold due to the availability of less sunlight.
(b)
To determine: Earth’s orbit around the sun representing the effects on global pattern of temperature, rainfall and wind and also the climatic variations.
Introduction:
Biomes are the regions with similar climate and terrestrial biome distribution is decided by rainfall and temperature. The terrestrial biomes are tundra, rainforest, desert, taiga, temperate forest, alpine and savanna.
Explanation of Solution
Different seasons are the result of earth rotation, because both hemisphere experience opposite season due to tilt of earth on its own axis.
The tilt of the northern hemisphere of earth towards the sun results in summer as the tilt allows entry of more sunlight and summer in the northern hemisphere means winter in the southern hemisphere because it is away from the sun so receives less sunlight.
(c)
To determine: Global pattern of air circulation and rainfall representing the effects on global pattern of temperature, rainfall and wind and also the climatic variations.
Introduction:
Biomes are the regions with similar climate and terrestrial biome distribution is decided by rainfall and temperature. The terrestrial biomes are tundra, rainforest, desert, taiga, temperate forest, alpine and savanna.
Explanation of Solution
Extreme sunlight at equators results in evaporation of water from the land and oceans, which cools and condenses, converting into rain. For example: tropical rainforests.
At 30 degree latitude of south and north, the circulating air warms as it fals causing evaporation of moisture present in the soil, leading to dryness (arid regions in the temperate zones). For example: deserts.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 34 Solutions
Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, Books a la Carte Plus Mastering Biology with eText -- Access Card Package (8th Edition)
- Look at the following temperature and precipitation graph for a city around the world. Using this information, write down which biome each city has in it. Be careful to read the numbers along The numbers along the Y-axis carefully. For precipitation, you will need to look at figure 2.2, which has annual precipitation numbers in centimeters. Then compare them to the monthly precipitation numbers in the graph, which are in millimeters. It may be helpful to add up The graph numbers and convert that number to centimeters in order to determine the Biome. Average temperatures are also represented on figure 2.2. Answer choices A. Desert B. Tropical rain forest C. Temperate grassland D. Tundraarrow_forwardIndicate the average direction of change (increase, decrease, or no change) observed between 1850 and 2015 for the following labelled components of the figure: A Incoming solar radiation: C Temperature of lower atmosphere: D Water vapor: F Sea ice area: G Ocean pH: K Sea level: L Ocean heat content:arrow_forwardect the correct answers. Click again to unselect answers. Leave the incorrect answers unselected. Figure 1. Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Gas, 1990-2010 Emissions (million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents) 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 1990 1995 2000 Year HFCs, PFCs, and SF," Nitrous oxide Methane Carbon dioxide 2005 2010arrow_forward
- Given these large-scale climate patterns based on latitude, what might you expect in terms of the global distribution of primary productivity (e.g. where might you expect greater plant productivity)? (Select all that are true.) Higher productivity near equator because of more direct solar radiation. Higher productivity near equator because of overall more precipitation. Bands of lower productivity near 30° N and S because of drier air. Bands of lower productivity near poles because of drier air.arrow_forwardThere is growing support for the idea that as we warm the planet and spread fresh water over the North Atlantic from melting polar ice caps in the Arctic, we will slow down the conveyor belt circulation. What might happen to temperatures at: High Latitudes: At Mid and Low Latitudes:arrow_forwardLarge, densely populated cities can generate local weather patterns. Which of the following is a typical urban effect? Group of answer choices A. The temperature within the city is higher than surrounding areas. B. The temperature within the city is lower than surrounding areas. C. Precipitation does not fall over the city. D. Animals do not live in the city. E. Plants do not live in the city.arrow_forward
- Please Aspaarrow_forwardDo you think that the average annual global temperature and carbon dioxide levels have been consistent throughout the history of earth? Please justifyarrow_forwardYear after year we continue to read headlines that declare "this is the warmest year on record". What are the underlying causes of this warming trend? Why are there differences between land and ocean warming? What can be done to reverse these trends? Please be sure to reference your article (include information about it) in your answer and define any scientific terms your audience may not know.arrow_forward
- Explain how proximity to large bodies of water effects terrestrial temperatures. What does it mean to say the “temperature is moderated”. What does that mean for the distribution of biomes on the globe?arrow_forwardWhich of the following statements is TRUE about the factors that shape regional climates? can choose more than one answer Group of answer choices Riverside has high variation in daily and seasonal temperatures because it exhibits a maritime climate. The rain-shadow effect explains why climates on both sides of a mountain are moist. Areas that are near the center of large continents have greater variation in temperature than areas that are near the coast.arrow_forwardAs global average temperature increases, which of the following regions is expected to experience the most significant warming? a. high northern latitudes b. northern and southern mid-latitudes c. the tropics d. high southern latitudesarrow_forward
- Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781337392938Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. BergPublisher:Cengage Learning