Question

section 3 review
section vocabulary
microclimate the climate of a small area
temperate zone the climate zone between the tropics and the polar zone
polar zone the north or south pole and the surrounding region

1. list what are the four biomes of the temperate zone?
2. identify at what latitudes is the temperate zone found?
3. explain why are temperate deserts very hot during the day but very cold at night?
4. explain why do cities often have higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas?
5. explain why are most taiga soils acidic?
6. compare how are temperate deserts and the tundra similar?
7. explain why do few trees grow in temperate grasslands?

Explanation:

1. The four biomes of the temperate zone are temperate deciduous forest, temperate grassland, temperate desert, and taiga.
2. The temperate zone is found between about 23.5° and 66.5° north and south of the equator.
3. Temperate deserts are hot during the day because there is little cloud - cover to block the sun's rays, and cold at night because the dry air cannot hold heat well and heat quickly radiates away.
4. Cities often have higher temperatures than rural areas due to the urban heat island effect, caused by factors like heat absorption and retention by buildings and roads, and human - made heat sources.
5. Most taiga soils are acidic because of the decomposition of coniferous needles which release acidic substances, and slow decomposition rates in the cold climate.
6. Temperate deserts and the tundra are similar in that they both have low precipitation levels and can have extreme temperature variations. Also, both have limited vegetation adapted to harsh conditions.
7. Few trees grow in temperate grasslands because of low precipitation levels, frequent wildfires, and grazing animals that can prevent tree seedlings from establishing.

Answer:

1. Temperate deciduous forest, temperate grassland, temperate desert, taiga.
2. Between about 23.5° and 66.5° north and south of the equator.
3. Little cloud - cover during day, dry air can't hold heat at night.
4. Urban heat island effect from buildings, roads, and human heat sources.
5. Decomposition of coniferous needles and slow decomposition in cold climate.
6. Low precipitation, extreme temperature variations, limited vegetation.
7. Low precipitation, wildfires, grazing animals.