AP Environmental Science
Chapter 6 - biogeography and biomes
text web site | main class page | Gonzaga page | Presentations
I. Climate basics
A. overview of the interaction between climate and ecosystems – fig. 6-5
B. global air/wind circulation – fig. 6-8, 6-9, 6-10
- Coriolis effect
- Animation (Real Player)
- Another animation
C. water currents – fig. 6-6
1. upwellings and their effects on nutrients – fig. 6-11
2. El Nino – fig 6-12, 6-13
- more information and graphics
- La Nina -- a related phenomenon
- FAQ - El Nino and La Nina
- climate prediction center
- Real Player animation
D. seasons – fig. 6-7
E. microclimates are created by land surface features
1. sea and land breezes – fig. 6-19
2. rain shadows – fig. 6-15 (animation) (Real Player animation)
II. Biomes – major regional ecosystems
A. map of world biomes – fig. 6-16 (check out a North America biome map)
B. temperature and precipitation are the major factors – fig. 6-17
- soil type is also important, and certain soil types are often associated with particular biomes (more info)
C. latitude and altitude have similar effects – fig. 6- 18
D. terrestrial biomes – p. 113-126
E. aquatic biomes – chapter 7
1. fig. 7-2 shows distribution of ocean habitat zones
- National Marine Sanctuaries -- photos, videos and maps
2. life zones with depth – fig. 7-6
3. tidal regions - rocky coasts and beaches - fig. 7-9
- Explore the coastal regions of south Florida -- wetlands, mangroves, and "tree islands"
- Mangroves: roots of the sea
- Virtual mangroves
4. barrier islands - fig. 7-10 and 7-11
- check out panoramic images of coastal barrier islands
- coastal dunes are a related habitat
5. coral reefs
6. freshwater pond/lake life zones - fig. 7-6
7. oligotrophic vs. eutrophic lakes (fig. 7-17)
8. rivers - fig. 7-18