{"id":52,"date":"2021-03-10T18:19:24","date_gmt":"2021-03-10T23:19:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/physgeoglabmanual1\/chapter\/lab9\/"},"modified":"2021-04-06T11:57:21","modified_gmt":"2021-04-06T15:57:21","slug":"lab9","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/physgeoglabmanual1\/chapter\/lab9\/","title":{"raw":"LABORATORY 9: CLIMATE AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF BIOMES AND SOILS","rendered":"LABORATORY 9: CLIMATE AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF BIOMES AND SOILS"},"content":{"raw":"

LABORATORY 9<\/strong><\/span>: CLIMATE AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF \u00a0BIOMES AND SOILS<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

LEARNING GOALS<\/span><\/h1>\r\nThe objectives of this laboratory are to familiarize you with the location of the major (plant) [pb_glossary id=\"482\"]biomes[\/pb_glossary] <\/strong>and soil types, and the causal relationships that exist between climate, plants, and soils. We will also examine how predicted climate change by the end of the 21st century will alter the geographic distribution of our planet's biomes.\r\n\r\nUpon completion of this laboratory you will be able to:\r\n
    \r\n \t
  1. Describe the location of the major soil and biome types.<\/li>\r\n \t
  2. Visualize the relationship between climate and soil and biome distributions.<\/li>\r\n \t
  3. Understand the role of plant communities in soil formation.<\/li>\r\n \t
  4. Describe how the major biomes on our plant will shift with climate change in the 21st century.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    TEMPERATURE, MOISTURE, AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION<\/strong><\/h1>\r\nAll living organisms are affected by heat or energy conditions. Physiological processes in plants are strongly controlled by temperature according to a simple thermodynamic rule: a rise of temperature of 10\u00b0C usually causes a doubling or tripling of the rates of chemical reactions within the plant, which in turn increases the growth rate of the plant. This rule applies until lethally high temperatures are reached.\r\n\r\nWater is important to plant life for a number of reasons. It participates in numerous chemical reactions in plant cells, of which the most important is photosynthesis. Water acts as a solvent and a transporting agent moving vital soil nutrients and photosynthetic by-products throughout the plant's structure. In general, the absorption of water by a plant is controlled by the amount being lost from aerial parts by [pb_glossary id=\"689\"]transpiration[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong>, in which the amount of water lost is controlled by the plant's [pb_glossary id=\"714\"]stomata[\/pb_glossary] <\/strong>in the leaves.\r\n\r\nThe distribution of species on the Earth is primarily a function of their tolerance to the ambient temperature and moisture. These variables often define the boundaries of a species' [pb_glossary id=\"715\"]geographic range[\/pb_glossary]<\/b>. \u00a0Rarely do two species have exactly the same requirements. Each species on the Earth has evolved a certain number of physiological and morphological traits that permit them to best survive in a particular environment. For example, deserts are dominated by plants with well-developed adaptations for conserving water, and fast-growing annuals which can run through their complete life-cycle on the water delivered by one rainy spell.\r\n

    PLANT GROWTH FORMS AND EARTH'S BIOMES<\/strong><\/h1>\r\nThe various plant growth forms<\/em> that occur on the Earth are the result of functional species adaptations to the variety of terrestrial environments. These adaptations determine whether a species can inhabit a particular set of environmental conditions. For example, in areas where precipitation is high, the usual dominant growth form is that of a tree. In contrast, short forms of vegetation, like grasses and herbaceous plants, grow where moisture is limiting or where temperatures are extremely low or high. The most important growth forms of terrestrial plants are shown in Table 9.1<\/strong><\/span>.\r\n\r\nTable 9.1.<\/strong><\/span> Major growth forms of land plants.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    Trees<\/em><\/strong>: Larger woody plants, usually with a single stem and have a height greater than 6 meters.\r\n\r\nNeedle-leaf evergreen trees<\/strong>, are mainly conifers with thin needle-like leaves found in the middle to high latitudes some species drop their leaves during the winter to reduce moisture loss.\r\n\r\nBroadleaf evergreen trees<\/strong>, occur mainly in the tropics and subtropics and have medium-sized leaves.\r\n\r\nBroadleaf deciduous trees<\/strong>, shed their leaves in the tropical dry season or in the temperate because of the cold temperatures associated with winter.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    Shrubs:<\/em><\/strong> Woody plants usually between 2 to 6 meters in height. Most shrubs have broadleaves and are deciduous. Leaves are shed because of drought or cold temperatures. In Mediterranean and desert locations, shrubs are often evergreen and protected by thorns.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    Stem-succulents or Cacti: <\/em><\/strong>Are specially adapted plants without leaves. They grow in environments where moisture loss is a problem because of high temperatures and insufficient precipitation. These plants are often protected from consumption by [pb_glossary id=\"716\"]herbivores[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> by the presence of thorns.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    Lianas:<\/em><\/strong> Woody climbers or vines common to habitats dominated by trees. Liana's do have roots below the ground surface.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    Epiphytes:<\/em><\/strong> Plants growing entirely above the ground surface, on other plants.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    Herbs:<\/em><\/strong> Leafy flowering plants with soft green stems. Herbs do not have perennial aboveground woody stems.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    Ferns:<\/em><\/strong> Leafy vascular plants that reproduce through spores not seeds.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    Grasses:<\/em><\/strong> Are plants with long narrow leaves that grow from the ground base. Most species of grass belong to the plant family Poaceae. Also includes sedges and other grass-like plants.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    Mosses: <\/em><\/strong>Small non-vascular plants that do not have roots. Reproduce through spores not seeds.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    Lichens: <\/em><\/strong>A symbiotic organism consisting of a fungus and a species of algae or cyanobacterium.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n \r\n\r\nScientists group the various ecosystems that occupy the terrestrial areas on our planet into more general associations called [pb_glossary id=\"482\"]biomes[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong>. One such biome is Tropical Rain Forest. This biome is found in a broad zone that circles the Earth\u2019s equator. Despite looking very similar, tropical rain forests found in Brazil do not contain the same mix of species as tropical rain forests in Africa. So what makes them the same biome? These ecosystems are considered to be the same biome because they have species with similar adaptive strategies for survival.\r\n\r\nMany places on Earth share similar climatic characteristics despite being found in areas with different geography. As a result of natural selection, comparable ecosystems containing species with similar strategies for survival have developed in these separated areas with like climates. Consequently, the geographical distribution of the various biomes is controlled primarily by the climatic variables precipitation and temperature and the seasonal distribution of these two factors.\r\n\r\nThe map in Figure 9.1<\/strong><\/span> describes the geographical locations of the major terrestrial biomes of the world based on the work of Olson et al. 2001 (a high-resolution copy of this map can be found in the file Lab9_Figure_9.1.pdf<\/em>)<\/span>. Fourteen unique biomes are identified on this map.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1024\"]\"\"

    Figure 9.1.<\/strong><\/span> Global distribution of the Earth's thirteen major terrestrial biomes. \u00a0Image Copyright: Michael Pidwirny, Data Source: Olson, D.M. et al. 2001. Terrestrial ecoregions of the world: A new map of life on Earth. BioScience<\/strong>, 51(11): 933-938.<\/em>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe following discussion describes the characteristics of a subset of eleven terrestrial biomes which we will examine in this laboratory exercise.\r\n\r\nTUNDRA<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe geographical distribution of the Tundra biome<\/a> is roughly poleward of 65\u00b0 North latitude. Within the Tundra biome, temperature, precipitation, and evaporation all tend to be at a minimum. This fact has played an important role in the evolution of adaptations for plant and animal survival. This biome is characterized by the absence of trees and the presence of low-lying shrubs, mosses, and lichens.\r\n\r\nBOREAL FORESTS<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoreal Forest<\/a> or Taiga biome<\/a> lies mainly between 50 and 65\u00b0 North latitude. The climate of this biome is cold but with more precipitation than the Tundra. Precipitation here occurs mainly in the summer. The predominant vegetation of the Boreal Forest biome are cone-bearing needle-leaf evergreen varieties of tree species.\r\n\r\nTEMPERATE CONIFEROUS FORESTS<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nTemperate Coniferous Forests<\/a> are found south (in the Northern Hemisphere) of the Boreal Forests in warmer and wetter regions of the temperate mid-latitudes. Coniferous trees here belonging to species not found in the Boreal Forests. Because of the better climate, these forests are also more productive than the Boreal Forests.\r\n\r\nTEMPERATE BROADLEAF AND MIXED FORESTS<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests biome<\/a> (also called Temperate Deciduous Forest) is characterized by a moderate temperate climate and a dominance of broadleaf deciduous trees. This biome once occupied much of the eastern half of the United States, central Europe, Korea, and China. Over the last few centuries, this biome has been very extensively affected by human activity. Much of it has been converted into agricultural fields or urban land-use.\r\n\r\nTEMPERATE GRASSLANDS, SAVANNAS AND SHRUBLANDS<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Temperate Grasslands, Savannas and Shrublands biome<\/a> (also called Prairie) once covered much of central North America, \u00a0Eurasia, Australia, and South America. Before the arrival of humans, these biomes were dominated by various species of grass. Today, most of this natural land-cover has been converted into cropland.\r\n\r\nMONTANE GRASSLANDS AND SHRUBLANDS<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Montane Grasslands and Shrublands biome<\/a> is found at high elevations in temperate, subtropical, and tropical climates. This biome is dominated by grass and shrub species and tends to have a high number of endemic plants and animals.\r\n\r\nDESERTS AND XERIC SHRUBLANDS<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nDeserts and Xeric Shrublands biome<\/a> covers about \u00a019% of the Earth's ground surface. Dominant plants in this biome include drought-resistant shrubs like the Creosote Bush (Larrea divaricata<\/em>) and Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata<\/em>), water-storing succulents like cactus, and many species of short-lived annuals that complete their life cycles during infrequent and short rainy periods. Lastly, desert habitats can be completely devoid of vegetation if precipitation is scarce.\r\n\r\nMEDITERRANEAN FORESTS, WOODLANDS AND SCRUB<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub biome<\/a> (also called Chaparral) \u00a0is found in a narrow zone between 32 and 40\u00b0 latitude North and South on the west coasts of the continents. This area has a dry climate because of the dominance of the subtropical high-pressure zone during the fall, summer, and spring months. Precipitation falls mainly in the winter from the influence of mid-latitude cyclones. The vegetation of this biome consists of many different types of annuals and drought-resistant, evergreen, short woody shrubs and trees.\r\n\r\nTROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL GRASSLANDS, SAVANNAS AND SHRUBLANDS<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas and Shrublands biome<\/a> covers extensive areas in eastern Africa, South America, and Australia. It has distinct wet and dry seasons and temperatures that are hot all year long characterize the climate of this biome. Plant life consists of a cover of perennial grass species 1 to 2 meters tall with scattered drought-resistant trees. Tree and shrub species in the savanna usually drop their leaves during the dry season. Annual rainfall varies between 900-1500 millimeters.\r\n\r\nTROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL DRY<\/em><\/strong> BROADLEAF<\/em><\/strong> FORESTS<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Tropical and Subtropical Dry Forests biome<\/a> is found in southern Mexico, southeastern Africa, central India, Indochina, Madagascar, New Caledonia, eastern Bolivia, central Brazil, the Caribbean, and along the coasts of Peru and Ecuador. This biome exists as a zone that borders the Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests biome. Because of its geographical location, the Tropical and Subtropical Dry Forest experiences a dry season that lasts several months. This biome is home to tropical deciduous trees like Teak (Tectona\u00a0grandis<\/em>), Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni, S. macrophylla, and S. humilis<\/em>), and Mountain Ebony (Bauhinia variegata<\/em>) dominate these forests. During the seasonal drought, these trees loose their leaves to conserve water.\r\n\r\nTROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL MOIST<\/em><\/strong> BROADLEAF<\/em><\/strong> FORESTS<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests biome<\/a> occurs in a zone about 10\u00b0 of latitude on either side of the equator. Annual rainfall generally exceeds 2000 millimeters and is evenly distributed throughout the year. Temperature and humidity are relatively high throughout the year. Plant life is highly diverse: a typical hectare may contain as many as 300 different tree species as compared to 20 to 30 in the temperate zone.\r\n

    ENERGY AND MOISTURE RELATIONSHIPS<\/strong><\/h1>\r\nIn the previous section, energy (temperature) and moisture were identified as being important in determining the global distributional patterns of vegetation. In this laboratory exercise, however, we will use two specific variables to approximate the climatic parameters of temperature and moisture. These variables are potential<\/em><\/strong> evapotranspiration<\/strong><\/em> (PE<\/strong>) and moisture<\/em><\/strong> index<\/strong><\/em> (Im<\/strong>).\r\n\r\n[pb_glossary id=\"717\"]Potential evapotranspiration[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> (PE<\/strong>) can be defined as a measure of the demand for moisture for plant [pb_glossary id=\"689\"]transpiration[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> and soil [pb_glossary id=\"688\"]evaporation[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong>, both of which generally increase with intensifying heat or energy supply. Thus, we would expect to find a simple latitudinal relationship for potential evapotranspiration with the highest values near the Equator and the lowest values at the poles.\r\n\r\nThe moisture index<\/em><\/strong> (Im<\/strong>) approximates how well the available supply of moisture from precipitation is able to offset the potential demand for moisture (potential evapotranspiration). This index is calculated as:\r\n

    Im = (P\/PE - 1) x 100<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nwhere P<\/strong> is the annual [pb_glossary id=\"594\"]precipitation[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong>, and PE<\/strong> is the annual [pb_glossary id=\"717\"]potential evapotranspiration[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong>. If annual precipitation is equal to annual potential evapotranspiration then the index is equal to zero, and plant needs for water are met by annual precipitation. Positive values indicate more precipitation than potential evapotranspiration. Negative values indicate less precipitation then potential evapotranspiration, and under these conditions plants must adapt to drought stress by reducing biomass accumulation and evolve morphological and physiological traits that restrict water loss from plant tissues.\r\n

    SOIL FORMING FACTORS<\/strong><\/h1>\r\nFive factors are generally thought to be responsible for the formation of soils. These factors are: climate; organisms; topography; parent material; and time. We can model the action of these factors on soil and soil properties with the following simple equation:\r\n

    Soil = f(cl, o, r, pm, t, ...)<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nwhere soil formation is a function (f<\/strong>) of the factors within the brackets, cl<\/strong> denotes the climate factor, o <\/strong>the biotic factor, r<\/strong> the topographic factor, pm<\/strong> the parent material, t<\/strong> the time factor, and the dots after t represent undefined factors.\r\n\r\nOn a global scale, climate is probably the most important factor is the formation of a soil because it determines the nature and rate of parent material<\/strong> weathering<\/strong>, and type of organisms located on and within the soil. In humid regions, abundant rainfall provides an environment favourable for the tree growth. The combination of this vegetation type and a humid climate results in the chemically aided formation of podzolic <\/strong>or brunisolic<\/strong> (brown<\/em>) soils in the mid-latitudes, and red and yellow latosolic soils<\/strong> near the tropics. In contrast, semi-arid regions are dominated by short-grassland species, and the climatic and vegetative conditions tend to form chernozems<\/strong>, which are characterized by an organic rich dark-brown to black upper horizon that is produced by the decomposition of plant material. In the high latitudes and alpine areas, cold temperatures inhibit the action of the soil forming factors, and these areas are dominated by immature soils which are either gleysols<\/strong> or cryosols<\/strong>. Poorly developed soils are also common is hot and dry regions of the world. In such conditions, sparse desert vegetation add little organic matter to the soils surface and the lack of moisture inhibits normal soil chemical reactions.\r\n\r\nSoil organisms<\/em> play an important role in soil profile formation on the macro and micro-scale. Organic matter accumulation, profile mixing, nutrient cycling, and structural stability in soils are all enhanced by soil organisms. As previously discussed, the effect of vegetation on soil formation can be seen by comparing soils formed under forest and grassland ecosystems. The dark colour of the grassland chernozemic<\/strong> soils occurs because organic matter<\/strong> and humus<\/strong> content of grassland soils is higher than forest soils. Higher organic content gives these soils a darker colour and higher moisture and nutrient-holding capacity. In forest soils the litter from falling tree leaves produces acidic leachates<\/strong> upon decomposition. These acidic substances move down through the soil profile leaching<\/strong> iron, aluminium and humus from upper soil horizons. Thus, podzolic soils are easily recognized by the presence of a grey leached horizon followed by a yellow to reddish horizon where there is an accumulation of iron, aluminium, and humus.\r\n\r\n \r\n

    LABORATORY 9 QUESTIONS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\r\n

    QUESTION 1<\/strong><\/h1>\r\nTable 9.2<\/strong><\/span> describes biome and soil type data for 80 locations scattered across our planet. This data has been plotted on Figures 9.2<\/strong><\/span> and 9.3<\/strong><\/span> for you.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nVisually analyze the distribution of the plotted biome data and identify obvious clusters on the graph. Note that in some cases, one type may overlap with another type, but in others only one group will be found in a particular part of the graph. On this graph, the following \"colored letters\" are used to identify the various biomes described below.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_471\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1024\"]\"\"

    Figure 9.2.<\/strong><\/span> Plot of 80 locations with biome types, and measurements of potential evapotranspiration and moisture index.<\/em>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAnswer the questions that follow:\r\n\r\n1.1)\u00a0<\/strong>The Tundra (tu) biome has Potential Evapotranspiration values that range from<\/span>\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>250-500.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>500-1000.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>1000-1500.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>1500-2000.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n1.2)\u00a0<\/strong>Geographically, where is the Tundra (tu) biome found?<\/span>\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>Poleward of 65\u00b0 North.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>Between 55 and 65\u00b0 North.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>Central Greenland.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>Central Antarctica.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n1.3)\u00a0<\/strong>After carefully examining Table 9.2<\/strong><\/span>, what K\u00f6ppen climate classification type is usually associated with the Tundra (tu) biome?<\/span>\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>A climate type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>BW and BS climate type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>C climate type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>D climate types<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    E\u00a0<\/strong>E climate type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n1.4)\u00a0<\/strong>What value for PE would serve as a good boundary between the Boreal Forests (B) and Tundra (tu) biomes?<\/span>\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>250<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>500<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>750<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>1000<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n1.5)\u00a0<\/strong>Which biome replaces the Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests (De) biome when moisture becomes less available?<\/span>\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>Temperate Coniferous Forests (E).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub (M).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>Deserts and Xeric Shrublands (d).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>Temperate Grasslands, Savannas and Shrublands (G).<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n1.6)\u00a0<\/strong>After carefully examining Table 9.2<\/strong><\/span>, what two K\u00f6ppen climate classification types are usually associated with the Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests (De) biome?<\/span>\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>A climate type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>BW and BS climate type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>C climate type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>D climate types.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    E\u00a0<\/strong>E climate type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n1.7)\u00a0<\/strong>Which biomes replaces the Boreal Forests (B) biome when energy (Potential Evapotranspiration) becomes more available? (<\/span>Multiple answers are accepted for this question)<\/span>\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests (De).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>Mediterranean Forests Woodlands and Scrub (M).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>Deserts and Xeric Shrublands (d).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>Temperate Grasslands Savannas and Shrublands (G).<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n1.8)\u00a0<\/strong>At approximately what values of the Moisture Index (Im) do places become so dry that desert vegetation becomes common?<\/span>\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>-120 to -100.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>-100 to -70.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>-70 to -40.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>-40 to 0.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n1.9)\u00a0<\/strong>Which biome replaces the Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas and Shrublands (S) biome when moisture becomes less available?<\/span>\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests (T).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub (M).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>Deserts and Xeric Shrublands (d).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>Temperate Grasslands, Savannas and Shrublands (G).<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n1.10)\u00a0<\/strong>After carefully examining Table 9.2<\/strong><\/span>, what K\u00f6ppen climate classification type is usually associated with the Deserts and Xeric Shrublands biome?<\/span>\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>A climate type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>BW and BS climate type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>C climate type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>D climate types.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    E\u00a0<\/strong>E climate type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

    QUESTION 2<\/strong><\/h1>\r\nVisually analyze the distribution of the plotted soil type data and identify obvious clusters on the graph. Note that in some cases, one type may overlap with another type, but in others only one group will be found in a particular part of the graph.\u00a0On this graph, the following \"colored letters\" are used to identify eight general soil types described below.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_469\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1024\"]\"\"

    Figure 9.3.<\/strong><\/span> Plot of 80 locations with soil types, and measurements of potential evapotranspiration and moisture index<\/em>.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAnswer the questions that follow:\r\n\r\n2.1)\u00a0<\/strong>What two biomes are associated with Tropical and Subtropical Red and Yellow Soils (4)? (<\/span>Multiple answers are accepted for this question)<\/span>\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests (T).<\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>Mediterranean Forests Woodlands and Scrub (M).<\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>Deserts and Xeric Shrublands (d).<\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>Temperate Grasslands Savannas and Shrublands (G).<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n2.2)\u00a0<\/strong>What two biomes are associated with Podzol Soils (2)? (Multiple answers are accepted for this question)\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>Boreal Forests (B).<\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>Mediterranean Forests Woodlands and Scrub (M).<\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>Tundra (tu).<\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>Temperate Coniferous Forests (E).<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n2.3)\u00a0<\/strong>What biome is associated with Desert Soils (8)?<\/span>\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests (T).<\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub (M).<\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>Deserts and Xeric Shrublands (d).<\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>Temperate Grasslands, Savannas and Shrublands (G).<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n2.4)\u00a0<\/strong>What biome is associated with Chernozem Soils (6)? (Multiple answers are accepted for this question)\r\n

    A\u00a0<\/strong>Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests (T).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    B\u00a0<\/strong>Mediterranean Forests Woodlands and Scrub (M).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    C\u00a0<\/strong>Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests (De).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    D\u00a0<\/strong>Temperate Grasslands Savannas and Shrublands (G).<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n2.5)\u00a0<\/strong>Tundra and Desert soils are commonly recognized as immature soils with no or limited profile development. The particular environments they exist in add little organic matter to the soil profile and limit the chemical reactions necessary for pedogenesis. What climate factors are responsible and how do they limit these two important factors in soil development?<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n

    QUESTION 3<\/strong><\/h1>\r\nWe are now going to use a computer model to investigate how future climate change will influence the spatial distribution of North America's biomes. This model is available on Climate Reanalyzer<\/strong><\/a> and is called the Environmental Change Model<\/strong><\/a> (ECM). Note that ECM uses a biome classification system that is slightly different and more complex than the one you are familiar with. The biomes displayed on ECM are (in brackets the roughly equivalent biome found in Figure 9.1<\/strong><\/span> is given):\r\n
      \r\n \t
    1. Cool Conifer Forest (Boreal Forest\/Taiga)<\/li>\r\n \t
    2. Mixed Forest (Temperate Broadleaf \u00a0& \u00a0Mixed Forests)<\/li>\r\n \t
    3. Warm Broadleaf Forest (Temperate Broadleaf & Mixed Forests)<\/li>\r\n \t
    4. Temperate Rainforest (Temperate Conifer Forests)<\/li>\r\n \t
    5. Tropical Rainforest (Tropical & Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests)<\/li>\r\n \t
    6. Tall Grass Prairie (Temperate Grasslands, Savannas & Shrublands)<\/li>\r\n \t
    7. Short Grass Prairie (Temperate Grasslands, Savannas & Shrublands)<\/li>\r\n \t
    8. Polar Desert (Tundra)<\/li>\r\n \t
    9. Dry Tundra or Alpine (Tundra)<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n