What Is Life? A Guide to Biology with Physiology
What Is Life? A Guide to Biology with Physiology
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781319065447
Author: Jay Phelan
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
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Chapter 17, Problem 1SA
Summary Introduction

To review:

The climate changes that occur on moving from the equator towards the poles, and the two aspects of weather that determine the type of biome in any location.

Introduction:

There is a reduction in temperature, as we move from the equator, toward the poles. The type of biome depends on rainfall and temperature.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

The Earth being a globe has a curved surface. The equator is the part of the earth that is closest to the sun and the poles are the furthest away from the sun.

The concentration of the sun’s rays is highest near the equator. As we move away from the equator and toward the poles, the solar energy is spread over a larger area, and the rays of the sun travel a longer distance through the atmosphere. This reduces the amount of heat that reaches the surface of the earth towards the poles, resulting in reduced temperatures as we move away from the equator, and towards the poles.

The type of terrestrial biome is determined by the average temperature and average precipitation in the area, and whether they are constant or seasonal.

Conclusion

There is a reduction in temperature when moving from the equator toward the poles. The two aspects of weather that determine the type of biome in a location are the average temperature and average precipitation, and how they change seasonally.

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