Practice AP Environmental Science questions on identifying terrestrial biomes from climate patterns and describing their global distribution.
There is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs in the equatorial Pacific Ocean because of periodic fluctuations in sea surface conditions and atmospheric circulation. This phenomenon happens every few years, resulting in shifts in temperature and precipitation in many parts of the world.
Figure 1 shows temperature and precipitation patterns associated with one phase of this phenomenon in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Figure 2 shows the associated temperature and precipitation patterns that occur over North America.
Figure 1. Effects of Changes in Sea Surface Conditions in Equatorial Pacific Ocean
Figure 2. Polar Jet Stream and Climate Conditions in North America
Respond to parts A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J.
Terrestrial biomes are primarily determined by temperature and precipitation patterns.
Describe one difference between the climate of a temperate seasonal forest and that of a savanna.