IB Biology HL B4.1.6 Terrestrial Biome Distribution Questions

Explore how temperature, rainfall, seasonality and light distinguish terrestrial biomes and shape leaf-area index, litter stores and productivity in IB Biology HL B4.1.6.

Exam points

Identify a terrestrial biome from a climograph using its temperature and precipitation signature.
Relate temperature, seasonality, light and nutrient cycling to leaf-area index, litter stores and productivity differences between biomes.

[Maximum number: 3]

Remote sensing satellites are used to monitor the Earth's ecosystems. One measure of ecosystem status is leaf area index (LAI), which is the total area of leaves in square metres per square metre ( $\mathrm{m}^{2} \mathrm{~m}^{-2}$ ) of the Earth's surface. The graph shows LAI estimates, calculated using data from the Global Inventory Monitoring and Modelling System (GIMMS), during the period from 1981 to 2011. The data points are monthly averages in four latitudinal zones in the northern hemisphere.

Figure for Question IB Biology HL B4.1.6 Terrestrial Biome Distribution Questions question 1 — IB Biology HL

Suggest reasons for the differences in LAI between the boreal and equatorial zones.

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IB Biology HL B4.1.6 Terrestrial Biome Distribution Questions question 1