Latitudes Lecture
Climate and terrestrial ecosystems.
In this guide we are traveling from the polar regions through forests to the equator.
Video Overview
Begin with this guide overview video.
Latitudes Lecture Guide Contents
This guide and lecture material are assessed on the weekly quiz.
Latitudes Lecture Objectives
Polar & Tundra
Describe the climate and organisms of the polar regions, including threats to polar carnivores; and describe the climate and organisms of the tundra, including plant characteristics.
Taiga
Provide the climate characteristics of taiga boreal coniferous forests; distinguish between angiosperm and gymnosperm trees, providing characteristics and examples of each; and identify different types of conifers, including pine, fir, spruce, cedar, and sequoia.
Temperate Forests
Compare and contrast deciduous, coniferous, mixed, and rainforest temperate ecosystems; explain the ecosystem role of features of complex old growth forests, including snags and nurse logs; and describe fern plants including their structures and ecological roles.
Tropical Rainforests
Describe the location, climate, and biodiversity characteristics of a tropical rainforest; explain how tropical rainforest soils can be relatively nutrient-poor while the ecosystem has high productivity and biodiversity; and define what an epiphyte is, explain why they have this strategy, and provide examples.
