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Examine the main characteristics of a biome that you have studied - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 17 - 2006
Question 17
Examine the main characteristics of a biome that you have studied. [80m]
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Examine the main characteristics of a biome that you have studied - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 17 - 2006
Step 1
Identify the characteristics of the biome
Answer
In this examination, we will focus on three main characteristics of the desert biome: climate, soil, and fauna. These characteristics are critical in defining the desert environment.
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Climate: The desert biome is characterized by arid conditions, receiving less than 250 mm of precipitation annually. This lack of moisture results in extreme temperature variations, with scorching heat during the day and significantly cooler temperatures at night.
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Soil: Desert soils are typically sandy or stony, often lacking nutrients due to the low decomposition rates of organic matter. This results in poor soil quality, which limits the types of vegetation that can thrive in the environment.
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Fauna: The fauna of the desert biome is adapted to the harsh conditions, with many animals exhibiting nocturnal behavior to avoid daytime heat. Some common animals include the fennec fox, various reptiles, and numerous insects, all of which have unique adaptations for survival in such an extreme habitat.
Step 2
Examine the identified characteristics
Answer
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Climate Examination: The extreme climate of deserts means that organisms must be highly adapted to conserve water, leading to behaviors such as burrowing or being active during cooler times of day.
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Soil Examination: Desert soils are often very loose and do not retain water well, which affects the plant life that can grow there. Only specially adapted plant species, such as cacti, can survive these conditions.
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Fauna Examination: The diversity of fauna is reduced in deserts compared to other biomes, yet species like the kangaroo rat exemplify adaptations such as efficient water conservation and nocturnal lifestyles to cope with the environment.