Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
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Some physical geographers study the spatial distribution of plants, including why some plants grow in some places and
not in others. This aerial photograph shows the dense rainforest along the Kinabatangan River on Borneo, Malaysia. What
geographical variables result in this kind of forest at this location? Certainly, the role of climate is critical, as you saw in
Chapter 9. Other factors are important as well, which you will investigate in this chapter.
L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S
C H A P T E R P R E V I E W
1.
Define the concept of an ecosystem and its various
components.
2.
Understand the process of photosynthesis and how it
relates to biomass construction.
3.
Explain the concept of biomes.
4.
Describe the geography and fundamental characteristics
of the 12 global biomes.
5.
Discuss how local and regional factors, including
slope, aspect, vertical zonation, and riparian environ-
ments, influence vegetation.
6.
Explain the concept of plant succession.
7.
Describe the impacts humans are having in forests
and grasslands on Earth.
Ecosystems and Biogeography
The Process of Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis and Respiration
The Relationship of Climate and
Vegetation: The Character and
Distribution of Global Biomes
Local and Regional Factors That Influence
the Geographic Distribution of Vegetation
Plant Succession
Human Interactions: Human Influence
on Vegetation Patterns
Deforestation
Remote Sensing and the Biosphere
