Biology 3484A/B Lecture Notes - Temperate Climate, Pinaceae, Arctic Circle

• School: Western University
• Department: Biology
• Course: Biology 3484A/B
• Professor: Nina Zitani

Document Summary

Latitude is the primary factor that affects the distribution of the terrestrial biomes. The tropics get the most intense direct sunlight for the longest duration. As you move north or south of the equator, the sun"s rays are not as direct. Incoming sunlight/solar energy per unit area varies with latitude. Regardless of the time of year, as you move towards the poles from the equator, the sunlight/solar energy (photons for photosynthesis and heat to warm the air) decreases per unit area. An equal amount of sunlight/solar energy is spread over a larger area as you move towards the poles. Therefore, an equal surface area in the tropics and the temperate zone get unequal amounts of energy. The earth is on a tilt or angle. During winters in the northern hemisphere, we are tilted away from the sun. During summers in the northern hemisphere, we are tilted towards the sun.