Natural landscapes in temperate climates

3. NATURAL LANDSCAPES IN TEMPERATE CLIMATE -

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Natural landscapes of continental, oceanic and Mediterranean climates are in the temperate latutude ( between the tropicas and the polar circles).

CONTINENTAL ZONE IN this area there are two types of biomes:

1. CONIFEROUS FOREST OR THE TAIGA Coniferous forests or the taiga is found in continental climates, south of he tundra.

It is found in the north of Europe, Asia and North America.

Vegetation: conifers (pine and fir trees)can survive cold winters when the ground freezes.

Fauna: deer, bears, lynxes Dangers: taiga is threatened by: - global warming tha dries he soil and increase the risk of forest fire - Deforestation because millions of trees are cut down anually to make paper and other products

2. GRASSLAND AND STEPPE They are found in continental climates, south of the taiga The soil is fertile in grasslands FAUNA: Animals such as foxes and moles

3. NATURAL LANDSCAPES IN TEMPERATE CLIMATE OCEANIC ZONE -

One type of biome: Deciduos forests

1- DECIDUOUS FOREST In oceanic climate, where temperatures are mild and rainfall is abundant, Vegetation: deciduous trees (oak, beech, maple) lose their leaves in autumn. Leaves enrich the soil making more fertile.

Fauna: deer, rabbits and any species of birds.

Where he forest has disappeared there are bushes and low grass.

Dangers: - climate change - human activitiy due to the fertility of he soil, we use it for agriculture MEDITERRANEAN ZONE In this area there are two biomes: mediterranean forest and scrubland.

1. MEDITERRANEAN FOREST In Mediterranean climate trees are perennial, they don’t lose their leaves vegetation: holm oaks, cork oaks, pine trees Fauna: deer, rabbits and birds of prey 2. SCRUBLAND: In areas where there are fewer trees Plants like thyme and rosemary The soil is fertile in river beds and less fertile where erosion has ocurred