Chapter 48

Explain how incoming solar radiation exerts a direct influence on the distribution of temperature across Earth's surface.

Why are equatorial latitudes generally wet, but land masses at about 23 to 30 degrees north and south latitude generally dry?

Why are the sides of tall mountains that face oncoming wind generally wetter than their opposite slopes?

Choose five terrestrial biomes, describe their climate and vegetation, and explain why they differ from one another.

Describe two ways that the biological nitrogen cycle interacts with the biological carbon cycle.

Compare and contrast biomes on land and in the sea in terms of their global patterns of primary production.

Describe the general pattern of diversity from the equator to the poles. Provide two hypotheses to explain this pattern of diversity.