Latitude

Definition

Latitude is the measurement of distance north or south of the Equator, expressed in degrees. It plays a crucial role in determining the climate, vegetation, and types of ecosystems found within different terrestrial biomes, as variations in latitude influence temperature, precipitation, and sunlight exposure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Latitude ranges from 0° at the Equator to 90° at the poles, with each degree representing approximately 69 miles (111 kilometers) on the Earth's surface.
2. As latitude increases away from the Equator, average temperatures typically decrease due to less direct sunlight, impacting local flora and fauna.
3. Different biomes are often aligned along specific latitude lines; for example, tropical rainforests are found near the Equator while tundra regions occur near the poles.
4. The concept of latitude also helps explain seasonal changes in climate; regions at higher latitudes experience more significant temperature variations between seasons.
5. Human activities and land use can affect how biomes function at different latitudes, with urbanization and agriculture altering natural ecosystems.

Review Questions

• How does latitude influence the distribution of terrestrial biomes across the globe?
  • Latitude significantly influences the distribution of terrestrial biomes because it affects temperature, sunlight exposure, and precipitation patterns. For instance, regions near the Equator receive more direct sunlight year-round, leading to warm temperatures and lush vegetation typical of tropical rainforests. In contrast, higher latitudes experience cooler temperatures and distinct seasons, resulting in biomes such as tundras or boreal forests that adapt to these conditions.
• Evaluate how latitude interacts with other environmental factors to shape specific ecosystems within a biome.
  • Latitude interacts with factors such as altitude, ocean currents, and prevailing winds to shape specific ecosystems within a biome. For instance, while latitude primarily determines temperature and sunlight availability, altitude can further modify these effects. Mountainous regions may host distinct ecosystems even at lower latitudes due to cooler temperatures at higher elevations. Similarly, ocean currents can influence coastal climates by moderating temperatures, allowing for unique ecosystems to develop even in varying latitudinal contexts.
• Analyze the long-term implications of climate change on biomes at different latitudes and their associated ecosystems.
  • Climate change is expected to have profound long-term implications for biomes located at various latitudes. In tropical regions near the Equator, rising temperatures may lead to increased droughts or changes in precipitation patterns that threaten biodiversity in rainforests. Conversely, polar biomes are likely to experience rapid changes such as melting ice caps and shifting species distributions as temperatures rise. These alterations not only affect the organisms within these ecosystems but can also impact global weather patterns and human communities dependent on these biomes for resources.

Related terms

Longitude: The measurement of distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, which, along with latitude, helps define specific geographic locations on Earth.

Biomes:

Large ecological areas on the Earth's surface, with distinct plant and animal groups adapted to their environment, influenced significantly by latitude and climate.

Climate Zones: Regions of the Earth classified by their long-term weather patterns, which are heavily influenced by latitude, affecting the types of ecosystems that can thrive there.