The pattern of placement of natural zones on earth. §15. Natural zoning. Questions and tasks to prepare for the exam

Natural areas of the Earth

A comprehensive scientific study of nature allowed V.V. Dokuchaev to formulate the law in 1898 geographical zoning, Whereby climate, water, soil, relief, vegetation and animal world in a certain territory are closely interrelated and should be studied as a whole. He proposed dividing the Earth's surface into zones that are naturally repeated in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Different geographical (natural) zones Earth characterized by a certain combination of heat and moisture, soils, flora and fauna and, as a consequence, characteristics economic activity their population. These are zones of forests, steppes, deserts, tundra, savanna, as well as transitional zones of forest-tundra, semi-deserts, forest-tundra. Natural areas are traditionally named according to the predominant type of vegetation, reflecting the most important features of the landscape.

A regular change in vegetation is an indicator of a general increase in heat. In the tundra average temperature the warmest month of the year - July - does not exceed + 10°С, in the taiga it fluctuates between + 10... + 18°С in the deciduous and mixed forests+ 18...+20°С, in the steppe and forest-steppe +22...+24°С, in semi-deserts and deserts - above +30°С.

Most animal organisms remain active at temperatures from 0 to +30°C. However, temperatures from + 10°C and above are considered the best for growth and development. Obviously, such a thermal regime is typical for the equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical, and temperate climatic zones of the Earth. The intensity of vegetation development in natural areas ah also depends on the amount of precipitation. Compare, for example, their number in the forest and desert zones (see atlas map).

So, natural areas- This natural complexes occupying large areas and characterized by the dominance of one zonal type of landscape. They are formed mainly under the influence of climate - the distribution of heat and moisture, their ratio. Each natural zone has its own type of soil, vegetation and animal life.

The appearance of a natural area is determined by the type of vegetation cover. But the nature of vegetation depends on climatic conditions - thermal conditions, moisture, light, soil, etc.

As a rule, natural zones are extended in the form of wide stripes from west to east. There are no clear boundaries between them; they gradually transform into one another. The latitudinal location of natural zones is disrupted by the unequal distribution of land and ocean, relief, distance from the ocean.

General characteristics of the main natural zones of the Earth

Let us characterize the main natural zones of the Earth, starting from the equator and moving towards the poles.

There are forests on all continents of the Earth, except Antarctica. Forest zones have both common features and special ones, characteristic only of taiga, mixed and broad-leaved forests or tropical forests.

General features of the forest zone include: warm or hot summers, fairly a large number of precipitation (from 600 to 1000 or more mm per year), large deep rivers, predominance of woody vegetation. Equatorial forests, occupying 6% of the land, receive the greatest amount of heat and moisture. They rightfully hold first place among the forest zones of the Earth in terms of the diversity of plants and animals. 4/5 of all plant species grow here and 1/2 of all land animal species live here.

Climate equatorial forests hot and humid. Average annual temperatures are +24... + 28°C. The annual precipitation is more than 1000 mm. It is in the equatorial forest that you can find the largest number of ancient animal species, such as amphibians: frogs, newts, salamanders, toads or marsupials: possums in America, possums in Australia, tenrecs in Africa, lemurs in Madagascar, lorises in Asia; Ancient animals include such inhabitants of equatorial forests as armadillos, anteaters, and lizards.

In equatorial forests, the richest vegetation is located in several tiers. Many bird species live in the treetops: hummingbirds, hornbills, birds of paradise, crowned pigeons, numerous species of parrots: cockatoos, macaws, Amazons, grays. These birds have tenacious legs and strong beaks: they not only fly, but also climb trees very well. Animals that live in treetops also have prehensile paws and tails: sloths, monkeys, howler monkeys, flying foxes, tree kangaroos. The largest animal that lives in the treetops is the gorilla. These forests are home to many beautiful butterflies and other insects: termites, ants, etc. There are various types of snakes. Anaconda - largest snake in the world, reaches a length of 10 m or more. The high-water rivers of the equatorial forests are rich in fish.

The largest areas of equatorial forests occupy in South America, in the Amazon River basin, and in Africa - in the Congo River basin. The Amazon is the deepest river on Earth. Every second it carries 220 thousand m3 of water into the Atlantic Ocean. The Congo is the second most water-rich river in the world. Equatorial forests are also common on the islands of the Malaysian archipelago and Oceania, in the southeastern regions of Asia, and in northeastern Australia (see map in the atlas).

Valuable tree species: mahogany, black, yellow - the wealth of equatorial forests. Harvesting valuable timber threatens the conservation of the Earth's unique forests. Satellite images have shown that in a number of areas of the Amazon, forest destruction is proceeding at a catastrophic pace, many times faster than their restoration. At the same time, many species of unique plants and animals are disappearing.

Variably wet monsoon forests

Variably humid monsoon forests can also be found on all continents of the Earth except Antarctica. If in the equatorial forests it is summer all the time, then three seasons are clearly defined here: dry cool (November-February) - winter monsoon; dry hot (March-May) - transitional season; humid hot (June-October) - summer monsoon. The hottest month is May, when the sun is almost at its zenith, rivers dry up, trees shed their leaves, and the grass turns yellow.

The summer monsoon arrives at the end of May with hurricane winds, thunderstorms, and torrential rains. Nature comes to life. Due to the alternation of dry and wet seasons, monsoon forests are called variable-wet.

India's monsoon forests are located in the tropical climatic zone. They grow here valuable species trees, characterized by the strength and durability of wood: teak, sal, sandalwood, satin and ironwood. Teak wood is not afraid of fire and water, it is widely used for the construction of ships. Sal also has a durable and strong wood. Sandalwood and satin trees are used in the manufacture of varnishes and paints.

The fauna of the Indian jungle is rich and diverse: elephants, bulls, rhinoceroses, monkeys. Lots of birds and reptiles.

Monsoon forests of tropical and subtropical regions are also characteristic of South-East Asia, Central and South America, northern and northeastern regions of Australia (see map in the atlas).

Temperate monsoon forests

Temperate monsoon forests are found only in Eurasia. The Ussuri taiga is a special place in Far East. This is a real thicket: multi-tiered, dense forests, intertwined with vines and wild grapes. Cedar, walnut, linden, ash, and oak grow here. The lush vegetation is the result of abundant seasonal rainfall and a fairly mild climate. Here you can meet Ussuri tiger- himself major representative of its own kind.
Rivers monsoon forests They are fed by rain and overflow during the summer monsoon rains. The largest of them are the Ganges, Indus, and Amur.

Monsoon forests have been heavily cut down. According to experts, in Eurasia only 5% of the former remains forest areas. Monsoon forests have suffered not only from forestry, but also from agriculture. It is known that the largest agricultural civilizations appeared on fertile soils in the valleys of the Ganges, Irrawaddy, Indus rivers and their tributaries. The development of agriculture required new territories - forests were cut down. Agriculture has adapted for centuries to alternating wet and dry seasons. The main agricultural season is the wet monsoon period. Crops are dedicated to it most important crops- rice, jute, sugar cane. In the dry, cool season, barley, legumes, and potatoes are planted. During the dry hot season, farming is possible only with artificial irrigation. The monsoon is capricious, its delay leads to severe droughts and destruction of crops. Therefore, artificial irrigation is necessary.

Temperate forests

Temperate forests occupy significant areas in Eurasia and North America (see map in the atlas).

In the northern regions it is taiga, to the south - mixed and broadleaf forests . In the forest zone of the temperate zone, the seasons of the year are clearly defined. Average temperatures in January are negative throughout, in some places down to - 40°C, in July + 10... + 20°C; the amount of precipitation is 300-1000 mm per year. The vegetation of plants stops in winter, and there is snow cover for several months.

Spruce, fir, pine, larch grow like in the taiga North America, and in the taiga of Eurasia. The animal world also has a lot in common. The bear is the owner of the taiga. True, in the Siberian taiga it is called - Brown bear, and in the Canadian taiga - grizzly bears. Can be found bobcat, elk, wolf, as well as marten, ermine, wolverine, and sable. Flow through the taiga zone largest rivers Siberia - Ob, Irtysh, Yenisei, Lena, which in terms of flow are second only to the rivers of the equatorial forest zone.

To the south, the climate becomes milder: mixed and broad-leaved forests grow here, consisting of species such as birch, oak, maple, linden, among which there are also conifers. Characteristic of the forests of North America are: white oak, sugar maple, yellow birch. Red deer, elk, wild boar, hare; Among the predators, the wolf and the fox are representatives of the animal world of this zone known to us.

If the northern taiga is considered by geographers to be a zone slightly modified by humans, then mixed and broad-leaved forests have been cut down almost everywhere. Their place was taken by agricultural areas, for example, the “corn belt” in the United States; many cities and transport routes are concentrated in this zone. In Europe and North America, the natural landscapes of these forests have been preserved only in mountainous areas.

Savannah

Savannah is a natural zone of low latitudes in the subequatorial, tropical and subtropical zones of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Occupies about 40% of the territory of Africa (sub-Saharan Africa), distributed in South and Central America, Southeast Asia, Australia (see map in the atlas). The savanna is dominated by herbaceous vegetation with separate standing trees or groups of trees (acacia, eucalyptus, baobab) and bushes.

The fauna of African savannas is surprisingly diverse. To adapt to the conditions of endless dry spaces, nature endowed animals with unique properties. For example, the giraffe is considered the tallest animal on Earth. Its height exceeds 5 m, it has a long tongue (about 50 cm). The giraffe needs all this in order to reach the high branches of the acacia trees. The crowns of acacias begin at a height of 5 m, and giraffes have practically no competitors, calmly eating tree branches. Typical savannah animals are zebras, elephants, and ostriches.

Steppes

Steppes are found on all continents of the Earth, except Antarctica (in temperate and sub-temperate tropical zones Northern and Southern Hemispheres). They are characterized by an abundance of solar heat, low precipitation (up to 400 mm per year), and warm or hot summers. The main vegetation of the steppes is grass. Steppes are called differently. In South America, the tropical steppes are called pampa, which in the Indian language means “a large area without forest.” Animals characteristic of the pampa are the llama, the armadillo, and the viscacha, a rodent similar to a rabbit.

In North America, steppes are called prairies. They are located in both temperate and subtropical climate zones. The bison have long been the “kings” of the American prairies. By the end of the 19th century they were almost completely exterminated. Currently, through the efforts of the state and the public, the number of bison is being restored. Another resident of the prairies is the coyote - the steppe wolf. Along the banks of rivers in the bushes you can find a large spotted cat - a jaguar. Peccaries are a small boar-like animal also typical of the prairies.

The steppes of Eurasia are located in the temperate zone. They are very different from the American prairies and African savannas. It's drier here, sharper continental climate. In winter it is very cold (average temperature - 20°C), and in summer it is very hot (average temperature + 25°C), with strong winds. In summer, the vegetation of the steppes is sparse, but in spring the steppe is transformed: it blooms with many varieties of lilies, poppies, and tulips.

The flowering time does not last long, about 10 days. Then drought sets in, the steppe dries out, the colors fade, and by autumn everything turns yellow-gray.

The steppes contain the most fertile soils The lands are therefore almost completely plowed. The treeless spaces of the temperate steppes differ strong winds. Wind erosion of soils occurs very intensively here - dust storms are frequent. To preserve soil fertility, forest belts are planted and organic fertilizers, light agricultural machinery.

Deserts

Deserts occupy vast areas - up to 10% of the Earth's land area. They are located on all continents and in different climatic zones: temperate, subtropical, tropical and even polar.

The desert climates of the tropical and temperate zones have common features. Firstly, an abundance of solar heat, secondly, a large amplitude of temperatures between winter and summer, day and night, and thirdly, a small amount of precipitation (up to 150 mm per year). However, the latter feature is also characteristic of polar deserts.

In the deserts of the tropical zone, the average summer temperature is +30°C, winter + 10°C. Greatest tropical desert The lands are located in Africa: Sahara, Kalahari, Namib.

Plants and animals of deserts adapt to dry and hot climates. For example, a giant cactus can store up to 3000 liters of water and “not drink” for up to two years; and the Welwitschia plant, found in the Namib Desert, is capable of absorbing water from the air. The camel is an indispensable helper for humans in the desert. It can be without food and water for a long time, storing it in its humps.

The largest desert in Asia, the Rub al-Khali, located on the Arabian Peninsula, is also located in the tropical zone. The desert regions of North and South America and Australia are located in the tropical and subtropical climate zones.

The temperate deserts of Eurasia are also characterized by low precipitation and a large temperature range, both annual and daily. However, they are characterized by lower winter temperatures and a pronounced flowering period is in the spring. Such deserts are located in Central Asia east of the Caspian Sea. The fauna here is represented by various species of snakes, rodents, scorpions, turtles, and lizards. A typical plant is saxaul.

Polar deserts

Polar deserts are located in the polar regions of the Earth. The absolute minimum temperature recorded in Antarctica is 89.2 °C.

On average, winter temperatures are -30 °C, summer temperatures are 0 °C. Just like in the deserts of the tropical and temperate zones, the polar desert receives little precipitation, mainly in the form of snow. The polar night lasts almost half a year here, and the polar day lasts almost half a year. Antarctica is considered the highest continent on Earth, given the thickness of its ice shell at 4 km.

Indigenous inhabitants of the polar deserts of Antarctica - emperor penguins. They cannot fly, but they swim perfectly. They can dive to great depths and swim vast distances to escape their enemies - seals.

The northern polar region of the Earth - the Arctic - got its name from the ancient Greek arcticos - northern. The southern, as if opposite, polar region is Antarctica (anti - against). The Arctic occupies the island of Greenland, the islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, as well as the islands and waters of the Northern Arctic Ocean. This area is covered with snow and ice all year round. The polar bear is rightfully considered the owner of these places.

Tundra

Tundra is a treeless natural area with vegetation of mosses, lichens and creeping shrubs. The tundra is distributed in the subarctic climate zone only in North America and Eurasia, which are characterized by harsh climatic conditions (little solar heat, low temperatures, short cold summers, low precipitation).

The moss lichen was called “reindeer moss” because it is the main food of reindeer. Arctic foxes and lemmings - small rodents - also live in the tundra. Among the sparse vegetation there are berry bushes: blueberries, lingonberries, blueberries, as well as dwarf trees: birch, willow.

Permafrost in the soil is characteristic of the tundra, as well as Siberian taiga phenomenon. As soon as you start digging a hole, at a depth of about 1 m you will encounter a frozen layer of earth several tens of meters thick. This phenomenon must be taken into account during construction, industrial and agricultural development of the territory.

Everything grows very slowly in the tundra. This is precisely why the need for careful attention to its nature is connected. For example, pastures overrun by deer are restored only after 15-20 years.

Altitudinal zone

Unlike lowland areas, climatic zones and natural zones in the mountains change according to the law of vertical zoning, that is, from bottom to top. This is due to the fact that the air temperature decreases with altitude. Consider, as an example, the greatest mountain system world - the Himalayas. Almost all natural zones of the Earth are represented here: at the foot there is growing a tropical forest, at an altitude of 1500 m it is replaced by broad-leaved forests, which in turn turn into mixed forests at an altitude of 2000 m. Further, as you rise into the mountains, they begin to predominate coniferous forests from Himalayan pine, fir and juniper. In winter, there is snow here for a long time and frosts persist.

Above 3500 m, shrubs and alpine meadows begin; they are called “alpine”. In summer, the meadows are covered with a carpet of brightly blooming herbs - poppies, primroses, gentians. Gradually the grasses become shorter. From approximately 4500 m altitude there is eternal snow and ice. The climatic conditions here are very harsh. They live in the mountains rare species animals: mountain goat, chamois, argali, snow leopard.

Latitudinal zonation in the ocean

The world's oceans occupy more than 2/3 of the planet's surface. Physical properties And chemical composition Ocean waters are relatively constant and create an environment favorable for life. It is especially important for the life of plants and animals that oxygen and carbon dioxide coming from the air dissolve in water. Photosynthesis of algae occurs mainly in top layer water (up to 100 m).

Marine organisms live mainly in the surface layer of water illuminated by the Sun. These are the smallest plant and animal organisms - plankton (bacteria, algae, small animals), various fish and marine mammals(dolphins, whales, seals, etc.), squid, sea snakes and turtles.

There is life on the seabed too. These are bottom algae, corals, crustaceans, and mollusks. They are called benthos (from the Greek benthos - deep). The biomass of the World Ocean is 1000 times less than the biomass of the Earth's land.

Distribution of life in world ocean unevenly and depends on the amount of solar energy received on its surface. Polar waters are poor in plankton due to low temperatures and the long polar night. The largest amount of plankton develops in the waters of the temperate zone in summer. The abundance of plankton attracts fish here. Temperate zones The lands are the most fishy areas of the World Ocean. In the tropical zone, the amount of plankton decreases again due to the high salinity of the water and high temperatures.

Formation of natural areas

From today's topic, we learned how diverse the natural complexes of our planet are. The natural zones of the Earth are replete with evergreen forests, endless steppes, various mountain ranges, hot and icy deserts.

Every corner of our planet is unique, varied climate, relief, flora and fauna, and therefore different natural zones are formed on the territories of each continent.

Let's try to figure out what natural areas are, how they were formed, and what was the impetus for their formation.

Natural zones include those complexes that have similar soils, vegetation, fauna and similar temperature conditions. Natural zones received their names based on the type of vegetation, and are called such as taiga zone or deciduous forests etc.

Natural areas are diverse due to the uneven redistribution of solar energy on the Earth's surface. This is where it lies main reason heterogeneity of the geographical envelope.

After all, if we consider one of the climatic zones, we will notice that those parts of the belt that are located closer to the ocean are more humidified than its continental parts. And this reason lies not so much in the amount of precipitation, but rather in the ratio of heat and moisture. Because of this, on some continents we experience a more humid climate, while on others we experience a drier climate.

And with the help of the redistribution of solar heat, we see how the same amount of moisture in some climate zones leads to excess moisture, and in others to a lack of moisture.

For example, in a hot tropical zone, a lack of moisture can cause drought and the formation of desert areas, while in the subtropics, excess moisture contributes to the formation of swamps.

So you learned that due to the difference in the amount of solar heat and moisture, different natural zones were formed.

Patterns of natural zones location

Natural zones of the Earth have clear patterns of their location, extending in the latitudinal direction and changing from north to south. Most often, a change in natural zones is observed in the direction from the coast making its way inland.

In mountainous areas there is an altitudinal zone, which changes from one zone to another, starting from the foot and moving towards the mountain peaks.

In the World Ocean, zones change from the equator to the poles. Here, changes in natural areas are reflected in the surface composition of waters, as well as differences in vegetation and fauna.

Features of the natural zones of the continents

Since planet Earth has a spherical surface, the Sun heats it unevenly. Those areas of the surface above which the Sun is high receive the most heat. And where the sun's rays only glide over the Earth, a more severe climate prevails.

And although on different continents Vegetation and animals have similar characteristics, but are influenced by climate, topography, geology and humans. Therefore, historically, due to changes in relief and climate, different species of plants and animals live on different continents.

There are continents where endemic species are found, inhabited only by certain type living creatures and plants that are characteristic of these continents. For example, polar bears can only be found in nature in the Arctic, and kangaroos can only be found in Australia. But in African and South American shrouds they are found similar species, although they have certain differences.

But human activity contributes to changes that occur in the geographical environment, and under such influence natural areas also change.

Questions and tasks to prepare for the exam

1. Draw up a diagram of the interaction of natural components in a natural complex and explain it.
2. How do the concepts “natural complex”, “geographical envelope”, “biosphere”, “natural zone” relate to each other? Show with a diagram.
3. Name the zonal type of soil for tundra, taiga, mixed and deciduous forest zones.
4. Where is the soil cover more difficult to restore: in the steppes of Southern Russia or in the tundra? Why?
5. What is the reason for the difference in the thickness of the fertile soil layer in different natural zones? What does soil fertility depend on?
6. What types of plants and animals are characteristic of the tundra and why?
7. What organisms live on the surface of the waters of the World Ocean?
8. Which of the following animals can be found in the African savanna: rhinoceros, lion, giraffe, tiger, tapir, baboon, llama, hedgehog, zebra, hyena?
9. In what forests is it impossible to determine its age from the cut of a cut tree?
10. What measures, in your opinion, will help preserve the human habitat?

Maksakovsky V.P., Petrova N.N., Physical and economic geography of the world. - M.: Iris-press, 2010. - 368 pp.: ill.

Earth's surface and moisture conditions in different parts On the continents, natural zones do not form continuous strips parallel to the equator. Only in and on some large plains do they extend in the latitudinal direction, replacing each other from north to south. More often they change in the direction from the coasts of the oceans to the interior of the continents, and sometimes they stretch almost along the meridians.

Natural zones are also formed in: from the equator to the poles, the properties of surface waters, the composition of vegetation and fauna change. There is also. However, oceanic natural complexes do not have pronounced external differences.

There is great diversity on Earth. However, against the background of this diversity, large parts stand out - natural areas and. This is due to the different ratio of heat and moisture that the earth's surface receives.

Formation of natural areas

The uneven distribution of solar heat over the Earth's surface is the main reason for the heterogeneity of the geographical envelope. In almost every landmass, the oceanic parts are better moistened than the interior, continental areas. Humidification depends not only on the amount of precipitation, but also on the ratio of heat and moisture. The warmer it is, the more moisture that falls with precipitation evaporates. The same amount of precipitation can lead to excessive moisture in one zone and insufficient moisture in another. Thus, the annual precipitation amount of 200 mm in the cold subarctic zone is excessive (swamps are formed), and in hot tropical zones it is sharply insufficient (deserts exist).

Due to differences in the amount of solar heat and moisture, natural zones are formed within geographical zones - large areas with uniform temperature and humidification conditions, surface and groundwater, similar, and the animal world.

Features of the natural zones of the continents

In the same natural areas on different continents, the vegetation and fauna have similar features.

At the same time, the characteristics of the distribution of plants and animals, in addition to climate, are influenced by other factors: the geological history of the continents, relief and features of rocks, and people. The unification and separation of continents, changes in their topography and climate in the geological past became the reason that in similar natural conditions, but different continents are inhabited by different species of plants and animals. African savannas, for example, are characterized by antelopes, buffalos, zebras, and African ostriches, while in South American savannas several species of deer, armadillos, and the ostrich-like flightless bird rhea are common. On each continent there are endemic species (endemics), characteristic only of that continent.

Under influence human activity The geographical environment is undergoing significant changes. To retain representatives organic world and typical natural complexes in all natural areas of the world, specially protected areas are created - nature reserves, etc. In national parks, unlike, nature conservation is combined with tourism and human recreation.

1) Remember what a natural area is.

The natural complex is part earth's surface with relatively homogeneous natural conditions.

2) What patterns exist in the distribution of natural zones of the Earth?

The location of natural zones is closely related to climatic zones. Like climate zones, they naturally replace each other from the equator to the poles due to a decrease in solar heat reaching the Earth's surface and uneven moisture. This change of natural zones - large natural complexes is called latitudinal zoning. A change in natural zones, as you know, occurs not only on the plains, but also in the mountains - from the foot to their peaks. With altitude, temperature and pressure decrease, up to a certain altitude the amount of precipitation increases, and lighting conditions change. Due to changing climatic conditions, natural zones are also changing.

3) What natural areas are located in Eurasia?

Arctic deserts, tundra and forest-tundra, taiga, mixed and broad-leaved forests, forest-steppes and steppes, semi-desert and desert.

4) Using what sources geographic information Can you describe a natural area?

Observations, geographical maps, meteorological data.

*Use the picture to determine how natural areas are located in our country. Why don't all zones extend from the western to the eastern outskirts of the country? Which zones are located only in the European part of the country? How can this be explained?

The location of natural zones is closely related to climatic zones. Like climate zones, they replace each other from the equator to the poles due to a decrease in solar heat reaching the Earth's surface and uneven moisture. In Russia, the following natural zones replace each other from north to south: arctic deserts and semi-deserts, tundra and forest-tundra, taiga, mixed and deciduous forests, forest-steppes and steppes, variable-humid forests, deserts and semi-deserts. Not all natural areas extend from the western to the eastern borders of the country. This is due to the fact that Russia has a large latitudinal elongation and climatic conditions They change as they move deeper into the continent. Only in the European part is there a natural zone of mixed and deciduous forests. This can be explained by the fact that in the interior regions there is not enough moisture for the formation of forests.

Questions in a paragraph

*There are evergreens in the tundra. How do you explain this fact? Name the representatives of the flora and fauna of the tundra that you know. Consider how they adapt to harsh climates.

There are many evergreen plants in the tundra. Such plants can use sunlight immediately as soon as they are freed from under the snow, without wasting time and energy on the formation of new foliage. Flora - mosses, lichens, shrubs - crowberry, bearberry, wild rosemary, dwarf birch, willow. Tundra plants have unique shapes that help them make the best use of solar heat and protect yourself from the wind. Cushions are formed, for example, by stemless gum and saxifrage. They are so dense that from a distance they resemble moss-covered stones. The fauna of the tundra is not rich in species, but quite large in quantity. What animals live permanently in the tundra? The indigenous inhabitants of the tundra include reindeer, lemmings, arctic foxes, wolves, and among birds - the polar owl and white partridge. Very rare animals are musk oxen.

*Determine from the map which largest deposits Our country's mineral resources are located in the tundra zone.

Large industrial hubs have been created in the area of ​​the cities of Nikel, Vorkuta and Norilsk. Mining of non-ferrous metals is underway in Norilsk, in the north of Tomsk and Tyumen regions Oil and gas are actively being extracted. The Arctic tundra zone contains a large supply of important natural resources, such as uranium and oil.

Questions at the end of the paragraph

1. What components of nature form a natural area?

Plant communities, animal communities, soils, character traits surface and ground runoff, water regime rivers, exogenous processes of relief formation.

2. What determines the change in natural zones?

The change in natural zones occurs as a result of a natural change in the ratio of heat and moisture.

3. Using our country as an example, justify the pattern of changing natural zones.

On the territory of Russia there is a change from north to south of the following natural zones: arctic deserts, tundras, forest-tundras, taiga, mixed and broad-leaved forests, forest-steppes, steppes, semi-deserts.

4. Think about how the flora and fauna of the Arctic deserts are adapted to their habitat.

Plants do not form a closed vegetation cover, are small in size, flowering plants have a very short growing season. Animals of the Arctic deserts have adapted to get food from the sea; many have thick white fur; birds inhabit the coasts.

5. Indicate the features of the tundra zone of our country and explain them.

A feature of the Russian tundra zone is its wide distribution and the identification of several subzones from north to south. From north to south there are three subzones: arctic tundra are replaced by typical ones (moss-lichen), and then by shrubby species of dwarf birch and polar willows.

6. Think about the reason for the strong vulnerability of the nature of the tundra zone.

Pollutants do not remain in place; air currents carry them over long distances. And the inhabitants of the tundra, especially lichens, are unusually sensitive to their effects. In the tundra, pollutants accumulate rather than being washed away by meltwater. Low temperatures inhibit the destruction of harmful compounds. Dozens of rivers and lakes are dying. Streams of fuel oil and diesel fuel from drilling rigs flow into the soil and water bodies all year round. The coast of the Arctic seas and the entire tundra are littered with ownerless barrels and rusty iron. Many settlements are in an unsanitary condition. There are practically no environmentally friendly enterprises. Thermal power plants smoke the sky. Smog settles on White snow, dividing it black, and areas of bare earth appear in those places where pollution is especially high. Long years Not a single plant will grow here. Another problem of the tundra is uncontrolled hunting and poaching. Many species of plants and animals have become rare.

1. How does a natural complex differ from a geographic envelope?

You can answer this question yourself by studying the text and pictures in the textbook (13, 14).

2. Natural complexes are very diverse. Which of them are called natural areas? The natural complex of land, as well as the complex of the geographical envelope as a whole, is a heterogeneous formation and includes natural complexes of lower ranks, differing in the quality of the natural components that make up the complex. These lower-ranking natural areas are. After studying the map of natural zones, you will be able to independently name these natural zones and trace the patterns of their location.

3. Highlight the main features of the concept “natural area”.

Each natural zone differs from others in the quality of its constituent soils, flora and fauna. And the quality of these components, in turn, depends on the climate, the combination of light, heat and moisture received.

4. What are the features of the location of natural areas on continents and in the ocean?

The boundaries of natural zones on land are most clearly visible by the nature of vegetation. It is no coincidence that vegetation is taken as the basis for the name of natural land areas.

Natural zones are also distinguished in the World Ocean, but the boundaries of these zones are less clear, and the division into zones in the ocean is based on qualitative characteristics water masses(salinity, temperature, transparency, etc.).

5. What are latitudinal zoning and altitudinal zoning?

The pattern with which natural zones are located on the Earth's surface is called latitudinal zonation. Changes in the quality of the components that make up a natural zone occur depending on their geographical location, especially on latitude, on which the amount of heat and moisture received depends.

In the mountains, unlike flat areas, natural areas change with altitude. The change in natural zones from the foot of the mountains to their peaks is similar to the change in natural zones from the equator to the poles. The pattern of changes in natural zones with altitude in the mountains is called altitudinal zone or altitudinal zonation.

6. Which mountains have the largest number of altitudinal zones, and which ones have the smallest? Why?

The number of natural zones in the mountains depends on the geographical position of the mountains in relation to the equator and on their height. On the southern slopes of the Himalayas, almost all natural zones alternate: from wet equatorial zones at the foot to the arctic deserts at the peaks. In mountains located at higher latitudes, there will be fewer natural areas. Thus, it is possible to trace the relationship that exists between the number of natural zones in the mountains and the geographical position of the mountains in relation to the equator. The reason for this pattern is the amount of heat and moisture received.

“Lesson Natural zones of Russia” - What natural zones of Russia do you know? I think you can handle everything, After all, I’ve been teaching you for four years. To answer, you need to know a lot, be able to think, reason logically. Hottest natural zone? The Spirit of Potatoes by the Fire teases our sense of smell. What kind of animal, what kind of bird? Black Sea coast. What is the largest natural area?

“Natural zone Desert” - Lesson objectives: Lesson topic: Excessive irrigation. Hot blue sky and hot sun in the sky. For nerds General Features plants. The saiga is a peculiar animal similar to a sheep with long thin legs. The roundhead is common in sandy deserts. Knowledge test: Excessive irrigation leads to disaster: a lot of salt accumulates in the soil.

“Natural areas of South America” - Natural areas. You probably already guessed it. The diversity of flora and fauna of South American evergreen forests is amazing. Relief. Climate. The flora and fauna of the Andes are unique. Crocodile native to South America. 11, Rubber tree. 12. Why do we say this? The lightest tree. 15. That's right, unique nature South America On the verge of gradual destruction.

“Natural areas in Russia” - The steppe is like the sea! Animal and vegetable world tundra Birch. What grows in the forest? Deserts. Boar. Moderately Cold winter and warm summer. Long cold winter and short cold summer. Raccoon. Desert. Polar bear. Summer is long. Natural areas: The natural area is rich in deciduous and coniferous trees.

“Natural areas of Russia, grade 4” - Summing up. Homework I didn’t understand; I wasn’t ready for the answer in class. Tasks. Express your opinion about today's lesson using computer emoticons. To cultivate a caring attitude towards nature, respect and love, and a culture of behavior. : --) ! – I am satisfied with the lesson, the lesson was useful for me.

“Natural areas of Russia” - Reindeer husbandry. Solutions environmental problems. Adaptations for life: thick plumage and protective white coloration. Rare animals. Muskox. nature reserves have been created, for example Taimyrsky. What natural area did we study in the last lesson? Deer. Untimely movement of reindeer herds. White Owl. Animals. Inhabitants of the Arctic.