What are vegetation zones?

These are eco zones - general information

• There are eight different vegetation zones on earth. Each of these zones is characterized by a very special flora.
• Since it is mainly the climate that is decisive for the development of the various vegetation zones is, they run along similar latitudes, both on the north and on the Southern hemisphere. However, it is not only the latitude that determines the climate, but also, among other things, the location to the sea, to mountains or the altitude.
• There are also differences in the flora within the vegetation zones, but the essential characteristics remain the same around the globe.
• Since a vegetation zone also has a typical animal world, one can also speak of eco-zones.

The distribution of vegetation zones on earth

• The closest vegetation zone to the polar region is the tundra. There are large areas of snow and ice there, but relatively little rainfall. The average temperatures are minus 15 degrees. Small shrubs, herbs and grasses only grow in areas that are free of ice.


How many climate zones are there?

There are many different climates. According to different points of view you can ...

• The next vegetation zone towards the equator is the cold temperate boreal coniferous forest zone. In the southern hemisphere, this belt is located in an area that is mainly covered by the oceans. That is why this vegetation zone is almost only found in the northern hemisphere. It is characterized by large forest areas, where mainly conifers, but also birches grow. The temperatures are roughly between minus 15 and 0 degrees. It rains less than in Central Europe. The vegetation period is relatively short at two to four months and there are relatively few plant species. The soils are poor in nutrients and permanently frozen.
• The vegetation zone of the deciduous resp. winter-bare deciduous trees belong to the cool temperate zone. Central Europe is also located in this zone. There is enough water here all year round. There are distinct seasons. The average temperatures are between 6 and 14 degrees. The flora consists of many different trees, shrubs and soil plants.
• In the cool temperate zone there is also the vegetation zone of the cold winter steppes. These areas are at a similar latitude, but at different locations to the sea. There is very little precipitation in the steppes. The average annual temperature is 3 to 8 degrees, but with strong temperature fluctuations. No trees grow and no larger plants either. The vegetation consists mainly of low bushes and grasses.
• The vegetation zone of the evergreen hardwood forests lies within the warm temperate zone. There are, for example, in the Mediterranean area. The climate is humid and warm and most of the rainfall occurs in winter. The plants are quite robust as they have to survive the drought in summer. On the east side of the continents, heavy monsoon rains provide higher humidity and richer vegetation.
• In the vegetation zone of the subtropical semi-deserts and deserts, the climate is very dry. There is even vegetation on about a quarter of the desert area. There you will mainly find grasses and trees with depths root and bushes. If it rains, which is extremely rare, the vegetation becomes visible. In the semi-deserts and deserts, plants have developed that can do without water for a very long time. In this vegetation zone there are also oases that can be cultivated.
• The vegetation zone of the savannah is in the tropics. Savannas can be found both north and south of the equator. There are dry seasons when the trees lose their leaves. The landscape is mainly characterized by grass areas and individual groups of trees. Typical trees are umbrella acacias and baobabs. There are three types of savannah: the wet savannah with tall grasses as well as groups of trees and small forests, the dry savannah with Grass, individual trees, bushes and cacti and the thorn bush savannah with thorns and plants that only have very little water to need.
• The vegetation zone of the evergreen tropical rainforests lies around the equator. It is always very humid there and it rains almost every day. The temperatures reach up to 26 degrees. Hardly any light falls on the ground through the canopy of leaves of the very tall trees. The flora is abundant, as optimal growth conditions prevail. Worldwide There are three large rainforest areas: in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia. Different animal and plant species exist in each of these rainforest areas.