Biogeographical Zones and Spanish Settlement Dynamics

Hot Climate Biomes

Equatorial Rainforest

• Climate: Equatorial.
• Vegetation: Dense forest of tall evergreen trees. Other plants grow around the trees.
• Soil: Its quality is poor.
• Fauna: Extremely varied.

Savannah

• Climate: Humid tropical climate.
• Vegetation: Very tall grass in the rainy season that dries up in the dry season. Trees include acacias or baobabs.
• Soil: More fertile than tropical forest soil.
• Fauna: Elephants, zebras, lions, etc.

Tropical Rainforest

• Climate: Humid tropical climate.
• Vegetation: Trees are lower than in the equatorial rainforest. There is more vegetation on the ground because more light reaches the plants.
• Soil: More fertile.
• Fauna: Monkeys, leopards, birds, etc.

Hot Desert

• Climate: Hot desert climate.
• Vegetation: Widely spaced grass, cactus, and palm trees in the oases.
• Soil: Its quality is poor.
• Fauna: Scorpions, foxes, hyenas, camels, etc.

Settlement Patterns in Spain

Rural Settlement

Rural settlement patterns in Spain are characterized by:

• Dispersed settlement, which is characteristic of the North Peninsula.
• Nucleated settlement, which is predominant, though differences exist depending on the geographical zone.

Rural settlement has the following differences based on location:

• Mountain Villages: Had become depopulated due to rural exodus, but have now been revitalized because of rural tourism.
• Coastal Villages: Have been converted into tourist towns.
• Villages Near Cities: Many have taken on urban functions.

Urban Settlement

Key characteristics of Spanish urban areas:

• Large metropolitan areas have been consolidated.
• Main cities of metropolitan areas have lost their inhabitants (due to suburbanization).
• City growth is controlled by an urban development plan.
• Historic centers, often the most deteriorated urban areas, have been restored.
• Transport has been improved and extended.

Structure of Spanish Cities

Most Spanish cities can be divided into the following zones:

City Centre

• Historic Centre: Includes buildings of great cultural value and business areas.
• Residential Neighborhoods: Consist of homes for people with high living standards and shops.
• Former Working-Class Neighborhoods: Have been redeveloped through the creation of green zones and leisure zones.

Periphery

• Residential Areas: Feature blocks of flats or single-family homes.
• Industrial Areas: Located near the main access routes to the city.
• Service Areas: Contain hypermarkets and leisure centers.