Terrestrial Biomes Review

Multiple Choice

According to the map of major terrestrial biomes, which biome is most commonly found near the equator?

• Desert

• Tundra

• Tropical rain forest

• Taiga

Fill in the Blanks

The two most important factors that determine a region’s climate are temperature and

.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best explains why biomes with low rainfall do not support large trees?

• Because small trees, shrubs, and grasses are better adapted to survive with less water.

• Because large trees require more sunlight than is available in these biomes.

• Because the soil in these biomes is too rich for large trees.

• Because animals in these biomes eat all the large trees.

Multiple Choice

How do temperature and precipitation together influence the types of vegetation found in different biomes?

• Vegetation types are solely influenced by soil composition, not temperature or precipitation.
• Temperature and precipitation together determine the types of vegetation by influencing growth rates and water availability, leading to distinct biomes.
• Temperature alone determines vegetation types regardless of precipitation.
• Precipitation has no effect on vegetation types in any biome.

Fill in the Blanks

As latitude and altitude increase, biomes and vegetation change. Trees of tropical rainforests usually grow closer to the ___ , while mosses and lichen of the tundra grow closer to the ___.

Fill in the Blanks

The soil in the tundra biome is permanently frozen and is called

.

• Will have fur and/ or blubber to help keep warm.

• ​Will migrate here only in the summer when food is available.

• Will hibernate during winter.

Animals

• Plants will often be low to the ground and covered with a fuzzy covering to help keep warm.

• They will only grow for a short time in the summer.
  

Plants

​Tundra Adaptations

Tundra Threats

• Oil Drilling is a big threat to Tundra Stability.

• Climate Change is rapidly melting the snow and making the summer longer.

• Human Over-hunting.

• Fur color can change to help camouflage during the winter months.

• Animals will hibernate during winter due to a lack of food.

• Animals will have feet to help walk on snow/rocky ground

Animals

• Dominated by Evergreen Coniferous Trees (Pine, Christmas).

• Have small or needle-like leaves that stay green all year round.

• Have deep roots to stay upright during heavy snowfalls.

Plants

​Taiga Adaptations

Taiga Threats

• Deforestation is the biggest threat to the Taiga.

• Forest Fires

• Human Over-hunting.

Multiple Choice

What is a major reason for the poor soil quality in the taiga biome?

• High temperatures year-round

• Excessive rainfall

• Long periods of low temperatures

• Frequent wildfires

• Many can survive in many seasons.

• Will hibernate during winter.

• They will breed during the warm summer months.

• Have brown or light-colored camouflage.

Animals

• Trees will change with the seasons.

  • Leaves will change color in the fall and fall in the winter.

• Plants will go dormant in the winter months.
  

Plants

​Temperate Deciduous Forest Adaptations

Temperate Deciduous Forest Threats

• Deforestation.

• Wildfires

• Human encroachment.

• Pollution from human activities

• Overhunting of animals.

*** Only biome that has 4 distinct seasons!! (Fall, winter, summer, fall)***

• Rainforest animals have adaptations for climbing and movement, like strong limbs and tails (e.g., spider monkeys). 

• Camouflage is common, with patterns and colors like the jaguar's spots mimicking dappled light or the sloth's algae-covered fur blending with leaves. 

• Many also have poison for defense, signaled by bright warning colors, such as the poison dart frog.

Animals

• Plants will have waxy leaves to prevent being waterlogged.

• Trees will grow very high with leaves high in the canopy.

• Trees will have a smooth bark.

• Vines will have grippy parts to be able to grow up the tall trees.

• Plants on the ground will have large leaves to collect limited sunlight,

• Plants on the ground often have poison or spikes to protect from predators.

• Plants often attract pollinators by emitting unpleasant odors, such as those of rotting flesh.
  

Plants

​Tropical Rainforest Adaptations

Tropical Rainforest Threats

• Deforestation.

• Wildfires

• Humans are cutting down trees for agriculture.

• Pollution from human activities

• Overhunting of animals.

• Many will live underground.

• Most will have a light color or stripes to blend into the grasses.

• They are generalist species that can live anywhere and eat a wide range of foods.

• They are small and can hide in the tall grass.

Animals

• Very few trees can grow.

• Dominated by grasses and wild flowers.

• It will be able to grow back better after a wildfire.

• Seeds travel through the wind and are dispersed by animals to spread.

• They can store water during the dry months and have very deep roots.

Plants

​Grasslands Adaptations

Grassland Threats

• Wildfires

• Humans are building cities in these areas.

• Pollution from human activities

• Climate change is intensifying weather patterns.

• Drought

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about grasslands is correct?

• Grasslands have the most fertile soil of any biome.

• Grasslands receive more rainfall than tropical rain forests.

• Grasslands are located near the equator.

• Grasslands have poor soil quality.

Open Ended

Explain how precipitation influences the diversity of species in a biome, using examples from the slides.

• Migration, burrowing, and nocturnal activity

• Speed and hooves for escaping predators on open plains

• Camouflaged or striped patterns for hiding

• Specialized teeth for digesting tough grasses, and

• Traits like long necks to reach food sources  

Animals

• Deep root systems to absorb water

• Dormancy during dry periods

• Storage of water in bulbs and corms

• Plants also develop defenses such as thorns, toxic chemicals, or symbiotic relationships with ants to deter herbivores

• Some possess thick bark that protects against fire

Plants

​Savanna Adaptations

Savanna Threats

• Wildfires

• Humans are building cities in these areas.

• Pollution from human activities

• Poaching and Hunting of animals

• Drought

Multiple Select

Select all adaptations that help animals survive in grassland and savanna biomes.

• Migratory behavior

• Giving birth during rainy season

• Camouflage

• Deep root systems

• Nocturnal activity (being active at night)

• Burrowing

• Large ears for cooling

• Light-colored coats to reflect heat

• Efficient kidneys to conserve water, and specialized feet to walk on sand

• They also obtain water from food, store it, or use unique methods like the Thorny Devil which drinks through its skin

Animals

• Store water in their stems and leaves

• Develop deep or wide root systems to access scarce water

• Have waxy, hairy, or small leaves to reduce water loss 

• Some plants also avoid drought with short life cycles

• Grow spines for protection

• Become dormant during dry periods

Plants

​Desert Adaptations

Desert Threats

• Humans are building cities in these areas.

• Pollution from human activities

• Poaching and Hunting of animals

• Drought

• Oil Drilling

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best describes the soil quality in deserts?

• Desert soils are rich in organic matter and nutrients.

• Desert soils are sandy, have little or no organic matter, but can be productive if water is available.

• Desert soils are always clayey and waterlogged.

• Desert soils are acidic and support dense vegetation.