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

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.

• 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.