Ecology SOL Unit 7.3 - Terrestrial Biomes

What is the biosphere?

• The part of Earth that supports life

• A type of terrestrial biome

• A specific ecosystem

• A type of aquatic biome

Answer explanation

The biosphere encompasses all regions of Earth where life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere. It is not limited to specific biomes or ecosystems, making "the part of Earth that supports life" the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

What do terrestrial biomes primarily refer to?

• Water-related biomes

• Land-related biomes

• Air-related biomes

Answer explanation

Terrestrial biomes refer to land-related biomes, which include various ecosystems like forests, deserts, and grasslands. They are distinguished from aquatic and atmospheric biomes, making 'land-related biomes' the correct choice.

Select THREE of the following that are types of terrestrial biomes?

• Forest

• Tundra

• Ocean

• Grassland

Answer explanation

The correct types of terrestrial biomes are Forest, Tundra, and Grassland. Ocean is an aquatic biome, not terrestrial.

What is a characteristic of temperate forests?

• They have no seasonal changes.

• They are located in desert regions.

• They undergo distinct seasonal changes.

• They are found only in the Arctic.

Answer explanation

Temperate forests are characterized by distinct seasonal changes, including variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year, which influence the growth cycles of the trees and other vegetation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Taigas are also known as __.

• Tropical Rainforests

• Boreal Forests

• Savannas

• Alpine Forests

Answer explanation

Taigas, characterized by their cold climate and coniferous trees, are commonly referred to as Boreal Forests. This term highlights their location in the northern regions, distinct from other forest types like tropical rainforests or savannas.

What is a characteristic of tundras?

• They have dense forests.

• They are found in warm climates.

• They do not have trees.

• They are located near the equator.

Answer explanation

Tundras are characterized by their cold climate and lack of trees due to permafrost and harsh conditions. This makes 'They do not have trees' the correct choice, while the other options describe different ecosystems.

What is the iconic apex predator of the Arctic?

• Lion

• Polar bear

• Tiger

• Elephant

Answer explanation

The polar bear is the iconic apex predator of the Arctic, known for its strength and ability to hunt seals on sea ice. Unlike lions, tigers, or elephants, polar bears are uniquely adapted to the cold Arctic environment.

What is a characteristic of deserts?

• They have abundant rainfall.

• They have sparse vegetation.

• They are covered with snow.

• They have dense forests.

Answer explanation

Deserts are characterized by their dry conditions, which result in sparse vegetation. Unlike areas with abundant rainfall or dense forests, deserts have limited plant life due to the lack of moisture.

What type of climate do savanna grasslands have?

• Tropical

• Semi-arid

• Arctic

• Alpine

Answer explanation

Savanna grasslands typically have a semi-arid climate, characterized by seasonal rainfall and distinct wet and dry periods, making 'Semi-arid' the correct choice over other options like tropical or arctic.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The main feature of the Arctic tundra is __.

• dense forests with tall trees

• humid with high temperatures

• snow-covered most of the year

• logged land with abundant rainfall

Answer explanation

The Arctic tundra is characterized by its cold climate and is snow-covered most of the year, making it distinct from other ecosystems like dense forests or humid areas with high temperatures.