Understanding Biomes and Ecosystems

Which of these best illustrates climate?

• Seattle is generally cool and rainy this time of year.

• It was unusually hot and humid in Boston today.

• New York City is usually crowded and noisy.

• It didn’t snow enough in Vermont to ski this year.

What is the primary plant in grasslands?

• Trees

• Shrubs

• Grass

• Flowers

Which of these is true about grasslands?

• There are more trees than grasses in a grassland.

• There are equal numbers of trees and grasses in a grassland.

• There are more grasses than trees in a grassland.

• There are never any trees in a grassland, only grass.

What ties different biomes together?

• They all have the same climate.

• They all have similar animal life.

• They all include many different ecosystems.

• They all have the same plant life.

Which of these best describes deserts?

• Deserts are always hot and always dry.

• Deserts are sometimes hot and always dry.

• Deserts are always hot and sometimes dry.

• Deserts are sometimes hot and sometimes dry.

Where is alpine tundra found?

• Near the Arctic Circle

• Below the Antarctic Circle

• On treetops

• On mountains

What is permafrost?

• A type of plant

• A layer of soil that stays frozen year-round

• A type of animal

• A type of rock

Which type of tundra is found above the Arctic Circle?

• Antarctic tundra

• Alpine tundra

• Arctic tundra

• Tropical tundra

What adaptation helps some animals in the tundra stay warm in winter?

• Growing a second layer of fur

• Staying underground

• Soaking up water

• Having shallow roots

What is the main characteristic of the emergent layer in a forest?

• It is the ground layer

• It is the top of the tallest trees

• It is the height of smaller trees

• It is the layer of soil