Ecosystems and Biomes

According to the slide on the effect of microclimate on ecosystems, the Qu’Appelle Valley drainage basin lies in which biome?

• Short-grass prairie biome

• Boreal coniferous forest

• Tundra

• Tropical rainforest

In the short-grass prairie biome noted for the Qu’Appelle Valley drainage basin, what is the predominant vegetation type?

• Grasses

• Deciduous broadleaf trees

• Mosses and lichens

• Succulents

The microclimate slide states that in the short-grass prairie biome, which combination describes fires and soils?

• Fires are rare and soils are thin and rocky

• Fires are common and soils are rich and deep

• Fires are common and soils are shallow and poor

• No fires occur and soils are permanently frozen

On slopes discussed in the microclimate slide, which microhabitat conditions favor tree growth?

• Less sun, lower temperatures, and less evaporation

• More sun, higher temperatures, and more evaporation

• Greater wind exposure and prolonged drought

• Saturated soils with standing water year-round

Tundra is described as one of the largest biomes on earth and characteristic of far northern latitudes. Which features apply to tundra? Select all that apply.

• Cold climates

• Short growing season

• High rainfall throughout the year

• Defined as deserts with low precipitation

• Dense forests with closed canopies

Which biome is identified as characteristic of far northern latitudes and one of the largest on Earth?

• Tundra

• Tropical rainforest

• Temperate grassland

• Mediterranean shrubland

According to the figure caption about major terrestrial biomes, how do definitions compare across different texts?

• Details may differ, but basic features are similar

• Definitions are identical in all texts

• Definitions are completely contradictory

• Only oceanic biomes are defined consistently

The panel titled “Boreal Coniferous Forest” depicts a snowy, forested landscape. What dominant vegetation type is indicated for this biome?

• Coniferous trees

• Tropical broadleaf trees

• Tall prairie grasses

• Desert cacti

Biomes and Climate: According to the slide, which factor can be very important, especially near the freezing mark?

• Temperature

• Annual precipitation

• Average wind speed

• Soil pH

Biomes and Climate: What does the slide state about uniformly dry environments?

• They can differ in vegetation

• They have identical vegetation everywhere

• They cannot support any plant life

• They receive heavy seasonal rainfall