1.2 Terrestrial Biomes

What two factors define a biome?

• Soil pH and elevation

• Biodiversity and location

• Average temperature and precipitation

• Latitude and longitude

What is the main difference between tropical rainforests and deserts?

• Number of plant species

• Type of soil

• Precipitation levels

• Latitude

How do camels and cacti adapt to desert conditions?

• By hibernating during dry seasons

• By using solar energy

• By storing energy and minimizing water loss

• By growing rapidly during rain

What determines where different biomes are located globally?

• Ocean currents and tectonic plates

• Precipitation and wind speed

• Temperature and precipitation patterns

• Human population density

Where are tundras and boreal forests typically found?

• Near the equator

• Between 0–30° latitude

• Around 60° latitude

• In tropical regions

Why is nutrient availability a key characteristic of biomes?

• It determines soil color

• It affects plant growth and diversity

• It controls weather patterns

• It limits water retention

Why is the tundra nutrient-poor?

• It has too much sunlight

• Frequent flooding washes nutrients away

• Frozen soil limits decomposition

• Plants absorb all nutrients instantly

Why is tropical rainforest soil nutrient-poor despite abundant plant life?

• Heavy rainfall erodes the soil

• Nutrients are absorbed rapidly due to competition

• Soil is mainly sand-based

• Frequent fires destroy nutrients

Why are temperate forest soils nutrient-rich?

• They are fertilized by humans

• The have coniferous trees

• Broadleaf trees decompose quickly

• They are located near oceans

What causes biome locations to shift over time?

• Tectonic movement

• Species migration

• Human activity and climate change

• Solar flares