Biomes and Ecosystems Overview

What is an ecosystem?

• A place where only plants live

• A place where only animals live

• A group of living things that interact with each other and their surroundings

• A large group of similar biomes

Which biome is the largest on Earth and covers about 70% of its surface?

• Freshwater biome

• Tundra biome

• Marine biome

• Polar Ice Caps

Why are coral reefs only found in warm, sunny waters?

• Fish prefer warm water

• The polyps that build reefs need sunlight for the algae inside them to make food

• Warm water helps the coral grow faster

• There are more predators in cold water

What is the main difference between a freshwater biome and a marine biome?

• Freshwater biomes have more plants

• Marine biomes have more animals

• Freshwater biomes have very low salt levels, while marine biomes are mostly salt water

• Marine biomes are always moving, while freshwater biomes are always still

What is the ground like in the tundra, even during the summer?

• Soft and muddy

• Permanently frozen

• Covered in tall trees

• Very dry and sandy

What kind of trees are common in forests at colder latitudes?

• Broadleaf trees that lose their leaves

• Evergreen trees that keep their needles all year

• Fruit trees that grow in warm weather

• Small shrubs and grasses

Why do grasslands not have many tall trees?

• The soil is too rocky.

• There is not enough rain.

• Animals eat all the young trees.

• The growing season is too short.

Which type of biome has the greatest number of different plant and animal species?

• Deserts

• Grasslands

• Tropical rainforests

• Tundra