1.2 - TERRESTRIAL BIOMES Flashcards
The diagram below shows the biome distribution in Ethiopia.
Based on the illustration, which of the following conclusions can be made regarding Ethiopia’s topography?
a) The country of Ethiopia is flat and semi-arid, as evidenced by dominant grasslands.
b) The country of Ethiopia is mountainous, as evidenced by alpine regions
c) The country of Ethiopia has high elevation mountains around the western border, as evidenced by cooler temperatures.
d) The country of Ethiopia has a central highland area, as evidenced by the change in biomes with increased precipitation.
Choice D is the correct answer.
In looking at the map and climate regions, there is wide variety of biomes based on rainfall. There is a low amount of rainfall in the savanna climate, a moderate amount of rainfall in the Mediterranean and subtropical climates, a low amount of rainfall with the semi-arid climate, and a very minuscule amount of rainfall with the deset climate.
As altitude increases, precipitation also increases. Therefore, the altitude is higher in the Mediterranean and subtropical areas of the country than in the savanna, semi-arid, or desert areas.
Which area can also be referred to as a shurbland/chaparral biome?
B is the correct answer. Shrubland/chaparral is another name for the Mediterranean climate. The Mediterranean climate is characterized by mild winters with increased rainfall and dry hot summers. Vegetation is scrubby and drought-tolerant.
Which of the following is NOT true of an ecotone?
a) Population density for some species is higher than in either of the bordering ecosystems.
b) Specis diversity is lower than in either of the bordering ecosystems.
c) They are studied as environmental indicators of change.
d) Properties such as soil moisture, temperature, or sunlight may vary significantly from those of either bordering ecosystem.
Choice B is correct.
An ecotone is an area of transition between two different biomes or ecosystems. For example, a mangrove swamp is an ecotone that transitions between a marine environment and a forest.
Ecotones may also develop due to anthropogenic causes. Where clear-cutting has occurred, for example, he edge of remaining forest will serve as a transition zone between cleared land that supports grass or agriculture and the remaining forest.
Ecotones offer habitats from each of the bordering ecosystems, but there are also unique habitats that develop which are exclusive to the transition zone. Due to this wider variety of available living spaces, there is generally an increase in species diversity in an ecotone, rather than a decrease.
