ecosystems

Question 1

What are the characteristics of summers in polar regions?

Answer 1

Very short and cool

Question 2

What are the characteristics of winters in polar regions?

Answer 2

Long and very cold

Question 3

What is the maximum temperature typically reached in polar regions?

Answer 3

Never gets above 10̊C

Question 4

How does latitude affect the climate in polar regions?

Answer 4

In summer, the sun is low in the sky; in winter, the sun may not rise above the horizon

Question 5

What phenomenon can occur in polar regions during summer?

Answer 5

24 hours of daylight and the sun shining at midnight

Question 6

How much precipitation do polar regions typically receive?

Answer 6

Less than 250mm of rain a year

Question 7

What are the two main types of polar climate?

Answer 7

• Tundra
• Ice Cap

Question 8

What is the average temperature like in tundra regions?

Answer 8

1̊C or higher for around 1 month a year

Question 9

Which areas are classified as Ice Cap?

Answer 9

Greenland and Antarctica

Question 10

What type of vegetation is found in tundra climates?

Answer 10

Low-growing and specialized plants like cotton grass and arctic willow

Question 11

What wildlife can be found in tundra regions?

Answer 11

• Reindeer
• Caribou

Question 12

What wildlife can be found in the ice caps?

Answer 12

• Polar bears
• Walrus in the Arctic
• Penguins and whales in the Antarctic

Question 13

How is climate change impacting polar regions?

Answer 13

Melting glaciers and frozen sea, threatening polar bears

Question 14

What is the primary problem for plants and wildlife in desert regions?

Answer 14

Water shortage

Question 15

What adaptation do some desert plants have to survive drought?

Answer 15

They can lie dormant for long periods

Question 16

What is a characteristic of the Saguaro cactus?

Answer 16

Can store 8,000 litres of water and has spikes instead of leaves

Question 17

What type of animals are often nocturnal in desert climates?

Answer 17

Many desert animals to avoid heat

Question 18

What defines a desert climate?

Answer 18

Receives less than 250mm of rain a year

Question 19

What is the diurnal temperature range?

Answer 19

Difference between day and night temperatures

Question 20

What are the two seasons in hot deserts?

Answer 20

• Very hot summers
• Much cooler winters

Question 21

What factors contribute to the heat of the Sahara?

Answer 21

• Latitude
• Distance from the sea
• Prevailing wind

Question 22

What is the Mediterranean climate characterized by in summer?

Answer 22

Hot and dry

Question 23

What is the Mediterranean climate characterized by in winter?

Answer 23

Warm and wet

Question 24

Where are places with a Mediterranean climate typically found?

Answer 24

On the west coast of continents, between latitudes 30-40 degrees

Question 25

What is a significant feature of rainforest vegetation?

Answer 25

Many trees have yet to be studied

Question 26

What is the main influence on equatorial climate?

Answer 26

Latitude

Question 27

What is convectional rainfall?

Answer 27

Heavy downpours of rain from rising warm air

Question 28

What type of rainfall occurs when warm moist air rises over cold air?

Answer 28

Frontal rain

Question 29

What creates high pressure in the atmosphere?

Answer 29

Cool air descending

Question 30

What is an ecosystem?

Answer 30

A community of plants and animals interacting with each other and their environment

Question 31

What is a biome?

Answer 31

A very large ecosystem

Question 32

What are the main climate factors that determine vegetation in a biome?

Answer 32

* Temperature * Rainfall * Sunshine * Wind

Question 33

What is the climate of Britain described as?

Answer 33

Cool summers and mild winters with rainfall throughout the year

Question 34

What are the four factors that influence climate?

Answer 34

* Latitude * Distance from the sea * Prevailing winds * Relief (altitude)