UNIT 7 ck12’s 6.8-6.9

Question 1

What are terrestrial biomes?

Answer 1

All the land areas on Earth where organisms live.

Terrestrial biomes are characterized by specific climatic conditions.

Question 2

What primarily determines the distinguishing features of terrestrial biomes?

Answer 2

Climate.

Climate affects the types of vegetation and organisms found in each biome.

Question 3

List three examples of terrestrial biomes.

Answer 3

• Tundras
• Temperate forests
• Grasslands

Other examples include chaparral, temperate and tropical deserts, and tropical forests.

Question 4

True or False: The desert and rainforest shown in the images have many similarities.

Answer 4

False.

The desert has very few visible plants, while the rainforest is densely packed with trees.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: The two pictures in the text show a desert in Africa and a _______ in Australia.

Answer 5

[rainforest].

This contrast illustrates the differences between biomes.

Question 6

What is the major factor that explains the differences between the desert and rainforest?

Answer 6

Abiotic factors and distance from the equator.

Abiotic factors include temperature, precipitation, and soil type.

Question 7

What is climate?

Answer 7

Climate is the average weather in an area over a long period of time.

Weather refers to the conditions of the atmosphere from day to day.

Question 8

How is climate generally described?

Answer 8

Climate is generally described in terms of temperature and moisture.

Temperature and moisture are key factors that characterize climate.

Question 9

What are the major temperature zones based on latitude?

Answer 9

• Tropical
• Temperate
• Arctic

These zones reflect the variations in temperature as one moves from the equator to the poles.

Question 10

What factors, besides latitude, can influence temperature?

Answer 10

• Proximity to oceans
• Altitude

Land near the ocean typically has different temperature patterns compared to land farther inland.

Question 11

How does proximity to the ocean affect temperature?

Answer 11

Land near the ocean may have cooler summers and warmer winters than land farther inland.

Water gains and loses heat more slowly than land, influencing coastal temperatures.

Question 12

How does temperature change with altitude?

Answer 12

Temperature falls from lower to higher altitudes.

This is why tropical zone mountain tops may be capped with snow.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: Climate is generally described in terms of _______.

Answer 13

[temperature and moisture]

Question 14

True or False: Temperature increases from the equator to the poles.

Answer 14

False

Temperature actually falls from the equator to the poles.

Question 15

How can climates be classified in terms of moisture?

Answer 15

Climates can be classified as arid (dry), semi-arid, humid (wet), or semi-humid.

This classification depends on the amount of precipitation and evaporation.

Question 16

What factors influence the amount of moisture in a climate?

Answer 16

The amount of moisture depends on:
* Precipitation
* Evaporation

Precipitation increases moisture while evaporation decreases it.

Question 17

What global pattern of precipitation is influenced by air mass movements?

Answer 17

There is a global belt of dry air masses and low precipitation at about 30° N and 30° S latitude.

This pattern reflects the distribution of moisture around the globe.

Question 18

How does temperature influence precipitation?

Answer 18

Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, leading to more rainfall in tropical areas.

This results in higher precipitation in warmer climates compared to colder ones.

Question 19

What geographic features can influence precipitation levels?

Answer 19

Precipitation levels can be influenced by:
* Nearness to the ocean
* Mountain ranges

These features can affect local climate conditions significantly.

Question 20

Where is evaporation of moisture greatest?

Answer 20

Evaporation is greatest where it is hot and sunny.

Cold climates with low precipitation may not be as dry as warm climates with the same precipitation levels.

Question 21

What happens to moist air from the ocean as it rises over a mountain range?

Answer 21

Moist air rises, cools, and its water vapor condenses, resulting in precipitation on the windward side.

This is a critical process in determining local weather patterns.

Question 22

What is a ‘rain shadow’?

Answer 22

A ‘rain shadow’ is an area with little precipitation on the leeward side of a mountain range.

This occurs because the air is dry after losing moisture on the windward side.

Question 23

What are the five basic needs of plants?

Answer 23

• Air
• Warmth
• Sunlight
• Water
• Nutrients

These needs are crucial for plant growth and productivity in terrestrial biomes.

Question 24

What determines how well a plant’s needs are met in a location?

Answer 24

The growing season and soil quality, which are determined mainly by climate.

The growing season varies based on temperature and moisture availability.

Question 25

Define the growing season.

Answer 25

The period of time each year when it is warm and wet enough for plants to grow. ## Footnote It can last all year in hot, wet climates or just a few months in cooler or drier climates.

Question 26

What type of soil do plants grow best in?

Answer 26

Soil that contains plenty of nutrients and organic matter. ## Footnote Nutrients and organic matter are added to the soil through the decomposition of plant litter and dead organisms.

Question 27

How does decomposition rate vary with climate?

Answer 27

Decomposition occurs too slowly in cold climates and too quickly in hot, wet climates. ## Footnote This affects the accumulation of nutrients and organic matter in the soil.

Question 28

In which type of climate is soil usually best for plant growth?

Answer 28

Temperate climates. ## Footnote These climates typically provide a balanced environment for decomposition and nutrient accumulation.

Question 29

How does climate influence biodiversity?

Answer 29

Climate determines plant growth, which influences the number and variety of other organisms in a terrestrial biome. ## Footnote Biodiversity generally increases from the poles to the equator and is greater in more humid climates.

Question 30

What is a notable difference between desert and rainforest biomes?

Answer 30

Desert biomes have low biodiversity, while rainforest biomes have high biodiversity. ## Footnote This difference is largely due to variations in humidity and climate.

Question 31

What are adaptations in organisms?

Answer 31

Traits that evolve to help organisms survive in the climate of their biome. ## Footnote These adaptations can be structural, behavioral, or physiological.

Question 32

Give an example of an adaptation in plants in arid climates.

Answer 32

Plants may have special tissues for storing water. ## Footnote These adaptations help them survive in environments with limited water availability.

Question 33

True or False: Biodiversity is usually greater in drier climates.

Answer 33

False. ## Footnote Biodiversity is typically greater in more humid climates.

Question 34

What is dormancy in plants?

Answer 34

A state in which a plant slows down cellular activities and may shed its leaves ## Footnote Dormancy occurs during the coldest part of the year in cold climate biomes.

Question 35

How do plants adapt to cold climates?

Answer 35

By becoming dormant during the coldest part of the year ## Footnote Dormancy helps plants conserve energy and survive harsh conditions.

Question 36

What adaptations do animals have for cold temperatures?

Answer 36

Insulation in the form of fur and fat ## Footnote This adaptation helps animals like polar bears stay warm.

Question 37

True or False: Dormancy in plants involves active growth.

Answer 37

False ## Footnote During dormancy, plants slow down cellular activities.

Question 38

Fill in the blank: Animals adapt to cold temperatures by using _______.

Answer 38

[insulation in the form of fur and fat]