Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main environmental factor that distinguishes tropical rainforests from tropical seasonal forests and savannas?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rainforests experience intense competition for light, while tropical seasonal forests and savannas are shaped by seasonality of water.

Question 2

A biome is defined as:

Accepted Answer

A terrestrial community shaped by climate, soil, and disturbance patterns.

Question 3

Which of the following adaptations would you most likely find in plants living in hot deserts?

Accepted Answer

Deep root systems and water-storing tissues.

Question 4

Which biome is characterized by the following: above 50ºN latitude, severe winters, coniferous trees, and permafrost in some areas?

Accepted Answer

Boreal forest (taiga)

Question 5

Refer to the following equation for mean annual precipitation: $$P = \frac{1}{12} \sum_{i=1}^{12} P_i$$, where $$P_i is $$the precipitation in month $$i. If a $$biome receives $$P_i = 150 mm $$every month, what is the total annual precipitation?

Accepted Answer

$$P = 1,800 mm$$

Question 6

Which of the following is a key factor maintaining temperate grasslands?

Accepted Answer

Fire and grazing

Question 7

A scientist is studying a biome with evergreen shrubs and trees, dry hot summers, and wet winters. Which biome is this?

Accepted Answer

Temperate shrubland and woodland

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why tropical rainforests have poor soils despite high biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients are rapidly recycled and taken up by plants, leaving little in the soil.

Question 9

Which biome is most likely to be converted for agriculture due to its high soil fertility?

Accepted Answer

Temperate grassland

Question 10

A region has the following climate data: mean annual temperature $$= -5^\circ C$$, mean annual precipitation $$= 20 cm$$, and permafrost is present. Which biome does this describe?

Accepted Answer

Tundra

Question 11

Which of the following ocean habitats is found on the bottom, regardless of depth?

Accepted Answer

Benthic

Question 12

Which of the following is a major difference between hot and cold deserts?

Accepted Answer

Hot deserts have high temperatures year-round, while cold deserts have cold winters.

Question 13

Which biome is most likely to be affected by logging due to its evergreen trees and high soil acidity?

Accepted Answer

Temperate evergreen forest

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the main difference between tundra and cold deserts?

Accepted Answer

Tundra is found at high latitudes and has permafrost, while cold deserts are found at lower latitudes and lack permafrost.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a common adaptation of animals living in deserts?

Accepted Answer

High rates of water loss through evaporation

Question 16

Which biome is characterized by low-growing shrubs, forbs, grasses, lichens, and moss, and is found above 65ºN latitude?

Accepted Answer

Tundra

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why fire and grazing are important in maintaining temperate grasslands?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the establishment of woody plants, maintaining open grassland.

Question 18

Which biome is most likely to have the highest biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rainforest

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the climate of temperate seasonal forests?

Accepted Answer

At least 50 cm of precipitation per year, with warm summers and cold winters

Question 20

Which of the following is a pelagic habitat?

Accepted Answer

Open ocean

1.3 Biomes and the Biosphere: Structure, Climate, and Distribution

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