Question 1

Which of the following best explains why tropical rain forests have nutrient-poor soils despite their lush vegetation?

Accepted Answer

Heavy rainfall causes leaching and rapid decomposition, so nutrients are quickly cycled and tied up in living biomass rather than accumulating in the soil.

Question 2

A city is planning to expand into a region characterized by cool, moist winters and hot, dry summers, with evergreen shrubs and fire-resistant plants. Which biome is this city most likely expanding into?

Accepted Answer

Mediterranean woodland and shrubland

Question 3

Which adaptation would you expect to find in plants living in desert biomes?

Accepted Answer

Dense covering of plant hairs to reduce evaporative water loss

Question 4

A biome is located between 50° and 65°N latitude, has long winters, short summers, and is dominated by evergreen conifers. Which of the following best describes its soil properties?

Accepted Answer

Low fertility, thin, and acidic due to low temperature and low pH causing slow decomposition

Question 5

Which of the following human activities has most significantly altered temperate grasslands?

Accepted Answer

Conversion to farmland and agriculture, leading to loss of organic matter in the soil

Question 6

Why do deserts often have a 'mosaic' of soil fertility, with islands of more fertile soil under shrubs?

Accepted Answer

Shrubs trap organic matter and nutrients, creating localized areas of higher fertility compared to the surrounding mineral soil.

Question 7

Which biome is most likely to experience periodic droughts, has deep, fertile soils, and is dominated by herbaceous vegetation?

Accepted Answer

Temperate grassland

Question 8

A scientist is studying a biome with moderate precipitation, low soil fertility, and high animal density. The dominant vegetation is evergreen conifers. Which biome is being studied?

Accepted Answer

Boreal forest

Question 9

Which of the following is a major reason for the high biodiversity found in tropical rain forests?

Accepted Answer

Stable, warm temperatures and high, evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year

Question 10

If a region is experiencing increased desertification due to human activities, which of the following is most likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

Expansion of arid areas as a result of overgrazing, deforestation, or poor irrigation practices

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the climate of Mediterranean woodland and shrubland biomes?

Accepted Answer

Cool and moist in fall, winter, and spring; hot and dry in summer

Question 12

A biome is dominated by trees averaging 40 m in height, with high insect diversity and soils that are acidic, thin, and nutrient-poor. Which biome is this?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rain forest

Question 13

Which of the following is a common adaptation of animals living in deserts?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral adaptations such as being nocturnal to avoid daytime heat

Question 14

Which biome is most likely to have soils classified as lithosols, and what does this classification mean?

Accepted Answer

Desert; lithosols are soils extremely low in organic matter, mainly composed of stone or mineral particles

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why Mediterranean woodland and shrubland biomes have many fire-resistant plant species?

Accepted Answer

Frequent fires are a natural part of the ecosystem, selecting for fire-resistant traits

Question 16

A region with annual precipitation between 2000 and 4000 mm, little temperature variation, and located within 10° latitude of the equator is most likely which biome?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rain forest

Question 17

Which of the following is a direct consequence of agriculture in temperate grasslands?

Accepted Answer

Loss of organic matter in the soil due to repeated cultivation

Question 18

Which biome is confined to the Northern Hemisphere, covers over 11% of Earth's land area, and is characterized by long winters and short summers?

Accepted Answer

Boreal forest

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the human influence on tropical rain forests?

Accepted Answer

Intense exploitation for thousands of years, including harvesting for food and medicine

Question 20

A biome is described as having fragile soils with moderate fertility, evergreen trees and shrubs, and a long history of being cleared for agriculture and urban development. Which biome is this?

Accepted Answer

Mediterranean woodland and shrubland

Terrestrial Biomes: Climate, Soil, Vegetation, and Human Influence

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