Understanding the Tundra: Climate, Location, and Ecosystem

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| By Thames

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1. What are the two major tundra formations?

Forest tundra

Subtropical tundra

Desert tundra

Arctic tundra and alpine (high elevation) tundra

Tundra ecosystems are characterized by low temperatures, short growing seasons, and low vegetation. The two major tundra formations are the Arctic tundra found in the northernmost regions and the alpine (high elevation) tundra found at high elevations in mountainous areas.

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About This Quiz

Explore the unique characteristics and adaptations of the tundra biome. This quiz assesses your understanding of its climate, ecosystem, and species diversity, emphasizing ecological principles and their application... see morein real-world scenarios. Perfect for learners interested in environmental science and ecological conservation. see less

2. Where is the Tundra biome located?

Deserts

Temperate grasslands

Tropical rainforests

N-hemi= fringe of arctic oceanS-hemi= southern South America, fringe of Antarcticahigh elevations, above altitudinal treeline

The Tundra biome is located in the Northern Hemisphere around the fringes of the Arctic Ocean, in Southern South America near the Antarctic, and at high elevations above the treeline.

Explanation

The Tundra biome is located in the Northern Hemisphere around the fringes of the Arctic Ocean, in Southern South America near the Antarctic, and at high elevations above the treeline.

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3. What is the climate like?

Ppt: high, leading to lush vegetation and abundant wildlife

Temperature: constant throughout the year, no seasonal variation

Humidity: consistently low throughout the year with no fluctuations

Temperature: summer: short season, w/ long days, t>0 (24hrs daylight)winters: long avg. T<<0 (long periods of darkness)high annual range; low... Temperature: summer: short season, w/ long days, t>0 (24hrs daylight)winters: long avg. T<<0 (long periods of darkness)high annual range; low daily rangeppt: low= "arctic desert"summer (wetter), winter snow + windhumidity:-both ppt + evaporation=low=relative humidity is highwater balance:primarily E limited = Low PE-small H2O deficit in summer

The correct answer provides a detailed description of the climate, explaining the temperature variations, precipitation levels, humidity, and water balance. The incorrect answers are contrasting scenarios that do not accurately describe the climate described in the correct answer.

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4. Draw the soil moisture water balance.

Use a compass

Find the average temperature

Measure the pH levels

See graph

The correct answer is to refer to a graph that specifically shows the soil moisture water balance, not to use a compass, find the average temperature, or measure the pH levels.

Explanation

The correct answer is to refer to a graph that specifically shows the soil moisture water balance, not to use a compass, find the average temperature, or measure the pH levels.

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5. What are the types of soils?

Permafrost: ground permanently frozen- true arctic defined by this-sub= patches of frozenActive layer: surface that thaws in summer-usable for plants... Permafrost: ground permanently frozen- true arctic defined by this-sub= patches of frozenActive layer: surface that thaws in summer-usable for plants + substrates

Sandy soil: well-draining, low in nutrients, composed of sand particles.

Clay soil: heavy, water-retaining, high in nutrients, composed of tiny clay particles.

Loamy soil: well-balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles, ideal for plant growth.

Soils can vary widely in composition and characteristics based on factors like mineral content, texture, and water retention capacity. The correct answer mentions permafrost and active layer, typical of Arctic regions, while the incorrect answers describe characteristics of sandy, clay, and loamy soils found in other parts of the world.

Explanation

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6. What is the soil water paradox?

D. Soil water paradox is the result of soil erosion causing groundwater depletion in arid regions.

B. Soil water paradox refers to the phenomenon of soil being excessively dry despite receiving abundant rainfall.

C. Soil water paradox is a term used to describe the presence of too much water in soil due to... C. Soil water paradox is a term used to describe the presence of too much water in soil due to lack of surface runoff in flat landscapes.

-permafrost prevents H2O from percolating into soil + flat landscape + surface runoff= lots of standing H2Othis is why tundra... -permafrost prevents H2O from percolating into soil + flat landscape + surface runoff= lots of standing H2Othis is why tundra is humid even though there is little ppt

The correct answer explains the soil water paradox in tundra regions by highlighting the factors that lead to humidity despite low precipitation levels.

Explanation

The correct answer explains the soil water paradox in tundra regions by highlighting the factors that lead to humidity despite low precipitation levels.

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7. What are some vegetation characteristics in barren landscapes?

Rich soil with abundant nutrients supporting diverse plant life.

Extensive network of deep roots enabling plants to thrive in barren landscapes.

Soaring temperatures allowing for lush tropical vegetation.

Barren landlife forms= bryophytes, herbs and shrubslimited by:-cold temperatures-short growing season-cant get deep roots b/c permafrost

Barren landscapes are typically characterized by harsh conditions that limit plant growth, such as cold temperatures, short growing seasons, and permafrost preventing deep root development. This contrasts with the incorrect answers provided, which do not align with the challenging environment of barren landscapes.

Explanation

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8. What are some adaptations that plants have to survive in harsh environments?

Will grow shallow rootsdwarf growth form: due to wind + ice will grow smallerdrought resistance: soil H2O frozen-have to be... Will grow shallow rootsdwarf growth form: due to wind + ice will grow smallerdrought resistance: soil H2O frozen-have to be accustomed to little water99% perennial: growing season too short for annuals-quickly rebuild regenerative sourcesabundant root vs shoot biomass:storage organs are below ground and there are morefor ex) the arctic heather will put new green material where plant left off

Plants in harsh environments mostly rely on annual growth rather than perennial growth.

Plants do not store any energy in roots for long-term survival in harsh environments.

Plants have deep roots to access more water in harsh environments.

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9. What are some common disturbances that can affect soil?

Chemical composition of soil, plant growth, soil fertility

Air pollution, deforestation, global warming

Freeze-thaw action of soil-results in variable moisture conditions in space and time-frost heaving-sorts-soil particles by size

Weathering of rocks, erosion, volcanic eruption

Disturbances such as freeze-thaw action, variable moisture conditions, frost heaving, and sorting soil particles by size can have significant impacts on the soil ecosystem.

Explanation

Disturbances such as freeze-thaw action, variable moisture conditions, frost heaving, and sorting soil particles by size can have significant impacts on the soil ecosystem.

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10. Why is energy so low?

There is a lack of proper infrastructure for energy generation

The energy source is depleted

Too much energy is being consumed

Low annual insolation and intensity is lowextreme seasonalityhigh reflectionH2O takes energy to melt

The correct answer explains various factors contributing to low energy levels, while the incorrect answers do not address the specific reasons outlined in the correct answer.

Explanation

The correct answer explains various factors contributing to low energy levels, while the incorrect answers do not address the specific reasons outlined in the correct answer.

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11. What is thermokarst?

A human impact: H2O expands + forces soil up-when volume decreases soil creates pattern groundhummocky topography, where irregular pits and... A human impact: H2O expands + forces soil up-when volume decreases soil creates pattern groundhummocky topography, where irregular pits and depressions develop

A seismic event caused by the shifting of tectonic plates.

A weather phenomenon characterized by prolonged periods of extreme heat and drought.

A type of volcanic activity that creates underground caves and tunnels.

Thermokarst is a specific process resulting from a human impact on the environment, leading to the development of groundhummocky topography.

Explanation

Thermokarst is a specific process resulting from a human impact on the environment, leading to the development of groundhummocky topography.

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12. What is a human activity that can deepen the active layer and cause melting of soil?

Industrial Agriculture

Deforestation

Urbanization

Driving which deepens the active layer causing melting of soil which decrease volume of soil, results in depressions which fill... Driving which deepens the active layer causing melting of soil which decrease volume of soil, results in depressions which fill with water, melts more, subsides more mechanical disturbance. resource extractionconsequences: variable moisture conditions in space + time (flooding, inundations, + drought)

Human activities such as driving can lead to the deepening of the active layer in soil, causing it to melt and decrease in volume, which can result in various negative consequences.

Explanation

Human activities such as driving can lead to the deepening of the active layer in soil, causing it to melt and decrease in volume, which can result in various negative consequences.

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13. Why does the Arctic warm faster?

Decrease in overall global temperatures affecting the Arctic region differently

Increased cloud cover blocking the sun's rays from reaching the surface

Less greenhouse gas emissions in the Arctic region

1 darker land: absorbs more slaor E2 more of the xtra trapped E goes diectly into warming rather than into... 1 darker land: absorbs more slaor E2 more of the xtra trapped E goes diectly into warming rather than into evap3 the atmosphere layer that has to warm in order to war the surface is shallower in the arctic4 as sea ice retreats solar heat absorbed by the oceans is easily transferred to atmosphere5 alterations in atmosphere and oceanic circulation can increase warming-equatorial water moves to moles

The Arctic warms faster due to various factors such as darker land absorbing more solar energy, trapped energy directly contributing to warming, shallow atmosphere layer, sea ice retreat allowing for solar heat absorption, and changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation.

Explanation

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14. What are the effects of climate change?

Rising sea levels leading to coastal flooding

Increase in hurricanes and tornadoes

Reduction in air pollution due to cleaner technology

Decrease sea ice and snowvegetation will increase because more sun.

Climate change can lead to various effects including decrease in sea ice and snow, and increase in vegetation due to changes in sunlight exposure.

Explanation

Climate change can lead to various effects including decrease in sea ice and snow, and increase in vegetation due to changes in sunlight exposure.

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