7th Grade Biome Quiz

Explanation
The given answer, tundra, is correct because the listed characteristics are all associated with this type of biome. Permafrost refers to the permanently frozen ground found in tundras, while mosses and lichens are common plant species in this cold environment. Caribou, musk oxen, and wolves are all examples of animals that inhabit tundras, and insects are also present in this ecosystem. Additionally, tundras typically receive less than 10 inches of rainfall per year, further supporting the answer choice.

Explanation
The given list of organisms, including mosses and lichens, caribou, insects, wolves, and musk oxen, is associated with the tundra biome. The tundra is a cold and treeless biome characterized by low temperatures, short growing seasons, and permafrost. Mosses and lichens are common plant species in the tundra, while caribou, musk oxen, and wolves are some of the larger animal species that inhabit this harsh environment. Insects also play a crucial role in the tundra ecosystem. Therefore, the answer "tundra" is appropriate for this list of organisms.

Explanation
The given answer, "taiga," is the correct response because it is the name of a biome characterized by dominant coniferous trees, such as spruce, fir, and pine. The taiga biome is also home to various animals, including moose and Arctic hare. Therefore, the answer accurately describes the habitat and species found in the taiga biome.

Explanation
The given information about dominant trees being conifers, the presence of moose and Arctic hare, a very short growing season, constant daylight during summer, and 15-20 inches of rainfall per year, suggests that the ecosystem being described is the taiga. The taiga is a biome characterized by cold temperatures, short summers, and a predominance of coniferous trees. It is also home to various animals such as moose and Arctic hare that are adapted to survive in this harsh environment.

Explanation
The given list of characteristics, including grasses, few trees, African elephant, lion, koala bear, and frequent fires, corresponds to the ecosystem known as a savanna. Savannas are characterized by a mix of grasses and scattered trees, providing habitat for a diverse range of wildlife such as African elephants and lions. The presence of koala bears is not typically associated with savannas, but this does not affect the overall classification of the ecosystem. Additionally, frequent fires are a natural occurrence in savannas, playing a crucial role in maintaining their structure and biodiversity.

Explanation
The given keywords such as chimpanzee, gorilla, plants grow in layers, deforestation, and 80-400 inches of rainfall are all associated with tropical rain forests. Therefore, the correct answer is tropical rain forest.

Explanation
The given information about deciduous trees, Eastern US, 4 seasons, 30-60 inches of rain per year, maples, oaks, walnuts, raccoon, white-tailed deer, grey squirrel, acid rain, and fungal diseases suggests a biome known as a temperate deciduous forest. This biome is characterized by trees that lose their leaves in the fall (deciduous), a moderate climate with four distinct seasons, a moderate amount of rainfall, and a variety of plant and animal species. The presence of specific tree species and animals mentioned further supports the classification of this biome as a temperate deciduous forest.

Explanation
The given answer "temperate forest" is a suitable explanation for the provided information. The mention of conifers, maples, mosses, and lichens indicates a forested environment. The presence of beavers, elk, and black bears suggests a habitat that supports a diverse range of wildlife. The mention of logging implies human activity in the region. The reference to the Pacific Northwest narrows down the geographical location, indicating a temperate climate. Therefore, "temperate forest" accurately summarizes the given details.

Explanation
The given answer "chaparral" refers to a type of ecosystem characterized by low-lying evergreen shrubs and small trees, as well as the presence of coyotes and mountain lions. Chaparral is typically found in regions with a Mediterranean climate, where it experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This ecosystem is well-adapted to periodic wildfires, and the plants and animals that inhabit it have evolved to survive and thrive under these conditions.

Explanation
The given characteristics of big open spaces, few trees, fertile soil, hot summers, cold winters, and the presence of animals such as coyotes, prairie dogs, and bald eagles align with the description of temperate grasslands. These grasslands are characterized by vast open areas with a lack of trees, fertile soil that supports the growth of grasses, and a climate that experiences hot summers and cold winters. The presence of specific animal species mentioned also indicates the presence of temperate grasslands, as these animals are commonly found in this type of ecosystem.

Explanation
The given answer, "temperate grasslands," is the correct answer because coyotes, prairie dogs, and bald eagles are all commonly found in temperate grassland ecosystems. Temperate grasslands are characterized by vast expanses of grasses, few trees, and a moderate climate. These habitats provide suitable conditions for these particular species to thrive, as they have adapted to the open grassy plains and the availability of prey and nesting sites. Therefore, it can be inferred that the presence of these animals suggests the presence of temperate grasslands.

Explanation
The given description of hot, dry summers, mild, wet winters, slight variation in temperature, low-lying evergreen shrubs and small trees, coyotes, mountain lion, and the threat of human development and wildfires, perfectly matches the characteristics of the chaparral biome. The chaparral biome is known for its Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It is characterized by low-lying evergreen shrubs and small trees that are adapted to the dry conditions. Animals such as coyotes and mountain lions are commonly found in this biome. Additionally, human development and wildfires pose significant threats to the chaparral ecosystem.

Explanation
The given answer "temperate forest" is correct because it accurately describes the combination of elements mentioned in the question. The presence of conifers, maples, mosses, and lichens indicates a forested environment, while the mention of beavers, elk, and black bears suggests the presence of wildlife commonly found in temperate forests. Therefore, the answer aligns with the information provided in the question.

Explanation
The given list of organisms, including maples, oaks, walnuts, raccoon, white-tailed deer, and grey squirrel, are all typically found in temperate deciduous forests. These forests are characterized by a moderate climate with distinct seasons and a variety of deciduous trees. The presence of these specific organisms further supports the identification of the habitat as a temperate deciduous forest.

Explanation
The correct answer is "groups of ecosystems with exact climates and organisms." This definition accurately describes a biome as a collection of ecosystems that share similar climates and organisms. The order of the words in the definition is important, as it emphasizes that the climates come first and then the organisms, indicating that the climate is a primary factor in determining the types of organisms that can thrive in a particular biome.

Explanation
The term "canopy" refers to the primary level of the rain forest, which is the uppermost layer of vegetation formed by the tops of tall trees. It is the highest layer in the forest and provides a habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. The canopy receives the most sunlight and is responsible for blocking out a significant amount of sunlight from reaching the forest floor. It plays a crucial role in regulating temperature, humidity, and light levels within the rain forest ecosystem. Therefore, the correct answer is "primary level of the rain forest" or "primary level of rain forest".

Explanation
Epiphytes are plants that grow on the surface of other plants, typically trees, without harming them. They obtain nutrients and water from the air and rain, as well as from decaying organic matter that accumulates around them. They do not rely on the soil for their survival, unlike most plants. Instead, they use the entire surface of the tree to anchor themselves and gather the resources they need to live and grow. This unique adaptation allows them to thrive in environments where the availability of soil and sunlight may be limited.

Explanation
Permafrost refers to the permanently frozen soil or subsoil found in the tundra region. It is the deepest layer of soil in this area and remains frozen year-round, even during the summer months. The freezing temperatures prevent the decomposition of organic matter, leading to the accumulation of dead plant material and the formation of unique ecosystems. The presence of permafrost significantly affects the hydrology, vegetation, and overall stability of the tundra environment.