AP Online Ch 26 Quiz Biosphere

Explanation
The term "biomes" refers to the largest communities on land. A biome is a large geographical region characterized by distinct climate, vegetation, and animal life. It encompasses various ecosystems within it and includes different types of habitats such as forests, grasslands, deserts, and more. Therefore, biomes are the correct answer as they represent the largest land communities that share similar environmental conditions and support specific types of flora and fauna.

Explanation
The ocean is the largest biome on earth because it covers about 70% of the planet's surface. It is a vast and diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of marine life. The ocean plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate, providing oxygen, and serving as a habitat for countless species. Its sheer size and importance make it the largest biome on earth.

Explanation
The tundra is characterized by little rainfall, permafrost, and reindeer. The lack of precipitation in the tundra leads to a dry environment with limited plant growth. Permafrost refers to the permanently frozen ground that is found in the tundra, which affects the soil and vegetation. Reindeer are well adapted to the harsh conditions of the tundra and are commonly found in this biome.

Explanation
Grasslands would be characterized by rich soils, insufficient rainfall for trees, and many herbivores. Unlike deserts, which have very little vegetation and rainfall, grasslands have enough rainfall to support the growth of grasses but not enough to sustain the growth of trees. The rich soils in grasslands are ideal for the growth of grasses, which are the dominant vegetation in this ecosystem. Additionally, the presence of many herbivores indicates that there is enough vegetation to support a large population of grazing animals.

Explanation
Deserts are characterized by low rainfall, typically under 25 cm/year, which leads to arid conditions. The hot days and cold nights are a result of the lack of moisture in the air, which allows for rapid temperature fluctuations. The quickly blooming plants in deserts have adapted to the harsh conditions by having short life cycles and being able to germinate and reproduce quickly when water is available.

Explanation
The correct answer is taiga. The given description of a forest found in a broad belt in northern Eurasia and North America, with conifers and swamps, perfectly matches the characteristics of the taiga biome. The taiga is known for its cold climate, long winters, and dominated by coniferous trees such as spruce, fir, and pine. It also includes swamps and bogs due to the high water content in the soil. This biome is found in the northern latitudes and is the largest terrestrial biome on Earth.

Explanation
Tropical rain forests are characterized by poor soil due to high rainfall and rapid decomposition of organic matter. The constant moisture and warmth in these regions promote the growth of dense vegetation, including tall trees where animals live. This habitat provides ample food and shelter for a wide variety of animal species, making tropical rain forests rich in biodiversity.

Explanation
The given question asks about the habitat where trees like oak and maple, as well as animals like foxes and deer, are found. The tropical rainforest is a dense forest found near the equator, characterized by high temperatures and rainfall, which does not match the given species. The tundra is a cold and treeless biome found in the Arctic and high mountain regions, also not matching the given species. The taiga is a coniferous forest found in cold regions, which does not align with the given species. The chaparral is a shrubland biome characterized by hot, dry summers, again not matching the given species. The temperate deciduous forest, on the other hand, is a biome with moderate temperatures and seasonal changes, where oak and maple trees, as well as foxes and deer, are commonly found.

Explanation
The given statement is true. The biosphere refers to the zone on Earth where living organisms exist, including the air, land, and water. It is a thin layer that supports various communities of different populations. This includes all ecosystems and habitats where life can be found, from the depths of the ocean to the highest mountains. Therefore, the statement accurately describes the biosphere.

Explanation
The statement "Oceans cover about one-tenth of the earth's surface" is incorrect. The correct answer is False. Oceans actually cover around 71% of the earth's surface, not just one-tenth.

Explanation
The tundra biome is characterized by extremely cold temperatures and a short growing season. The lack of rainfall in this region, combined with the presence of permafrost (permanently frozen ground) and boggy soils, makes it difficult for trees to survive. The cold temperatures and frozen ground limit the availability of water and nutrients, while the boggy soils are waterlogged and poorly drained. These harsh environmental conditions make it more suitable for low-growing vegetation, such as grasses, mosses, and lichens, rather than trees. Therefore, the statement that there are no trees in the tundra due to the lack of rainfall and presence of permafrost and boggy soils is true.