Ecology: Biome Practice Test! Quiz

Explanation
The given list of elements, including permafrost, mosses and lichens, caribou, insects, wolves, musk oxen, and less than 10 inches of rainfall per year, are all characteristic of the tundra biome. The tundra is a cold and dry ecosystem found in the Arctic and high mountain regions, where permafrost (permanently frozen ground) is common. Mosses and lichens are the dominant vegetation due to the harsh conditions. Caribou, musk oxen, and wolves are some of the animal species adapted to survive in this environment. The limited rainfall contributes to the overall aridity of the tundra.

Explanation
The given list of elements such as grasses, few trees, African elephant, lion, koala bear, and frequent fires are typical characteristics of a savanna. A savanna is a type of grassland ecosystem found in tropical regions, characterized by a mix of grasses and scattered trees. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the African elephant and lion. The presence of frequent fires is also a common feature of savannas, which help maintain the grassland ecosystem. Therefore, the correct answer is savanna.

Explanation
The given answer "temperate forest" is the correct answer because the description provided includes key elements that are typically found in a temperate forest ecosystem. Conifers, few maples, mosses, and lichens are common plant species in temperate forests. Beavers, elk, and black bears are typical animal species found in this type of forest. Logging is a human activity commonly associated with temperate forests in the Pacific Northwest region. Therefore, all the mentioned elements align with the characteristics of a temperate forest ecosystem.

Explanation
The given answer "desert" is the correct answer because the list of items mentioned (cacti, camels, gila monster, less than 10 inches of rainfall, ATV's destroy habitats) are all commonly associated with desert environments. Deserts are characterized by their arid conditions, lack of rainfall, and unique flora and fauna that have adapted to survive in such harsh conditions. The presence of cacti, camels, and gila monsters further supports the idea of a desert, as these are all well-known desert-dwelling species. Additionally, the mention of ATV's destroying habitats is often a concern in desert regions where fragile ecosystems can be easily damaged.

Explanation
The given information about chimpanzee, gorilla, plants growing in layers, deforestation, and 80-400 inches of rainfall suggests that the correct answer is tropical rainforest. Tropical rainforests are known for their high biodiversity and dense vegetation, with plants growing in distinct layers. They are also home to various animal species like chimpanzees and gorillas. Deforestation is a major threat to tropical rainforests, leading to their destruction. The mention of rainfall indicates the wet and humid climate characteristic of tropical rainforests.

Explanation
The given description includes characteristics such as big open spaces, few trees, fertile soil, hot summers, and cold winters. It also mentions specific animals like coyotes, prairie dogs, and bald eagles. These features are typical of temperate grasslands, which are characterized by vast expanses of grasses and few trees. The fertile soil supports the growth of these grasses, and the hot summers and cold winters are common in temperate regions. The presence of animals like coyotes, prairie dogs, and bald eagles further confirms the classification of the area as a temperate grassland.

Explanation
The given characteristics of hot, dry summers, mild, wet winters, slight variation in temperature, low-lying evergreen shrubs and small trees, presence of coyotes and mountain lions, and the threat of human development and wildfires all point towards the chaparral biome. The chaparral biome is characterized by these specific climate conditions and vegetation, as well as the presence of certain animal species. It is also known to be threatened by human activities and wildfires, making it a fitting answer based on the given information.

Explanation
The given information describes the characteristics of the taiga biome. The dominant trees in the taiga are conifers, which are well-adapted to the cold climate. The mention of Alaska and Canada suggests that the taiga is found in these regions. The presence of moose and arctic hare indicates the wildlife that can be found in the taiga. The mention of a very short growing season and constant daylight during summer are additional characteristics of the taiga biome. The average rainfall of 15-20 inches per year is also typical for the taiga. Therefore, based on the provided information, the correct answer is taiga.

Explanation
The given information describes a biome characterized by deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in the fall, and is found in the Eastern US. This biome experiences 4 seasons and receives an average of 30-60 inches of rain per year. Common tree species include maples, oaks, and walnuts, while animal species include raccoons, white-tailed deer, and grey squirrels. However, this biome is also affected by environmental issues such as acid rain and fungal diseases. Therefore, the correct answer is temperate deciduous forest.

Explanation
The given list of organisms (mosses and lichens, caribou, insects, wolves, musk oxen) is commonly found in the tundra biome. The tundra is a cold, treeless biome characterized by low temperatures, short growing seasons, and permafrost. Mosses and lichens are important vegetation in the tundra, while caribou, musk oxen, and wolves are some of the larger animals that inhabit this harsh environment. Insects also play a crucial role in the tundra ecosystem. Therefore, the tundra biome is the most suitable habitat for all the listed organisms.

Explanation
The given list of organisms, including maples, oaks, walnuts, raccoon, white-tailed deer, and grey squirrel, are all commonly found in temperate deciduous forests. These forests are characterized by a moderate climate with distinct seasons and a wide variety of deciduous trees. The presence of these specific organisms indicates that the habitat being described is a temperate deciduous forest.

Explanation
The given answer, taiga, is correct because the taiga is a biome characterized by the dominance of coniferous trees. These trees, such as pines and spruces, are well adapted to the cold climate and acidic soil of the taiga. The taiga is also home to various animal species, including moose and arctic hares, which are well adapted to the cold and snowy conditions of this biome. Therefore, the presence of dominant conifers, moose, and arctic hares indicates the taiga biome.

Explanation
The given answer, "chaparral," accurately describes the environment characterized by low-lying evergreen shrubs and small trees, as well as the presence of coyotes and mountain lions. Chaparral is a type of ecosystem found in regions with a Mediterranean climate, typically consisting of drought-resistant vegetation. This environment provides suitable habitat for coyotes and mountain lions, which are adapted to this type of terrain. Therefore, "chaparral" is the correct answer that aligns with the given information.

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. These grasslands are characterized by their moderate climate, with hot summers and cold winters, and are typically dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants. Coyotes are adaptable predators that can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, where they hunt small mammals like prairie dogs. Prairie dogs are burrowing rodents that are highly adapted to grassland habitats and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem. Bald eagles, although commonly associated with forested areas, can also be found in grasslands, especially near bodies of water where they can hunt for fish and other prey.

Explanation
The given answer "temperate forest" is correct because it accurately describes the ecosystem mentioned in the question. The presence of conifers, maples, mosses, and lichens indicates a forest environment, while the mention of beavers, elk, and black bears suggests the presence of wildlife. The term "temperate" further specifies that this forest is located in a moderate climate zone.

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 terms in the answer choice is important because the climate is the primary factor that determines the types of organisms that can survive and thrive in an ecosystem. Therefore, the answer choice that states "exact climates and organisms" is the correct one. The alternative answer choice, "exact organisms and climates," does not accurately describe the relationship between climates and organisms in a biome.

Explanation
The term "canopy" refers to the primary level of the rainforest, which is the uppermost layer of the forest where the majority of the trees form a dense, continuous cover. This layer receives the most sunlight and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Therefore, both options "primary level of the rainforest" and "primary level of rainforest" accurately describe the canopy.

Explanation
Permafrost refers to the permanently frozen layer of soil found in the tundra. It is the deepest part of the soil in this region and remains frozen throughout the year, even during the summer months. The freezing temperatures in the tundra prevent the permafrost from thawing, resulting in a unique and fragile ecosystem. This frozen layer has a significant impact on the landscape, vegetation, and wildlife in the tundra.

Explanation
Epiphytes are plants that grow on the surface of other plants, typically trees, without deriving nutrients from them. Instead, they use the tree as a physical support to reach sunlight and access nutrients from the air and rain. By utilizing the entire surface of the tree, epiphytes can maximize their exposure to sunlight and increase their chances of survival. This unique adaptation allows them to thrive in environments where resources may be limited, such as dense forests.