APES Unit 4 Review

Front

What is soil made of?

Back

Soil is made of weathered rocks and minerals, dead plants and animals, air and water.

Front

Why are earthquakes common in California and Japan?

Back

Both areas are on the boundary of active plates, and the motion of the plates causes earthquakes.

Front

Where are the sun's rays least direct?

Back

The sun's rays are least direct near the poles.

Front

What are the two types of water currents?

Back

The two types of water currents are surface and deep.

Front

What type of soil is most often used with plants?

Back

Loam is the type of soil used most often with plants; it is a mixture of clay, sand, and silt.

Front

Define weathering in the context of soil formation.

Back

Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller particles, contributing to soil formation.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting plant growth.

Front

Explain the concept of plate tectonics.

Back

Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, causing geological activity like earthquakes and volcanoes.

Front

What is the significance of the water cycle in ecosystems?

Back

The water cycle is crucial for distributing water, supporting plant and animal life, and regulating climate.

Front

What are the primary components of an ecosystem?

Back

The primary components of an ecosystem include producers, consumers, decomposers, and the physical environment.