NGS - Principles of Ecology - Section 6: Biomes

What defines a biome?

• The number of animals present

• The amount of rainfall

• A unique set of abiotic and biotic factors

• The size of the area

Answer explanation

A biome is defined by a unique set of abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) factors, such as climate, soil, and organisms, rather than just the number of animals, rainfall, or area size.

Which of the following is a terrestrial biome?

• Ocean

• Desert

• Coral Reef

• Estuary

Answer explanation

The desert is a terrestrial biome characterized by low precipitation and extreme temperatures. In contrast, the ocean, coral reef, and estuary are aquatic biomes, making desert the correct choice.

What is the photic zone?

• A zone where no light penetrates

• A zone with the coldest temperatures

• A zone where photosynthesis occurs

• A zone with the highest salt concentration

Answer explanation

The photic zone is the upper layer of water where sunlight penetrates, allowing photosynthesis to occur. This is where plants and phytoplankton thrive, making it crucial for marine ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which biome is known for permafrost?

• Desert

• Savanna

• Tundra

• Tropical Rainforest

Answer explanation

The tundra biome is characterized by its cold climate and the presence of permafrost, which is permanently frozen ground. This distinguishes it from deserts, savannas, and tropical rainforests, which do not have permafrost.

What is the main characteristic of a desert biome?

• High rainfall

• Cold temperatures

• Dense forests

• Hot and humid with little rainfall

Answer explanation

The main characteristic of a desert biome is its hot and humid conditions with very little rainfall, making it distinct from other biomes that have high rainfall, cold temperatures, or dense forests.

Which animals are commonly found in the savanna?

• Penguins and seals

• Giraffes and zebras

• Lynxes and owls

• Polar bears and arctic foxes

Answer explanation

Giraffes and zebras are iconic savanna animals, known for their adaptations to the open grasslands. In contrast, penguins, seals, lynxes, owls, polar bears, and arctic foxes are found in other habitats, not the savanna.

What type of climate do temperate forests have?

• Always hot and rainy

• Hot and dry

• Cold and dry

• Temperate with cold winters and warm summers

Answer explanation

Temperate forests experience a climate characterized by distinct seasons, including cold winters and warm summers, making 'Temperate with cold winters and warm summers' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which biome has the highest biodiversity?

• Taiga

• Tropical Rainforest

• Desert

• Tundra

Answer explanation

The Tropical Rainforest has the highest biodiversity due to its warm climate, abundant rainfall, and complex ecosystems, supporting a vast number of plant and animal species compared to other biomes like Taiga, Desert, and Tundra.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What adaptation helps cacti survive in the desert?

• Thick fur

• Shallow, widespread root systems

• Ability to fly

• Deep roots

Answer explanation

Cacti have shallow, widespread root systems that allow them to quickly absorb water from light rains. This adaptation is crucial for survival in the desert, where water is scarce.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which biome is characterized by long, cold winters and short summers?

• Desert

• Taiga

• Tropical Rainforest

• Savanna

Answer explanation

The taiga biome is known for its long, cold winters and short summers, making it distinct from deserts, tropical rainforests, and savannas, which have different climate characteristics.