5th - Science Unit 5 Lesson 4 Study Guide Flashcards
How does sunlight affect the climate in an ecosystem near the equator?
The climate in ecosystems closer to the equator hotter, more humid and have an abundance of rainfall. These ecosystems as a result are rich with plants and animals.
What makes the 6 land ecosystems different from one another? (Name two ways they differ)
They differ by the animals that live there, the plants that grow there and the soil
What are the names of 3 ecosystems with harsh climates?
Tundras, Taigas, and Deserts
What factors make these climates harsh?
They may have extremely hot or cold temperatures or very little precipitation.
How are Tundras and Taigas similar and different?
Both have cold winters and short summers.
Tundras - are dry, have permafrost (no plants with deep roots), has plants with shallow root systems, and fewer species.
Taigas - summers are wet, huge insect population, has forests of cone-bearing evergreen trees, limited species live here.
What are the characteristics of the grassland ecosystem?
- Rainfall is irregular and usually not plentiful
- Cool in winter and warm in summer
- Fertile soil - great farm land
What are the differences between tropical rain forest and a deciduous forest?
Deciduous Forest - many trees lose their leaves during the winter, summer are warm and winters are cool, and rainfall is scarce
Tropical Rain Forest - climate is hit and humid, and abundance of rainfall
In which ecosystems do trees lose their leaves in autumn?
Deciduous Forests
How are tropical rain forests and temperate rain forests similar and different?
Both have plenty rainfall.
Tropical Rain Forests - located near the equator, climate is hot and humid, and home to more
species than any other land biome combined.
Temperate Rain Forests - located in the Pacific Northwest and lower temperatures than Tropical Rain Forests.
How are streams and rivers different from lakes and ponds?
In lakes and ponds the water is still but in streams and rivers the water moves.
Why are wetlands important?
- Rich in plant life - provide a home to many living things.
- Breeding grounds for birds and other animals.
- Serve as a natural water filter and sponge
- Provide flood protection and erosion control.
Why are estuaries unique?
Contain a mixture of salt and fresh water
Which organism groups make up food chains in the ocean?
- Plankton
- Nekton
- Benthos
How does depth (deepness) affect ocean water’s temperature?
The greater the depth the colder the water.
Why does coastal Louisiana have so many wetlands?
The Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi River
