Unit 1: The Biosphere

Question 1

how are biomes determined?

Answer 1

by climate and weather forces

Question 2

what are biomes?

Answer 2

major communities of plants and animals

Question 3

What can cause convergent evolution

Answer 3

similar enviormental conditions

Question 4

The 4 or 5 general terrestrial area categories

Answer 4

1. snow/polar
2. temperate
3. equatorial
4. arid

Subclasess:
* seasonal precipitation
* overall average temperature

Question 6

does day length and seasons vary at the equator?

Answer 6

no

Question 7

biomes are defined by

Answer 7

dominant plant growth forms which are in turn restricted by temperature and water availability

Question 8

What are the 9 generally recognized terrestrial biomes?

Answer 8

1. cold desert
2. hot desert
3. tundra
4. polar ice cap
5. taiga
6. savanna
7. wetlands
8. coral reefs
9. tropical rainforest

Question 9

what do climate graphs chart?

Answer 9

annual cycles of rain and temperature that predict growing seasons

Question 10

when precipitation line is [–] the temperature line, plant growth is limited by [–]

first graph

Answer 10

when precipitation line is above the temperature line, plant growth is limited by temperature

Question 11

when precipitation line is [–] the temperature line, plant growth is limited by [–]

second graph

Answer 11

when precipitation line is below the temperature line, plant growth is limited by precipitation

Question 12

climographs allow us to predict

Answer 12

what types of organisms will be found in a given area

Question 13

what types of cell is more present in colder climates

Answer 13

ferrell cells

Question 14

what type of cell is more present in warmer climates?

Answer 14

haldley

Question 15

plants are classified based on

Answer 15

the number of thier adaptations to land

water availbility determines what type of plants will grow in an area

Question 16

angiosperms currently make up [–] of plant spp.

Answer 16

90%

Question 17

plant [–] are a trade-off between [–] and [–]

Answer 17

plant growth forms are a trade-off between photosynthesis and desiccation

Question 18

deciduous forest trees

Answer 18

• broad, flat leaves maximize light absorption
• no protection from desciccation or frost

Question 19

temperate forests

Answer 19

• trees form closed canopies due to abundant water

Question 20

Evergreens

Answer 20

• thin, needle-like, decreased surface area
• less PS/day
• more PS/year

Question 21

why do leaves change color

Answer 21

• chlorophyll reflects green light while absorbing other colors
• plants have secondary pigments that are seen after nutrient flow is shut off and chlorophyll to fall apart

Question 22

climate graphs for [–] and [–] demonstrate similar patterns but differ in actual water and temperature averages

Answer 22

climate graphs for boreal and temperate forests demonstrate similar patterns but differ in actual water and temperature averages

Question 23

How many types of biomes may be found in a small area

Answer 23

several

Question 24

water-based communities are described as

Answer 24

aquatic ecosystems

Question 25

aquatic systems are categorized by

Answer 25

their proximity to sunlight and nearness to the shore

Question 26

limnetic

Answer 26

open water

Question 27

littoral

Answer 27

edge

Question 28

benthic

Answer 28

sediment

Question 29

profundal

Answer 29

aphotic

Question 30

lake turnover

Answer 30

seasonal changes allow mixing to occur in temperate lakes

Question 31

fall and spring lake turnover is characterized by

Answer 31

wind and nutrient mixing

Question 32

winter lake turnover is characterized by

Answer 32

ice

Question 33

summer lake turnover is characterized by

Answer 33

* epilimnion * hypolimnion * thermocline