Biome Basics
What is a biome?
A large geographic region with specific climate conditions and communities of plants and animals.
Which biome is characterized by hot days, cold nights, and low precipitation?
Desert
What is the difference between freshwater and marine biomes?
Salinity—freshwater has low salinity; marine has high salinity.
What is deforestation?
The removal of large areas of forest for agriculture, logging, or development.
What is the tragedy of the commons?
The overuse of shared resources due to individual self-interest.
Why do tundras have limited vegetation?
Due to permafrost, low temperatures, and short growing seasons.
How do the precipitation levels and temperature ranges differ between deserts and temperate forests?
Deserts have very low precipitation and extreme temperature fluctuations, often hot during the day and cold at night. Temperate forests receive moderate to high rainfall and have a more stable, seasonal temperature range.
Name one ecological service provided by wetlands.
Flood control, water filtration, or habitat for species.
Name one major consequence of urban sprawl.
Habitat fragmentation or increased pollution.
What is sustainable yield?
The amount of a resource that can be harvested without reducing future supply.
What is the difference between weather and climate, and why is this distinction important when classifying biomes?
Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate describes long-term patterns. Climate determines biome distribution because it affects which organisms can survive and thrive over time.
What is the dominant vegetation in the taiga?
Coniferous trees
Explain why coral reefs are sensitive to climate change.
Coral bleaching occurs when temperature or acidity levels stress corals, causing them to expel symbiotic algae.
What is desertification and what causes it?
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, often caused by overgrazing, deforestation, or drought.
Name one method to sustainably manage fisheries.
Setting catch limits, using aquaculture, or enforcing no-fishing zones.
Which biome has the greatest biodiversity?
Tropical rainforest
Why are temperate grasslands ideal for agriculture?
They have nutrient-rich soils and moderate rainfall.
What zone of the ocean receives the most sunlight?
The photic (or euphotic) zone.
How does monoculture affect biodiversity?
It reduces biodiversity and increases vulnerability to pests and disease.
Why is clear-cutting harmful to forest ecosystems?
It causes habitat loss, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.
What two primary abiotic factors determine the characteristics of a biome?
Temperature and precipitation.
Compare the savanna and temperate grassland in terms of precipitation patterns, biodiversity, and human land use.
Savannas have seasonal rainfall and scattered trees, support large herbivores, and are often used for grazing. Temperate grasslands have more uniform rainfall, fewer trees, and are widely converted to farmland. Both have high soil fertility but differ in biodiversity and climate.
A coastal city plans to expand urban development into a nearby estuary. Evaluate two potential ecological consequences of this decision.
Urban expansion may destroy vital estuarine habitats, reducing biodiversity and nursery grounds for fish. It could also increase runoff, leading to eutrophication.
Compare slash-and-burn agriculture to sustainable land use practices.
Slash-and-burn is short-term and destructive, while sustainable practices maintain long-term productivity and ecosystem health.
Describe an integrated pest management (IPM) approach.
Combines biological, chemical, and physical methods to control pests in an environmentally sensitive way.