Unit I Part 2 Study Guide Questions

Spring 2010 Biomes and Biodiversity

Please Note
This study guide is a work-in-progress, and accordingly, it is not complete. It should not be considered a substitute for a comprehensive preparation for the test on unit III.

Question 1
1. define: biogeography.

Answer 1
1. define: biogeography. The study of the distribution of organisms and the processes that underlie distribution patterns.

Question 2
2. What are three factors that affect the distribution of an organism(s).

Answer 2
2. What are three factors that affect the distribution of an organism(s). Geologic history Topography Climate Species interactions

Question 3
3. Define: climate.

Answer 3
3. Define: climate. Average weather condition in a region

Question 4
4. Name four factors that determine climate.

Answer 4
4. Name four factors that determine climate.
amount of incoming solar radiation prevailing winds elevation precipitation

Question 5
5. Why is it warmer in Atlanta in the summer rather than in the winter when the earth is actually closer to the sun in the winter?

Answer 5
5. Why is it warmer in Atlanta in the summer rather than in the winter when the earth is actually closer to the sun in the winter? The northern hemisphere is tilted toward the sun during the summer while during the winter, the opposite is true.

Question 6
6. What are two affects of ocean currents on ecosystems?

Answer 6
6. What are two affects of ocean currents on ecosystems? Upper waters move in currents that distribute nutrients and affect regional climates.

Question 7
7. Define: rain shadow.

Answer 7
7. Define: rain shadow. Air rises on the windward side, loses moisture before passing over the mountain thus establishing a dry zone leeward of the mountain(s).

Question 8
8. Compare and contrast: monsoons and coastal breezes.

Answer 8
8. Compare and contrast: monsoons and coastal breezes. Monsoons are seasonal patterns in wind and rain which are associated with warm oceans and adjacent continents. Coastal breezes vary during the day and are present most days regardless of the season. The air moves in the direction of the warmer area (ocean or land).

Question 9
9. Define: biome.

Answer 9
9. Define: biome. Regions of land characterized by habitat conditions and community structure.

Question 10
10. What are hotspots? Who defines them and how many are there?

Answer 10
10. What are hotspots? Who defines them and how many are there? Conservation International defines hotspots as "regions that harbor a great diversity of endemic species and, at the same time, have been significantly impacted and altered by human activities. 24 hotspots

Question 11
11. Name three biorealms.

Answer 11
11. Name three biorealms. Nearctic, Neotropical, Afrotropical, Palaearctic, Indomalayan, Oceanian, Australian, and Antarctic

Question 12
12. How is a desert defined?

Answer 12
12. How is a desert defined? Less than 10 centimeters annual rainfall, high level of evaporation

Question 13
13. Where are deserts usually found?

Answer 13
13. Where are deserts usually found? Tend to occur at 30 degrees north and south and in rain shadows

Question 14
14. Compare and contrast: taiga and tundra.

Answer 14
14. Compare and contrast: taiga and tundra.

Taigas are located at the southern edge of tundra. Where a tundra is treeless, taigas have a few trees dispersed throughout the grass and moss.

Study Questions The Biosphere

Find the file, Biosphere Worksheet. Study these questions. An answer key is provided.