Exam 30: Earths Diverse Ecosystems

During summer, the Northern Hemisphere tilts _ the sun because of Earth's curvature and tilted axis.

Plants with small leaves and thick stems that store water are more likely to be found growing in a rain shadow.

Savannas are tropical regions characterized by scant, seasonal rainfall that supports grasses and a few drought- resistant trees.

of timber for lumber and paper has severely damaged the northern coniferous forest.

Scientists observing coral- reef communities have noted declines in coral reefs in regions that have both agricultural runoff and rising water temperatures. What are the possible reasons for these observations?

The producers in hydrothermal vent communities are

Pronounced wet and dry seasons and warm year- round temperatures are characteristic of

List one of the two geographical characteristics of most deserts.

Throughout history, some of the best farmland has been the flat areas along rivers. Why?

Both the northern coniferous forest and the temperate rain forest are dominated by evergreen vegetation. What are the reasons in each biome?

Weather patterns that occur over years or centuries in a particular region make up its .

Explain why it would probably be a money- losing venture to establish a plantation to grow corn in an area that used to be tropical rain forest.

Wetlands remove toxins, pesticides, and sediments from water, acting as a natural water purifier.

A(n) is a cold region with evergreen coniferous trees as the dominant vegetation.

Explain why climate is the primary factor determining the type of ecosystem in an area.

The loss of native vegetation to overgrazing, overharvesting, and overuse of groundwater to grow crops can lead to desertification.

In the fall, the trees in a temperate deciduous forest lose their leaves primarily as an adaptation to

In hydrothermal vent communities, primary productivity is based on

Channeling rivers improves their productivity and decreases erosion.

Northern coniferous forests, characterized by long, cold winters and conifers with short needles, are the largest terrestrial biome.