Exam 3: The Biosphere

The calcium carbonate skeletons of corals make up the physical structure of coral reefs. These skeletons provide a habitat for a diverse array of organisms and support a highly productive ecosystem. As more carbon dioxide enters the oceans and dissolves to form carbonic acid, the pH of the oceans becomes more acidic. This increasing ocean acidification decreases the ability of corals to build skeletons and construct reefs. If ocean acidification continues, how will it affect the diversity and productivity of coral reefs?

A region along the U.S. East Coast has a variety of types of ecosystems. One of these ecosystems shows strong gradients in salinity, ranging from near freshwater levels to near ocean levels. Deposition of coastal sediments increases the nutrient levels of this ecosystem, enabling many fish to spend their larval stages here. This ecosystem is most likely a(an)

A biome extends across several continents. Parts of the biome on the different continents can be best identified by the

If climate change causes a tropical rainforest to receive somewhat less rainfall, it will most likely become

Refer to the figure. The figure is an example of a climate diagram, which gives average monthly temperatures and precipitation levels for a given location over a year. Using only the information in the climate diagram, which of the following conclusions can be drawn about the plant life at this location?

Refer to the figure. A plant requires a minimum of 50 mm of precipitation per month to grow. Its water requirements increase with increasing temperature, such that for every 1°C that the average monthly temperature is above freezing, it requires an additional 1 mm of precipitation. Based on the climate diagram, and assuming the weather reflects long-term climatic averages, this plant should be able to grow during how many months of the year?

A region of the ocean is very clear and filled with light, and most of its permanent inhabitants are phytoplankton and zooplankton. In some areas there are large floating algae, such as Sargassum. The region is frequently visited by a variety of nekton, including fishes, sea turtles, whales, and dolphins. Its overall biological density and diversity are relatively low. This region is most likely in

Suppose corals had never evolved on Earth. What is one way in which Earth's oceans would likely be different today?

Refer to the map. Part B on the map shows the alteration of terrestrial biomes by human activities (i.e., the "human footprint"), with green representing the least human impact and purple-red representing the most. According to the map, which biome is overall least altered by human activity world-wide?

A scientist studied the major plants in two different sites within a biome. He found many similarities in the plants in these two sites, including their growth forms and physiological responses. They were also very similar in their taxonomic classifications, with many being in the same genus. These similarities suggest that

Suppose changing climatic conditions cause ocean currents to shift. This causes a large and sudden increase in deposition of sand in shallow waters that previously had a rocky bottom and supported a large kelp bed. What effect would this change have on kelp populations, and why?

A forest is located at about 4°N latitude, has moderate precipitation, and grows on nutrient-poor soils. At intervals, the forest is subject to fires, which help it persist. This is most likely which kind of forest?

Boreal forests are the predominant biome between about 50 and 65°N latitude. Above this, tundra predominates. What is the major difference between the plant forms in these two biomes, and what is the major cause of this difference? How is the relationship between these two biomes likely to change as climate change continues?

Refer to the figure. Using tundra, tropical rainforest, and temperate deciduous forest as examples, explain how the interaction of temperature and precipitation affects the location of biomes.

Refer to the figure. - Based on the climate diagram, the location is most likely in _______ biome, at around _______ latitude?

A river is being subjected to a variety of human-generated activities that are decreasing its ability to support life. Of these various activities, the one least likely to decrease water clarity is

Refer to the figure. -Based on the climate diagram, precipitation is usually the highest in

Refer to the figure. Based on the climate diagram, this location is likely in which biome?

The temperate deciduous forest biome has been developed for agriculture for centuries. More recently, the tropical forest biome is undergoing the same transition to agriculture, but with less success. The most likely reason the tropical forest biome has adapted less well to agriculture is that this biome, compared to the deciduous forest biome, has

A plant has the ability to grow from the base of its leaves, thereby keeping its reproductive buds under the surface and permitting high tolerance of climatic fluctuations. This plant most likely lives in a