CHAPTER 3 CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING 1. Which of the following is not characteristic of ecosystems?

(a) Biotic components (b) Abiotic components (c) Recycling of matter (d) Distinct boundaries (e) A wide range of sizes Which biogeochemical cycle(s) does (do) not have a gaseous component? I Potassium II Sulfur III Phosphorus (a) II only (b) I and II only (c) III only (d) II and III only (e) I and III only

2.

For Questions 3, 4, and 5, select from the following choices: (a) Producers (b) Decomposers (c) Primary consumers (d) Secondary consumers (e) Tertiary consumers 3. At which trophic level are eagles that consume fish that eat algae? (d) 4. At which trophic level do organisms use a process that produces oxygen as a waste product? (a) 5. At which trophic level are dragonflies that consume mosquitoes that feed on herbivorous mammals? (e) 6. Small inputs of this substance, commonly a limiting factor in aquatic ecosystems, can result in algal blooms and dead zones. (a) Dissolved carbon dioxide (b) Sulfur (c) Dissolved oxygen (d) Potassium (e) Phosphorus 7. In which layer of Earths atmosphere does most weather occur? (a) Troposphere (b) Stratosphere (c) Mesosphere

(d) Thermosphere (e) Lithosphere 8. Which of the following statements about tundras and boreal forests is correct? (a) Both are characterized by slow plant growth, so there is little accumulation of organic matter. (b) Tundras are warmer than boreal forests. (c) Boreal forests have shorter growing seasons than tundras. (d) Plant growth in both biomes is limited by precipitation. (e) Boreal forests have larger dominant plant growth forms than tundras. 9. Which of the following statements about temperate biomes is not correct? (a) Temperate biomes have average annual temperatures above 20C. (b) Temperate rainforests receive the most precipitation, whereas cold deserts receive the least precipitation. (c) Temperate rainforests can be found in the northwestern United States. (d) Temperate seasonal forests are characterized by trees that lose their leaves. (e) Temperate shrublands are adapted to frequent fires. 10. Which of the following statements about tropical biomes is correct? (a) Tropical seasonal forests are characterized by evergreen trees. (b) Tropical rainforests have the highest precipitation due to the proximity of the ITCZ. (c) Savannas are characterized by the densest forests. (d) Tropical rainforests have the slowest rates of decomposition due to high rainfall. (e) Subtropical deserts have the highest species diversity. bon footprint and they can comment on this comparison.