Chapter 4 Ecosystems and Communities

MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The average year-after-year conditions of temperature and precipitation in a particular region are
referred to as the regions
a. weather.
c. ecosystem.
b. latitude.
d. climate.
ANS: D
STO: 12.E.4.a

DIF: B

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.1

2. All of the following factors contribute to Earths climate EXCEPT

a. latitude.
c. transport of heat.
b. longitude.
d. shape and elevation of landmasses.
ANS: B
STO: 12.E.4.a

DIF: A

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.1

3. Climate is a global factor that produces

a. Earths unique ocean and atmosphere.
b. the shape and elevation of landmasses.
c. a wide range of environmental conditions that shapes communities.
d. solar energy within the atmosphere.
ANS: C
STO: 12.E.4.a

DIF: E

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.1

4. Temperatures on Earth remain within a suitable range for life as we know it because of the
a. unequal heating of Earths surface.
b. loss of heat to space.
c. radiation of sunlight back into the atmosphere.
d. greenhouse effect.
ANS: D
STO: 12.E.4.a

DIF: B

5. The loss of heat to space is slowed by

a. radiation entering the atmosphere.
b. atmospheric gases.
ANS: B
STO: 12.E.4.a

DIF: A

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.2

c. solar energy.
d. the biosphere.
REF: p. 88

OBJ: 4.1.2

6. The greenhouse effect is

a. the result of an excess of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
b. a natural phenomenon that maintains Earths temperature range.
c. the result of the differences in the angle of the suns rays.
d. an unnatural phenomenon that causes heat energy to be radiated back into the atmosphere.
ANS: B
STO: 12.E.4.a

DIF: E

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.2

7. Earth has three main climate zones because of the differences in latitude and, thus,

a. amount of precipitation received.

b. angle of heating.
ANS: B
STO: 12.E.4.a

DIF: A

8. Cool air over the poles will

a. rise.
b. sink.
ANS: B
STO: 12.E.4.a

DIF: B

c. ocean currents.
d. prevailing winds.
REF: p. 88

OBJ: 4.1.3

c. absorb heat from the equator.

d. flow parallel to Earths surface.
REF: p. 89

OBJ: 4.1.3

9. The unequal heating of Earths surface

a. drives wind and ocean currents.
b. causes winds that transport heat throughout the biosphere.
c. has important effects on Earths climate regions.
d. all of the above
ANS: D
STO: 12.E.4.a

DIF: A

REF: p. 89

OBJ: 4.1.3

10. The tendency for warm air to rise and cool air to sink results in
a. global wind patterns.
c. unequal heat distribution.
b. ocean upwelling.
d. regional precipitation.
ANS: A
STO: 12.E.4.a

DIF: B

REF: p. 89

OBJ: 4.1.3

11. A mountain can affect climate by

a. absorbing more solar energy at the peak than at the base of the mountain.
b. causing precipitation to fall mostly on one side of the mountain.
c. pushing a cool air mass back out over the ocean.
d. interfering with air currents and affecting Earths rotation.
ANS: B
STO: 12.E.4.a

DIF: E

REF: p. 89

OBJ: 4.1.3

12. Why does Earth have three main climate zones?

a. Warm air rises at the equator and cold air sinks over the poles causing an unequal
distribution of heat over Earth.
b. There are differences in latitude and, thus, the angle of heating from the sun.
c. Continents and other landmasses physically interfere with global heat distribution.
d. The Earth rotates and affects the major ocean currents.
ANS: B
STO: 12.E.4.a

DIF: E

REF: p. 88

OBJ: 4.1.3

13. Each of the following is an abiotic factor in the environment EXCEPT

a. plant life.
c. rainfall.
b. soil type.
d. temperature.
ANS: A
DIF: B
STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 90

OBJ: 4.2.1

14. Which is a biotic factor that affects the size of a population in a specific ecosystem?

a.
b.
c.
d.

average temperature of the ecosystem

type of soil in the ecosystem
number and kinds of predators in the ecosystem
concentration of oxygen in the ecosystem

ANS: C
DIF: A
STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 90

OBJ: 4.2.1

15. During a long period when there is no rainfall, a mountain lion may temporarily leave its usual hunting
territory to drink from a farm pond. This behavior is probably due to
a. its need to find different foods to eat.
b. the change in an abiotic factor in its environment.
c. its need to find a new habitat.
d. the change in a biotic factor in its environment.
ANS: B
DIF: E
STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 90

OBJ: 4.2.1

16. An organisms niche is

a. the range of physical and biological conditions in which an organism lives and the way in
which it uses those conditions.
b. all the physical and biological factors in the organisms environment.
c. the range of temperatures that the organism needs to survive.
d. a full description of the place an organism lives.
ANS: A
DIF: B
STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 91

OBJ: 4.2.1

17. Several species of warblers can live in the same spruce tree ONLY because they
a. have different habitats within the tree.
b. eat different foods within the tree.
c. occupy different niches within the tree.
d. can find different temperatures within the tree.
ANS: C
DIF: A
STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 92

OBJ: 4.2.1

18. An interaction in which one organism captures and feeds on another organism is called
a. competition.
c. mutualism.
b. sybiosis.
d. predation.
ANS: D
DIF: B
STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 93

OBJ: 4.2.2

19. Different species can share the same habitat, but competition among them is reduced if they
a. reproduce at different times.
c. increase their populations.
b. eat less.
d. occupy different niches.
ANS: D
DIF: A
STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 92

OBJ: 4.2.2

20. No two species can occupy the same niche in the same habitat at the same time
a. because of the interactions that shape the ecosystem.
b. unless the species require different abiotic factors.
c. because of the competitive exclusion principle.
d. unless the species require different biotic factors.

ANS: C
DIF: E
STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 92

OBJ: 4.2.2

21. A symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit is

a. commensalism.
c. predation.
b. mutualism.
d. parasitism.
ANS: B
DIF: B
STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 93

OBJ: 4.2.2

22. The symbiotic relationship between a flower and the insect that feeds on its nectar is an example of
a. mutualism because the flower provides the insect with food and the insect pollinates the
flower.
b. parasitism because the insect lives off the nectar from the flower.
c. commensalism because the insect does not harm the flower and the flower does not benefit
from the relationship.
d. predation because the insect feeds on the flower.
ANS: A
DIF: A
STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 93

OBJ: 4.2.2

23. A predator can increase the numbers of certain species in its habitat by
a. killing and eating the competitors of other species.
b. living symbiotically with other species.
c. avoiding certain prey species.
d. crowding out the species it does not eat.
ANS: A
DIF: E
STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 92, p. 93

OBJ: 4.2.2

24. The series of predictable changes that occurs in a community over time is called
a. population growth.
c. climax community.
b. ecological succession.
d. climate change.
ANS: B
STO: 12.B.4.b

DIF: B

25. Primary succession can begin after

a. a forest fire.
b. a lava flow.
ANS: B
STO: 12.B.4.b

DIF: B

REF: p. 94

OBJ: 4.2.3

c. farm land is abandoned.

d. a severe storm.
REF: p. 94

OBJ: 4.2.3

26. What is one difference between primary and secondary succession?

a. Primary succession is slow and secondary succession is rapid.
b. Secondary succession begins on soil and primary succession begins on newly exposed
surfaces.
c. Primary succession modifies the environment and secondary succession does not.
d. Secondary succession begins with lichens and primary succession begins with trees.
ANS: B
STO: 12.B.4.b

DIF: A

REF: p. 94, p. 95

27. Which factor(s) can influence continual change in an ecosystem?

OBJ: 4.2.3

a. further disturbances
b. long-term climate changes
ANS: D
STO: 12.B.4.b

DIF: A

c. introduction of nonnative species

d. all of the above
REF: p. 94, p. 95

OBJ: 4.2.3

28. Which of the following occurs during the ecological succession of an ecosystem?
a. An ecosystem reaches a final, unchanging stage.
b. Changes occur that are caused by organisms outside the ecosystem.
c. Living organisms modify their environment a little at a time.
d. Parts of communities split off to form new communities.
ANS: C
STO: 12.B.4.b

DIF: E

REF: p. 94

OBJ: 4.2.3

29. Which is a factor that could interrupt the progress of succession?

a. colonization of surfaces by lichens
b. different animals appearing at each stage
c. another natural disturbance
d. long-term fluctuations in climate
ANS: C
STO: 12.B.4.b

DIF: E

REF: p. 95

OBJ: 4.2.3

30. Climate conditions in a small area that differ significantly from the climate of the surrounding area
are called
a. natural features.
c. biomes.
b. microclimates.
d. ecosystems.
ANS: B

DIF: B

REF: p. 98

OBJ: 4.3.1

31. An example of a place with a microclimate is

a. a mountain range capped with ice.
c. an orchid growing in a rain forest.
b. a forested park in a desert city.
d. coniferous trees in a temperate forest.
ANS: B

DIF: A

REF: p. 98

OBJ: 4.3.1

32. Which of the following can influence the climate in a small area within a biome?
a. the average temperature and precipitation
b. the latitude of the biome
c. natural features such as a lake
d. the greenhouse effect
ANS: C

DIF: E

REF: p. 99

OBJ: 4.3.1

33. Which biome is characterized by very low temperatures, little precipitation, and permafrost?
a. desert
c. tundra
b. temperate forest
d. tropical dry forest
ANS: C

DIF: B

REF: p. 104

34. Which two biomes have the least amount of precipitation?

a. tropical rain forest and temperate grassland
b. tropical savanna and tropical dry forest
c. tundra and desert
d. boreal forest and temperate woodland and shrubland

OBJ: 4.3.2

ANS: C
OBJ: 4.3.2

DIF: A

REF: p. 101, p. 104

35. A biome is identified by its particular set of abiotic factors and its
a. average precipitation and temperature.
b. characteristic ecological community.
c. distance from the equator.
d. specific geographical location.
ANS: B

DIF: E

REF: p. 98

OBJ: 4.3.2

36. Which animal would be found in the biome that has cold to moderate winters, warm summers, fertile
soils, and is home to a variety of vegetation, such as coniferous trees, broadleaf deciduous trees,
flowering shrubs, and ferns?
a. whitetail deer
c. iguana
b. polar bear
d. moose
ANS: A

DIF: E

REF: p. 103

OBJ: 4.3.2

37. Aquatic ecosystems are classified by all of the following EXCEPT

a. depth and flow of the water.
c. organisms that live there.
b. temperature of the water.
d. chemistry of the water.
ANS: C

DIF: B

REF: p. 106

OBJ: 4.4.1

38. The chemistry of aquatic ecosystems is determined by the

a. amount of salts, nutrients, and oxygen dissolved in the water.
b. the number of other organisms present in the water.
c. amount of rainfall the water receives.
d. biotic and abiotic factors in the water.
ANS: A

DIF: A

REF: p. 106

OBJ: 4.4.1

39. Which one of the following statements is NOT true of freshwater wetlands?
a. Freshwater wetlands include bogs, marshes, and swamps.
b. Water may be present near the surface of the soil for part of the year.
c. The water in freshwater wetlands is always brackish.
d. Wetlands are important breeding grounds for migratory birds.
ANS: C

DIF: E

40. Ponds and lakes are

a. flowing-water ecosystems.
b. wetlands.
ANS: C

DIF: B

REF: p. 107

OBJ: 4.4.1

c. standing-water ecosystems.
d. estuaries.
REF: p. 107

OBJ: 4.4.2

41. Which is NOT an adaptation that organisms have for living in flowing water?
a. hooks
c. streamlined bodies
b. tentacles
d. suckers
ANS: B

DIF: A

REF: p. 106

OBJ: 4.4.2

42. Which is one way a wetland ecosystem differs from a standing-water ecosystem?
a. Water circulates in a standing-water ecosystem but not in a wetland.
b. Wetlands are nesting areas for birds, but standing-water ecosystems are not.

c. Water does not always cover a wetland as it does a standing-water ecosystem.

d. Wetlands are salty, but standing-water ecosystems are fresh.
ANS: C

DIF: E

REF: p. 107

OBJ: 4.4.2

43. The photic zone

a. extends to the bottom of the open ocean.
b. extends to a depth of about 200 meters.
c. is deep, cold, and permanently dark.
d. is where chemosynthetic bacteria are the producers.
ANS: B

DIF: B

REF: p. 109

OBJ: 4.4.3

44. Which of the following statements is NOT true about the open ocean?
a. The open ocean has very low levels of nutrients.
b. Organisms in the deep ocean are exposed to frigid temperatures and total darkness.
c. The open ocean begins at the low-tide mark and extends to the end of the continental shelf.
d. Most of the photosynthetic activity on Earth occurs in the open ocean within the photic
zone.
ANS: C

DIF: A

REF: p. 112

OBJ: 4.4.3

45. Which organism lives where it is sometimes submerged and routinely exposed to air, heat, battering
waves, and strong currents?
a. sea star
c. dolphin
b. tube worm
d. whale
ANS: A

DIF: E

REF: p. 110

OBJ: 4.4.3

MODIFIED TRUE/FALSE
1. Earths natural insulating blanket is the biosphere. _________________________
ANS: F, atmosphere
DIF: E

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.2

STO: 12.E.4.a

2. The greenhouse effect occurs when carbon dioxide and other gases prevent heat energy from leaving
the atmosphere. _________________________
ANS: T
OBJ: 4.1.2

DIF: B

REF: p. 87

STO: 12.E.4.a

3. Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor trap light energy. _________________________
ANS: F, heat
DIF: A

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.2

STO: 12.E.4.a

4. The amount, intensity, and duration of sunlight striking Earth vary with latitude.
_________________________
ANS: T
OBJ: 4.1.3

DIF: A
STO: 12.E.4.a

REF: p. 88

5. A symbiotic relationship between organisms in which one species benefits and the other is neither
helped nor harmed is mutualism. ______________________________
ANS: F, commensalism
DIF: B

REF: p. 93

OBJ: 4.2.2

STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

6. An existing community is gradually replaced by another community in an ecological succession.

_________________________
ANS: T
OBJ: 4.2.3

DIF: B

REF: p. 94

STO: 12.B.4.b

7. Palm trees and shrubs around a small pool of water in the middle of a barren desert is an example of an
ecosystem. _________________________
ANS: F, a microclimate
DIF: E

REF: p. 98

OBJ: 4.3.1

8. The temperate forest biome is typically warmer and has more rainfall than the boreal forest biome.
_________________________
ANS: T
OBJ: 4.3.2

DIF: E

REF: p. 103, p. 104

9. The tropical rain forest is characterized by a wet season and a dry season.
_________________________
ANS: F, dry
DIF: B

REF: p. 100

OBJ: 4.3.2

10. Tall, perennial grasses and herds of grazing herbivores are inhabitants of the desert biome.
______________________________
ANS: F, tropical savanna
DIF: A

REF: p. 101

OBJ: 4.3.2

11. The depth of the water in an aquatic ecosystem determines the amount of oxygen that living things
receive there. ____________________
ANS: F, light
DIF: A

REF: p. 106

OBJ: 4.4.1

12. The single-cell algae that grow in lakes and ponds are zooplankton.
______________________________
ANS: F, phytoplankton

DIF: B

REF: p. 107

OBJ: 4.4.2

13. As a flowing-water ecosystem travels downhill from its origin, the water flow typically changes from a
turbulent current to slow meanders. _________________________
ANS: T
OBJ: 4.4.2

DIF: E

REF: p. 106

14. The zones of the marine biome are determined by light penetration, distance from shore, and depth.
_________________________
ANS: T
OBJ: 4.4.3

DIF: A

REF: p. 109

15. The coastal ocean zone and estuaries are alike in that both are important as breeding and nesting areas
for birds. _________________________
ANS: F, Wetlands
DIF: E

REF: p. 107, p. 108

OBJ: 4.4.2

COMPLETION
1. The energy of incoming ____________________ drives Earths weather and helps to determine
climate.
ANS: sunlight
DIF: B

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.1

STO: 12.E.4.a

2. Weather differs from ____________________ in that weather can change on a daily basis and is not
considered a description of year-to-year conditions of temperature and precipitation.
ANS: climate
DIF: A

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.1

STO: 12.E.4.a

3. Average year-after-year conditions are to climate as day-to-day atmospheric conditions are to

_________________.
ANS: weather
DIF: E

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.1

STO: 12.E.4.a

4. Atmospheric gases that trap heat inside Earths atmosphere are called ____________________ gases.
ANS: greenhouse
DIF: B

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.2

STO: 12.E.4.a

Figure 41
5. According to Figure 41, the north polar zone lies above ____________________ latitude.
ANS: 66.5N
DIF: A

REF: p. 88

OBJ: 4.1.3

STO: 12.E.4.a

6. As shown in Figure 41, the climate zone that receives the most direct sunlight throughout the year
lies between ____________________ and ____________________ latitudes.
ANS: 23.5N, 23.5S
DIF: A

REF: p. 88

OBJ: 4.1.3

STO: 12.E.4.a

7. Organisms within an ecosystem are ____________________ factors in that ecosystem.

ANS: biotic
DIF: B

REF: p. 90

OBJ: 4.2.1

STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

8. Over time, some plants growing in an area are crowded out by other plants. The new plants use up
water and nutrients needed by the previous plants. The disappearance of the first plants is due to
______________________________.
ANS: competitive exclusion
DIF: E

REF: p. 92

OBJ: 4.2.2

STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

9. A small city park that is sunnier and windier than the climate of the surrounding areas has its own
_________________________.
ANS: microclimate
DIF: B

REF: p. 98

OBJ: 4.3.1

10. Mild, moist air from the Pacific Ocean and giant redwood trees characterize the
______________________________.
ANS: northwestern coniferous forest
DIF: E

REF: p. 103

OBJ: 4.3.2

11. An aquatic environments water ____________________ refers to the amount of dissolved salts,
nutrients, and oxygen in the water.
ANS: chemistry
DIF: A

REF: p. 106

OBJ: 4.4.1

12. The abiotic factor used to determine the climate of an area that has the least effect on aquatic
ecosystems is ____________________.
ANS:
rainfall
precipitation
DIF: E

REF: p. 90, p. 106

OBJ: 4.4.1

STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

13. A swamp is different from a lake as a freshwater ecosystem because a swamp is a

____________________ ecosystem.
ANS: wetland
DIF: A

REF: p. 107

OBJ: 4.4.2

14. Photosynthesis is limited to the well-lit upper layer of the ocean, which scientists refer to as the
____________________ zone.
ANS: photic
DIF: B

REF: p. 109

OBJ: 4.4.3

15. Coral reefs cannot survive more than 40 meters below the ocean surface because of their
________________________ relationship with algae.
ANS: symbiotic
DIF: E

REF: p. 93, p. 109

OBJ: 4.4.3

STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

SHORT ANSWER
1. List five factors that contribute to global climate patterns.
ANS:
Five factors are: the trapping of heat by the atmosphere; latitude; the transport of heat by winds and
ocean currents, and the amount of precipitation that results; the shape and elevation of landmasses

DIF: A
STO: 12.E.4.a

REF: p. 87, p. 88, p. 89

OBJ: 4.1.1

2. How are atmospheric gases like the glass in a greenhouse?

ANS:
Glass traps heat energy inside the greenhouse. Atmospheric gases trap heat energy inside Earths
atmosphere.
DIF: B

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.2

STO: 12.E.4.a

3. What are greenhouse gases?

ANS:
Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, that trap
heat energy.
DIF: B

REF: p. 87

OBJ: 4.1.2

STO: 12.E.4.a

Figure 41
4. Using Figure 41, describe a climate you might find at 10N latitude.
ANS:
The climate at 10N latitude is most likely a hot, rainy climate, because this location is in the tropical
zone.
DIF: B

REF: p. 88

OBJ: 4.1.3

STO: 12.E.4.a

5. Using Figure 41, explain why average temperatures decrease with increasing distance from the
equator.
ANS:
The suns rays strike Earth at increasingly lower angles with increasing distance from the equator, thus
providing less and less direct sunlight.

DIF: A

REF: p. 88

OBJ: 4.1.3

STO: 12.E.4.a

6. Explain why the food that a bullfrog eats is considered a part of its niche.
ANS:
A niche includes all of the physical and biological conditions in which an organism lives and how the
organism uses those conditions. Food is part of the biological conditions that a bullfrog uses.
DIF: A

REF: p. 91

OBJ: 4.2.1

STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

7. List three biotic and three abiotic factors that determine the survival of a rabbit in a temperate forest.
ANS:
Biotic factors may include: plants the rabbit eats, predators that eat the rabbit, and other competitive
species. Abiotic factors may include: temperature, rainfall, and space.
DIF: E

REF: p. 90, p. 103

OBJ: 4.2.1

STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

8. How is mutualism similar to and different from commensalism?

ANS:
They are both symbiotic relationships. In mutualism, both species benefit from the relationship; in
commensalism, only one species benefits whereas the other is neither helped nor harmed.
DIF: A

REF: p. 93

OBJ: 4.2.2

STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

9. What is an ecological resource?

ANS:
An ecological resource is any necessity of life for an organism, such as water, nutrients, light, food, or
space.
DIF: B

REF: p. 92

OBJ: 4.2.2

STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

10. Explain why plants do not participate in the succession of a whale-fall community as they do in landecosystem succession.
ANS:
Whale-fall succession takes place on the deep, permanently dark ocean floor where there is no light for
photosynthesis; thus, no plants can grow.
DIF: A

REF: p. 96

OBJ: 4.2.3

STO: 12.B.4.b

11. Describe an important role that pioneer species play in primary succession.
ANS:
In primary succession, pioneer plants help rocks to break up in the process of soil formation and
contribute organic material to the forming soil in which plants can grow.
DIF: E

REF: p. 94

OBJ: 4.2.3

STO: 12.B.4.b

12. Deserts vary greatly depending on elevation and latitude. What characteristic do all deserts share?

ANS:
A desert biome is defined as having less than 25 cm of annual rainfall.
DIF: E

REF: p. 101

OBJ: 4.3.2

13. What are the three main factors that govern aquatic ecosystems?
ANS:
Aquatic ecosystems are determined by the depth, flow, and chemistry of the overlying water.
DIF: B

REF: p. 106

OBJ: 4.4.1

14. Why are hooks and suckers not typically found in organisms inhabiting standing-water ecosystems?
ANS:
Hooks and suckers are adaptations for holding on in moving water and are common only in organisms
that inhabit flowing-water ecosystems.
DIF: E

REF: p. 106, p. 107

OBJ: 4.4.2

15. What criteria are used for determining ocean zones?

ANS:
The vertical ocean zones are determined by the distance from shore and the depth of the water. The
horizontal zones are determined by how far light penetrates the water.
DIF: E

REF: p. 109

OBJ: 4.4.3

OTHER
USING SCIENCE SKILLS
Average Rainfall and Temperature of Earths Biomes
Biome

Average Yearly
Rainfall

Tropical rain forest

400 cm

Tropical dry forest

250300 cm

Temperate forest

75125 cm

Boreal forest

3575 cm

Tropical savanna

150 cm

Desert

Less than 25 cm

Average Temperature
Daytime: 34C
Nighttime: 20C
Dry season: 32C
Wet season: 20C
Summer: 28C
Winter: 6C
Summer: 14C
Winter: -10C
Dry season: 34C
Wet season: 16C
Summer: 38C
Winter: 7C

Climate Zone
Tropical
Tropical
Mostly temperate
Mostly temperate
Mostly tropical
Tropical and
temperate

Temperate grassland

2575 cm

Tropical woodland
and scrubland

Less than 50 cm

Tundra

3050 cm

Summer: 30C
Winter: 0C
Summer: 20C
Winter: 10C

Temperate

Summer: 12C
Winter: -26C

Temperate and polar

Temperate

Figure 42
1. Comparing and Contrasting In Figure 42, compare the average daytime temperature of the tropical
rain forest with the average summer temperature of the tundra. How can you account for the
difference?
ANS:
The tropical rain forest has an average daytime temperature of 34C. The tundra has an average
summer temperature of 12C. The difference is that the tropical rain forest receives almost direct
sunlight all year long. The tundra receives sunlight at a much lower angle, resulting in a colder climate
than the tropical rain forest.
DIF: B

REF: p. 88

OBJ: 4.1.1

STO: 12.E.4.a

2. Calculating What is the highest average temperature shown in Figure 42? The lowest average
temperature? How many degrees of temperature are there between the highest and the lowest
temperatures?
ANS:
highest temperature = 38C; lowest temperature = 26C; There are 64 degrees between the highest
and lowest temperatures. (38 Celsius degrees above zero + 26 Celsius degrees below zero)
DIF: B

OBJ: 4.1.2

3. Using Tables and Graphs Which climate zone listed in Figure 42 includes the most biomes?
ANS:
temperate zone
DIF: B

OBJ: 4.1.3

4. Using Tables and Graphs Which biomes listed in Figure 42 include areas that have an average
yearly rainfall of less than 75 cm? Which biomes include areas that have an average yearly rainfall of
more than 200 cm?
ANS:
Biomes that have less than 75 cm of yearly rainfall include: boreal forest, desert, temperate grassland,
temperate woodland and shrubland, and tundra. Biomes that have more than 200 cm of yearly rainfall
include: tropical rain forest and tropical dry forest.
DIF: B

OBJ: 4.3.2

5. Analyzing Data Which two biomes shown in Figure 42 have seasons determined by the amount of
precipitation they receive at different times of the year?

ANS:
The tropical dry forest and the tropical savanna each have a wet season and a dry season.
DIF: B

REF: p. 100, p. 101

OBJ: 4.3.2

USING SCIENCE SKILLS

Figure 43
6. Applying Concepts Describe some of the biotic and abiotic factors you might find at point A and in
region B of Figure 43.
ANS:
Point A is the origin of this flowing-water ecosystem. The water is most likely turbulent and cold.
Region B would have swiftly moving water, which would be turbulent where it goes over the
waterfall. There would be little plant life in the water due to the turbulence, and the animals in the
water would have adaptations to keep themselves from being swept away.
DIF: A

REF: p. 90

OBJ: 4.2.1

STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

7. Interpreting Graphics The boreal forest and river valley depicted in Figure 43 were swept by fire 20
years ago. The forests on the hills on each side of the river valley were cut down. Does this illustration
show an earlier or later stage of succession? Which kind of succession has taken place? Explain what
will happen in this ecosystem if there are no more disturbances.
ANS:

The hills show a growth of shrubs and a few small trees. This indicates a later stage of secondary
succession. Eventually, an ecologically characteristic boreal forest will grow if there are no more
disturbances.
DIF: A
STO: 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 94, p. 95, p. 104

OBJ: 4.2.3

8. Predicting Examine Figure 43. Predict what might happen to this flowing-water ecosystem in a
boreal forest biome if a dam were built on the river in region C.
ANS:
A lake would form above the dam, creating a standing-water ecosystem. With a reduced flow of water,
the marsh below the dam might dry up. The dry land would then undergo secondary succession, and
because of the climate and latitude, it would eventually have the ecological characteristics of a land
biome, a boreal forest.
DIF: A
STO: 12.B.4.b

REF: p. 95, p. 104, p. 106, p. 107

OBJ: 4.3.2

9. Inferring Which regions of the river in Figure 43 contain more nutrients than the other regions?
Explain.
ANS:
Regions D and E would contain more nutrients because the water is moving very slowly and more
plants can grow. It can support algae and bacteria and many more organisms than farther up the
mountain where they would be washed away in the current. The river also carries nutrient-rich
sediments down to regions D and E from higher up the mountain.
DIF: A

REF: p. 106, p. 107

OBJ: 4.4.1

10. Comparing and Contrasting Compare and contrast region E in Figure 43 with region D. Describe
the physical characteristics of each region.
ANS:
Sample answer: In region D, the water is moving slowly and meandering across the land. In region E,
the sediments carried by the water have formed a marsh where the flow is moving gradually toward a
lake. The regions are different in that the water is moving faster in region D than in region E, and
region E likely has more numbers and kinds of organisms. They are alike in that they are both part of
the same aquatic ecosystem.
DIF: A

REF: p. 106, p. 107

OBJ: 4.4.2

USING SCIENCE SKILLS

Some Organisms of the Marine Biome
Intertidal
Zone

Oceanic Zone
Coastal
Ocean Zone Photic Zone
Aphotic Zone

Algae

Coral

Diving birds

Angler fish

Anemone

Dolphins

Dolphins

Deep-sea octopus

Barnacles

Jellyfish

Herring

Hatchet fish

Birds:

Kelp

Jellyfish

Krill

Gull

Lobsters

Marlin

Lantern fish

Herons

Otters

Penguins

Sea cucumbers

Plovers

Plankton

Plankton

Sponges

Terns

Sailfish

Salmon

Squids

Clams

Sea stars

Sea snakes

Hydrothermal Vent

Crustaceans

Sea urchins

Sea turtles

Chemosynthetic

Mollusks

Seals

Sharks

Mussels

Sharks

Shrimp

Clams

Sea urchins

Small fish

Swordfish

Crabs and other

Seaweed

Snails

Tuna

Snails

Whales

Whales

bacteria

crustaceans
Tube worms

Figure 44
11. Comparing and Contrasting Contrast the abiotic factors at high tide with those at low tide for the
organisms in the intertidal zone in Figure 44.
ANS:
At high tide, sea water is an abiotic factor because the intertidal organisms are submerged. At low tide,
the abiotic factors are exposure to air, sunlight, heat, battering waves, and strong currents.
DIF: E

REF: p. 90, p. 110

OBJ: 4.2.1

STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

12. Inferring From the table in Figure 44, select at least three organisms from the coastal ocean zone and
describe how they might interact.
ANS:

Sample answer: Kelp and the algae in plankton are producers and are food for many of the organisms
in the coastal ocean zone. Large fishes such as sailfish and sharks, and mammals such as dolphins, eat
the small fishes. Benthos, such as snails, sea urchins, sea stars, and lobsters, compete for resources on
the ocean floor.
DIF: E
REF: p. 92, p. 93, p. 110
STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

OBJ: 4.2.2

13. Using Models Figure 44 shows an event that is taking place at about 2000 meters on the open ocean.
Identify the event, the zones where it is happening, and its importance to the marine biome.
ANS:
Whale-fall succession is occurring at 2000 meters in the aphotic, benthic, and open ocean zones.
Whale-fall succession supports several communities over time, and increases diversity in the whalefall area.
DIF: E

REF: p. 96, p. 109

OBJ: 4.2.3

STO: 12.B.4.b

14. Interpreting Graphics Using Figure 44, describe energy availability in the open ocean at a depth of
6000 meters and at 150 meters.
ANS:
At 6000 meters, in the area of the hydrothermal vent, chemosynthetic bacteria are the producers,
providing energy for organisms that inhabit the area. Other benthos feed on dead organic materials that
drift down from the surface. At 150 meters, algae are the producers because this is within the photic
zone. Complex food webs exist in this upper area of the ocean.
DIF: E

REF: p. 109, p. 112

OBJ: 4.4.1

15. Analyzing Data From the table in Figure 44, which of the organisms from any column can also be
listed in the photic zone column? Justify your answer.
ANS:
All of the organisms listed in the intertidal zone can be listed in the photic zone column. This zone is
always in the photic zone. Also, all of the organisms listed in the coastal ocean zone can be listed in the
photic zone because the coastal ocean zone is almost always in the photic zone. Some species of
clams, crabs, and tube worms could also be listed in the photic zone. Generally, only those organisms
listed in the aphotic zone and chemosynthetic bacteria would not be found in the photic zone.
DIF: E

REF: p. 109, p. 110

OBJ: 4.4.3

ESSAY
1. Explain how ocean currents originate and affect Earths climates.
ANS:
Cold water near the poles sinks and then flows parallel to the ocean bottom, eventually rising again in
warmer regions through a process called upwelling. Meanwhile, surface water is moved by winds. In
both cases, the water flow creates ocean currents. Like air currents, ocean currents transport heat
energy within the biosphere. Surface ocean currents warm or cool the air above them, thus affecting
the weather and climate of nearby landmasses.
DIF: A

REF: p. 89

OBJ: 4.1.1

STO: 12.E.4.a

2. Describe the greenhouse effect and explain how it maintains Earths temperature range.
ANS:
Solar energy has an important effect on the temperature of the atmosphere. Atmospheric gases, such
as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, do not allow heat energy to pass out of the atmosphere.
This natural situation in which heat is retained by these greenhouse gases is called the greenhouse
effect. This effect provides a natural insulating blanket around Earth and maintains its temperature
range.
DIF: A

REF: p. 87, p. 88

OBJ: 4.1.2

STO: 12.E.4.a

3. Predict how the tropical rain forest and desert biomes would change if Earth were 30 degrees Celsius
cooler than it is today. What phenomenon keeps this from happening?
ANS:
The tropical rain forest biome would seldom, if ever, rise above freezing temperatures and would not
support life as we know it now. Desert biomes would only briefly rise above freezing temperatures
during the summer and would probably more closely resemble the tundra biome as it is today. Earths
greenhouse effect prevents this from happening by trapping heat energy, which keeps the planet warm
and maintains Earths present temperature range.
DIF: E
STO: 12.E.4.a

REF: p. 87, p. 88, p. 100, p. 101

OBJ: 4.1.2

4. Describe Earths main climate zones and explain how latitude affects these climate zones.
ANS:
Because Earth is a sphere that is tilted on its axis, different parts of its surface receive varying amounts
of solar radiation. As a result of differences in latitude and thus the angle of heating, Earth has three
main climate zones. At the equator in the tropical zone, the suns rays are most direct so the climate is
almost always warm. In the temperate zone, the climate ranges from hot to cold depending on the
season. The polar zones receive the suns rays at the lowest angle and are always cold. Climates
become generally cooler and drier with increasing distance from the equator.
DIF: E

REF: p. 88

OBJ: 4.1.3

STO: 12.E.4.a

5. Name and define the three main classes of symbiotic relationships. Give examples of each.
ANS:
The three main classes of symbiotic relationships are mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. In
mutualism, both species benefit from the relationship. For example, flowers depend on certain insects
to pollinate them. The flowers provide the insects with food in the form of nectar, pollen, or other
substances. In commensalism, one member of the association benefits and the other is neither helped
nor harmed. Barnacles attached to the skin of whales benefit from food particles in the water moving
past the swimming whale, but the whale is not affected. In parasitism, one member benefits by
obtaining all its nutritional needs from the host. The host can be damaged but is usually not killed.
Fleas, ticks, and lice are examples of parasites that live on the bodies of mammals.
DIF: A

REF: p. 93

OBJ: 4.2.2

STO: 12.B.4.a, 12.B.4.b

6. Describe the stages of primary succession in land environments, including lichens, mosses, grasses,
shrubs, and trees.

ANS:
Primary succession occurs on newly exposed surfaces, such as a fresh lava flow that destroys the
previous ecosystem. The first organisms to appear are plantlike lichens that colonize the newly formed
volcanic surfaces. Over several years, various species of plants including mosses and grasses establish
themselves among the rocks and then take root in the thin layer of soil. Eventually, tree seedlings and
shrubs sprout among the plant community. A characteristic ecological community may eventually
dominate the area.
DIF: E

REF: p. 94

OBJ: 4.2.3

STO: 12.B.4.b

7. What is a microclimate? Give an example.

ANS:
Mountains, forests, oceans, lakes, and other natural features can influence the climate in a small area
within a biome. The climate within such a small area often differs significantly from the climate of the
surrounding area and is called a microclimate. An example of a microclimate is the redwood forests on
parts of Californias northern coast. Some areas a short distance inland from these forests are
desertlike, inhabited by cactuses and other drought-resistant plants.
DIF: A

REF: p. 98

OBJ: 4.3.1

8. Explain why there are no tall trees in the tundra biome. What are some of the biotic and abiotic
phenomena that exist in the tundra?
ANS:
Summers are not long enough or warm enough to thaw the soil so that tall plants like trees can grow
roots. Cold temperatures, high winds, and permafrost limit plant height. The tundra is characterized by
ground-hugging plants such as lichens, mosses, and short grasses due to the short growing season and
the long, cold, dark winters. Migratory birds, caribou, and small rodents are some of the animals that
inhabit the tundra.
DIF: E

REF: p. 104

OBJ: 4.3.2

9. Why does a flowing-water ecosystem often support little plant life at its source? Describe how the
ecosystem changes to support organisms as it flows.
ANS:
A freshwater ecosystem is turbulent where it springs from its source so few plants can become
established. Organisms with adaptations for living in swift water, such as fish with streamlined bodies
and catfish with suckers to anchor themselves to the rocks, thrive there. As the water flows, it picks up
sediments. Where sediments build up, plants are able to establish themselves. The water flows more
slowly downstream and the plants and animals grow more diverse to include turtles, beavers, and river
otters.
DIF: E

REF: p. 106

OBJ: 4.4.2

10. List the six main zones of the marine biome. Explain how these zones are differentiated.
ANS:

The main zones of the marine biome are the photic zone, the aphotic zone, the intertidal zone, the
coastal ocean, the open ocean, and the benthic zone. The horizontal zones include the photic zone,
which is the well-lit upper layer where photosynthesis takes place. Below the photic zone is the
aphotic zone, which is permanently dark. Another somewhat horizontal zone is the benthic zone. This
zone extends along the ocean floor from the coastal ocean through the ocean zones. The vertical zones
include the intertidal zone, which is the area most affected by tides. The coastal ocean extends from
the low-tide mark to the end of the continental shelf. The open ocean begins at the edge of the
continental shelf and extends outward. This is the largest marine zone, covering more than 90 percent
of the surface area of the worlds oceans.
DIF: A
REF: p. 109, p. 110, p. 111
STO: 11.A.4.c, 13.A.4.b

OBJ: 4.4.3