Geography 5 - UCLA Chapter 5/6/7
Explore key factors influencing biome distributions in this engaging Geography 5 quiz from UCLA. Covering desert, grassland, tundra, and forest biomes, the quiz assesses understanding of climate impact, soil types, and ecological characteristics vital for academic and field applications.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What are the most important determinants in biome distributions?
Explanation
The most important determinants in biome distributions are temperature and precipitation. These factors play a crucial role in determining the types of plants and animals that can survive and thrive in a particular area. Temperature affects the metabolic processes and growth rates of organisms, while precipitation determines the availability of water, which is essential for life. Together, temperature and precipitation create distinct climate patterns that shape the characteristics of different biomes, such as deserts, rainforests, or tundras.Rate this question:
- 2.
- Mostly between N and S latitude - characterized by low moisture levels and precipitation that is infrequent and unpredictable from year to year- exhibit water conservation characteristics
- A.
Grassland
- B.
Desert
- C.
Tundra
- D.
Conifer Forests
Correct Answer
B. DesertExplanation
Deserts are mostly found between N and S latitudes and are characterized by low moisture levels and infrequent and unpredictable precipitation. They exhibit water conservation characteristics, such as having plants with deep root systems and animals that are adapted to survive in arid conditions. Deserts are known for their extreme dryness and lack of vegetation, making them a suitable answer based on the given description.Rate this question:
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- 3.
- Primo agricultural land- deep roots - very rich soils- few trees due to inadequate rainfall- large daily and seasonal temps- fires typical/sometimes necessary to conserve nutrients
- A.
Grassland
- B.
Desert
- C.
Tundra
- D.
Conifer Forests
Correct Answer
A. GrasslandExplanation
The given description suggests that the land has deep roots, rich soils, and large daily and seasonal temperatures. It also mentions that there are few trees due to inadequate rainfall and that fires are sometimes necessary to conserve nutrients. These characteristics are typically associated with grasslands, as they have fertile soils that support the growth of grasses, and the periodic fires help maintain the nutrient balance. Therefore, the correct answer is Grassland.Rate this question:
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- 4.
- Far north- short growing season- permafrost- water locked up much of the year- low biological productivity
- A.
Desert
- B.
Grasslands
- C.
Tundra
- D.
Conifer Forest
Correct Answer
C. TundraExplanation
The given characteristics of the region, such as being far north, having a short growing season, permafrost, water locked up for much of the year, and low biological productivity, are all indicative of the tundra biome. The tundra is a cold, treeless biome found in the far northern regions of the world, characterized by a short growing season, permanently frozen subsoil (permafrost), and low biodiversity due to the harsh conditions. Therefore, the correct answer is Tundra.Rate this question:
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- 5.
- cone bearing trees with needle like leaves with waxy coatings to minimize water loss (not much water) - southern pine forests- taiga
- A.
Desert
- B.
Grassland
- C.
Tundra
- D.
Conifer Forest
Correct Answer
D. Conifer ForestExplanation
The given answer, "Conifer Forest," is the most suitable option based on the provided information. Cone-bearing trees with needle-like leaves and waxy coatings are characteristics commonly associated with coniferous forests. These adaptations help minimize water loss, which is important in environments with limited water availability. Additionally, the mention of "southern pine forests" and "taiga" further supports the idea of conifer forests, as these types of forests are typically found in those regions.Rate this question:
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- 6.
- occur throughout the world where rainfall is plentiful- deciduous trees shed leaves when water is scarce/ground is frozen - rich variation of tree species - forest canopy covers diverse understory
Correct Answer
broad leaved deciduous and evergreen forestsExplanation
Broad-leaved deciduous and evergreen forests occur throughout the world where rainfall is plentiful. In these forests, the trees have broad leaves that they shed when water is scarce or the ground is frozen. This adaptation allows the trees to conserve water and energy during unfavorable conditions. These forests also have a rich variation of tree species, which contributes to the diversity of the forest canopy and the understory. The combination of deciduous and evergreen trees creates a dynamic and visually appealing landscape.Rate this question:
- 7.
Cover relatively little total area but biologically distinctive productive; extremely varied due to temperature, water quality, geomorphic and other differences
Correct Answer
Freshwater ecosystemsExplanation
Freshwater ecosystems cover relatively little total area but are biologically distinctive and productive. This is because they have a wide range of variations in temperature, water quality, geomorphic features, and other factors. These variations create diverse habitats that support a wide array of plant and animal species. Despite their smaller size compared to other ecosystems, freshwater ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and providing important ecosystem services such as water purification and flood control.Rate this question:
- 8.
Thermocline?
- A.
Bottom sub-community with low oxygen levels
- B.
Distinctive temperature transition zone that separates warm upper layer and deeper cold layer
- C.
Connects other aquatic ecosystems
Correct Answer
B. Distinctive temperature transition zone that separates warm upper layer and deeper cold layerExplanation
A - Benthos
C - characteristic of aquaticRate this question:
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- 9.
Bogs and Fens
- A.
Waterlogged soils that tend to accumulate peat
- B.
Land surface is saturated or covered with water at least part of the year
- C.
Wetlands with trees
- D.
Wetlands w/out trees
Correct Answer
A. Waterlogged soils that tend to accumulate peatExplanation
B - wetland
c - swamp
D - MarshRate this question:
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- 10.
Equivalent of an aquatic rainforest, accumulates calcareous skeleton of colonial organisms; HIGHLY endangered ecosystm
Correct Answer
Coral ReefExplanation
A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem that is often referred to as the equivalent of an aquatic rainforest. It is characterized by the accumulation of calcareous skeletons of colonial organisms, such as coral polyps. Coral reefs are highly endangered due to various factors like climate change, pollution, and overfishing. The given description perfectly matches the characteristics of a coral reef, making it the correct answer.Rate this question:
- 11.
Eras of Extinction: Permian Period
- A.
Dinosaurs and 50% of existing genera disappeared
- B.
2/3 of all marine species and early half of all plant and animal families died out
- C.
Fossil records suggest more than 99% of all species ever in existence are now extinct
Correct Answer
B. 2/3 of all marine species and early half of all plant and animal families died outExplanation
A - Cretaceous periodRate this question:
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- 12.
Puts mineral back into the soil of rain forests for a year or two, not bad if there is a low population density and leave enough time for the forest to recover- most nutrients found in the frees
Correct Answer
shifting cultivation "slash and burn"Explanation
Shifting cultivation, also known as "slash and burn," involves clearing a patch of land by cutting down vegetation and then burning it. This practice puts minerals back into the soil of rainforests for a year or two. It is not considered bad if there is a low population density and enough time is given for the forest to recover. This is because most nutrients are found in the trees, and when they are burned, the ash is left behind, enriching the soil. However, if the population density is high and the land is continuously cleared without sufficient time for regeneration, it can lead to deforestation and soil degradation.Rate this question:
- 13.
- banks, govts, and lending institutions hold nearly $1 trillion in loans to developing countries – conservation orgs buy debt obligations on the secondary market at a discount and then offer to cancel the debt if the debtor country will agree to protect or restore an area of biological importance o Particularly focused on tropical rainforests
Correct Answer
debt for nature swapsExplanation
Debt for nature swaps is a strategy where conservation organizations purchase debt obligations from banks, governments, and lending institutions at a discounted rate. They then offer to cancel the debt if the debtor country agrees to protect or restore a specific area of biological importance, such as tropical rainforests. This approach allows for the conservation of valuable ecosystems while also addressing the financial burden of developing countries.Rate this question:
- 14.
Define clear cutting
- A.
A small percentage of mature trees are taken in each 10-20 year rotations, can retain many characteristics of mature, old growth forests
- B.
Harvesting all trees in a narrow corridor
- C.
Every tree in a given area is cut regardless of size - fast/efficient but wastes small trees, increases erosion, eliminates wildlife habitat
Correct Answer
C. Every tree in a given area is cut regardless of size - fast/efficient but wastes small trees, increases erosion, eliminates wildlife habitatExplanation
A - selective cutting
B - Strip cuttingRate this question:
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- 15.
Intensive planting of a single species, an efficient wood production approach, but one that encourages pests and disease infestations and conflicts with wildlife habitat or recreation uses - rapid growth and easier harvest- low biodiversity
Correct Answer
Monoculture ForestryExplanation
The given explanation suggests that intensive planting of a single species in forestry, also known as monoculture forestry, is an efficient approach for wood production. However, this approach can lead to problems such as pests and disease infestations, as well as conflicts with wildlife habitat and recreation uses. Monoculture forestry promotes rapid growth and easier harvest, but it results in low biodiversity.Rate this question:
- 16.
Denuding and degrading a once fertile land, initiating a desert-producing cycle that feeds on itself and causes long term changes in soil, climate, and biota of an area
Correct Answer
desertificationExplanation
The given statement describes the process of denuding and degrading a once fertile land, which leads to the initiation of a desert-producing cycle. This cycle causes long-term changes in soil, climate, and biota of an area. This process is known as desertification, which refers to the transformation of productive land into desert-like conditions. It is a significant environmental issue that can have severe consequences on ecosystems, agriculture, and human livelihoods.Rate this question:
- 17.
Confining grazing animals in a small area for a short time to force them to eat weedy species as well as the more desirable grasses and forbes
Correct Answer
rotational grazingExplanation
Rotational grazing involves confining grazing animals in a small area for a short time and then moving them to another area. This practice is used to control the grazing patterns of the animals and ensure that they eat a variety of plant species, including both weedy species and desirable grasses and forbs. By rotating the animals between different areas, it allows for the regeneration and growth of the vegetation, preventing overgrazing and promoting a more balanced ecosystem.Rate this question:
- 18.
Most prominent form of malnourishment?
- A.
Iron deficiency
- B.
Starch deficiency
- C.
Iodine deficiency
- D.
Obesity
Correct Answer
A. Iron deficiencyExplanation
wheat/rice/corn majority of world's cropsRate this question:
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- 19.
Soil Layers
Correct Answer
C B E A OExplanation
The correct answer is C B E A O. This is the correct order of the soil layers, starting from the top. The letter C represents the topsoil layer, which is rich in organic matter and nutrients. The letter B represents the subsoil layer, which is characterized by the accumulation of minerals and clay. The letter E represents the eluviation layer, where minerals and clay are leached out. The letter A represents the accumulation layer, where minerals and clay are deposited. Finally, the letter O represents the bedrock layer, which is the solid rock beneath the soil layers.Rate this question:
- 20.
Dramatically increased agricultural productions brought about by "miracle" strains of grain: usually requires high inputs of water, plant nutrients, and pesticides
Correct Answer
green revolutionExplanation
The term "green revolution" refers to the significant increase in agricultural production achieved through the use of high-yielding varieties of crops, also known as "miracle" strains of grain. These strains require high inputs of water, plant nutrients, and pesticides to achieve their maximum potential. Therefore, the answer to the question is "green revolution" as it accurately describes the dramatically increased agricultural productions brought about by these strains and the necessary inputs for their success.Rate this question:
- 21.
Contour Plowing?
- A.
Planting different crops in alternating strips along land contours
- B.
Plowing across slope to slow the flow of water
- C.
Shaping land to create level shelves of earth to hold water and soil
Correct Answer
B. Plowing across slope to slow the flow of waterExplanation
A - strip plowing
C - TerracingRate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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EVS Quiz: How Much Do you Know About Environmental Science
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