EFT1023 Quiz (28 May 2014)

Biomes are determined by the combination of precipitation, temperature, and landforms. These factors play a crucial role in shaping the characteristics and distribution of different biomes around the world. Precipitation determines the amount of water available, which affects the types of plants and animals that can survive in an area. Temperature influences the overall climate and determines the length of growing seasons. Landforms such as mountains, valleys, and plains also impact the distribution of biomes by influencing factors like sunlight exposure and drainage patterns. Therefore, all three factors, precipitation, temperature, and landforms, are essential in determining biomes.

The correct answer includes three categories: local endemics, migratory species, and sparsely distributed species. These distribution patterns are all important because they provide valuable information about the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of an area. Local endemics are species that are found only in a specific geographic location, indicating unique habitats and potential conservation priorities. Migratory species play a crucial role in connecting different ecosystems and can indicate the health and connectivity of these habitats. Sparsely distributed species are important because they may have specific habitat requirements or be indicators of rare or threatened ecosystems.

The correct answer is Taiga, Savanna, Dessert, Tropical Rain forest, Tundra, Prairies, Alpine, Mediterranean. These are recognized as biomes because they are large ecological areas characterized by distinct climates, vegetation, and wildlife. Each biome has its own unique set of environmental conditions and supports different types of plant and animal life. The Taiga is a coniferous forest biome found in cold regions, the Savanna is a grassland biome with scattered trees, the Desert is a dry and arid biome, the Tropical Rainforest is a dense forest with high rainfall, the Tundra is a cold and treeless biome, the Prairies are temperate grasslands, the Alpine is a mountainous biome, and the Mediterranean is a coastal biome with mild winters and hot summers.

Taiga is the largest biome in the world and it covers Eurasia and North America. It is characterized by needle-leaf or boreal forests. The taiga is typically covered by lichens, mosses, and coniferous trees such as pine, spruce, hemlock, and Douglas fir.

Tropical rainforests contain more species than any other biome because of their climate. The annual temperature and rainfall in these forests remain constant, providing a stable environment for a wide variety of species to thrive. Additionally, the lack of a dormant season in tropical rainforests allows for continuous growth and high productivity, which further supports the abundance of diverse species.