Biomes

1
Biomes

• Thinking Questions

2
When settlers first came to the northeastern
United States, they cut down trees to clear land
for farming. Native Americans taught settlers how
to tap maple trees to make sugar. What biome did
these settlers find themselves in? How do you
know?
3
The temperate deciduous forest biome maple trees
are deciduous
4
How do coral reefs form?
5
Animals called corals secrete calcium carbonate
shells. When the corals die, their shells remain
and build up, forming reefs.
6
What are wetlands and where are they located?
7
Land areas that are covered with water most of
the year located in regions that lie between
solid land and water
8
Describe characteristics of organisms that live
in intertidal zones.
9
They are adapted to dramatic changes in
temperature, moisture, and salinity, and can
withstand the force of wave action.
10
Why are estuaries among the most productive
ecosystems on Earth?
11
Estuaries receive tons of nutrients washed from
inland soils, so their nutrient levels are very
high.
12
How are grassland and tundra biomes similar?
13
Both are treeless and flat. Both have freezing
temperatures in winter. Both receive small
amounts of precipitation. Both include grazing
animals.
14
What are the four zones of the Tropical Rain
Forest?
15
Forest floorUnderstoryCanopyEmergents
16
Why is much of the desert bare ground?
17
Lack of water
18
What is the biggest climactic difference between
a temperate rain forest and a tropical rain
forest?
19
Tropical rainforests are warmer and tend to have
higher precipitation
20
Why does the soil of tropical rain forests make
poor farmland?
21
A high level of rainfall tends to wash nutrients
from the soil.