Unit 4—Review Questions
1. Define altitude. What is the relationship between altitude & temperature?
2. Define latitude. What is the relationship between latitude & temperature?
3. What is the largest terrestrial biome? The smallest biome?
4. What biome has the greatest species diversity? Why?
5. Why are there no large trees in the tundra?
6. Draw a picture depicting the rain shadow effect. Describe the impact this effect has
on surrounding ecosystems.
7. Compare the soil fertility in the temperate grasslands and the tropical rainforest.
8. What adaptations do coniferous trees have? How do these adaptations help the
species survive? What adaptations do deciduous trees have?
9. Compare estivation and hibernation.
10. Describe the ways in which humans are negatively impacting each of the terrestrial
biomes.
11. In the ocean, where is productivity the highest? Why?
12. What are the benefits of coral reefs?
13. What kind of relationship do coral and zooxanthelle have? Describe the interaction
and how this limits where coral can live.
14. Describe the vertical ocean zones.
15. What is a watershed?
16. Describe how the conditions change in the river system as you move from the upper
reaches to the middle then lower reaches in terms of speed, temperature, and
amount of sunlight.
17. Describe how the biotic index is used.
18. What is the difference between plankton and nekton?
19. Describe the zones in a lake or pond.
20. What is the difference between a swamp and a marsh?
21. Explain 4 functions/benefits of wetlands.