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Principles of Environmental Science

William P. Cunningham, University of Minnesota
Mary Ann Cunningham, Vassar College

Biomes and Biodiversity

Multiple Choice Quiz


1	Which two factors are the most important in determining biome distribution?
		A)	temperature and precipitation
		B)	soil and topography
		C)	ocean and wind currents
		D)	heat index and permafrost


2	Tundra is characterized by
		A)	a short growing season and sedges, grasses, and mosses.
		B)	frequent fires and coniferous trees.
		C)	a grassland with scattered with trees.
		D)	low rainfall and plants with thorns and spines.


3	What type of plant is characterized by cones and waxy-coated leaves?
		A)	alpine
		B)	conifers
		C)	cactus
		D)	chaparral


4	Which biome is characterized by mild temperatures, over 200 cm of precipitation, and huge conifers such as the redwood?
		A)	cloud forest
		B)	tropical rainforest
		C)	boreal forest
		D)	temperate rainforest


5	The Russian name for the black spruce and sphagnum moss community found at the northern edge of the boreal forest is
		A)	taiga.
		B)	tundra.
		C)	chaparral.
		D)	alpine.


6	Which group of organisms would be found living in the benthos of a lake?
		A)	water striders and flying insects
		B)	snails and borrowing insects
		C)	fish and plankton
		D)	none of the above


7	A waterlogged area saturated by groundwater or rainwater is called a
		A)	marsh.
		B)	bog or fen.
		C)	swamp.
		D)	coral reef.


8	Which type of diversity refers to the richness and complexity of a biological community?
		A)	genetic diversity
		B)	species diversity
		C)	ecological diversity
		D)	biodiversity


9	Which of the following is NOT a human-caused reduction in biodiversity?
		A)	the Endangered Species Act
		B)	fragmentation
		C)	hunting and fishing
		D)	introduction of exotic species


10	Which of the following is an exotic organism threatening native wetland plants?
		A)	leafy spurge
		B)	kudzu
		C)	purple loosestrife
		D)	all of the above

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