Topic 2.4: Food Chains & Webs and Trophic Levels Questions

Define the term biome.

State the two main abiotic factors that control the distribution of terrestrial biomes.

Define the term climate.

Identify four characteristic features of the temperate deciduous forest biome. For each feature, state whether it relates to climate, soil, vegetation, or animal life.

The Galápagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1000 km from the coast of Ecuador.

Distinguish between weather and climate.

Explain why rising air is usually associated with high rainfall.

State where conditions are typically dry in global atmospheric circulation and suggest why.

Define salinity and state how aquatic biomes are broadly classified using salinity.

The table below shows mean monthly climate data for a location in the Atacama–Patagonia transition zone, Argentina (38°S). Using these data, (a) state the most likely biome [1], and (b) identify TWO specific data values that support your answer [1].

Outline two ecosystem services provided by a named biome.

Outline four abiotic characteristics of mangrove ecosystems.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

Suggest why similar terrestrial biomes can be found on different continents.

Distinguish between two named biomes and explain the main factors responsible for their global distribution.

Outline how the tricellular model of atmospheric circulation produces (a) a tropical rainforest belt near the equator and (b) hot desert belts near 25–30° N and S. Use the terms rising air, descending air, and precipitation.

Using the climograph data for Location X provided below, identify the biome and justify your answer by reference to TWO specific climate values from the table.

Explain how abiotic factors cause zonation in mangrove ecosystems.

Outline one way that climate change could shift biome boundaries over time.

Explain how the tricellular model of atmospheric circulation also produces (a) temperate biomes at ~40–60° N/S and (b) polar tundra/ice biomes beyond ~60°. Use direction of air movement and precipitation in your answer.