Introduction

Chapter 4. Critical Analysis Question

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You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.

Critical Analysis Question:

Are there any biomes (see Figures 4.3 and 4.6) underrepresented among biodiversity hotspots? Are there any that are overrepresented?

To formulate your answer, first consider these additional thought questions:

Compare different regions of the world by examining the two figures. Use the chart below to determine the biome representation of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

  1. 1.

    For the regions of North America, Central America, and South America, put a “B” (capital “B”) in the column next to the biome name below if biodiversity hotspots are strongly represented for that biome and a “b” (lower-case “b”) if they are weakly represented for that biome. Enter an “n” (lower-case “n”) if no biodiversity hotspots are represented for that biome. Click on the images to view full size.

    Biome Biodiversity Hotspot Present
    Tropical forest
    Temperate forest
    Temperate grassland
    Desert
    Tropical savanna
    Mediterranean scrub
    Taiga or boreal forest
    Tundra

  1. 2.

    Do the same activity described above for the regions of Europe and Africa, putting a “B” in the column next to the biome name below if biodiversity hotspots are strongly represented for that biome and a “b” if they are weakly represented for that biome. Enter an “n” (lower-case “n”) if no biodiversity hotspots are represented for that biome. Click on the images to view full size.

    Biome Biodiversity Hotspot Present
    Tropical forest
    Temperate forest
    Temperate grassland
    Desert
    Tropical savanna
    Mediterranean scrub
    Taiga or boreal forest
    Tundra

  1. 3.

    Finally, do the same activity described above for the regions of Asia, Indonesia, and Australia, putting a “B” in the column next to the biome name below if biodiversity hotspots are strongly represented for that biome and a “b” if they are weakly represented for that biome. Enter an “n” (lower-case “n”) if no biodiversity hotspots are represented for that biome. Click on the images to view full size.

    Biome Biodiversity Hotspot Present
    Tropical forest
    Temperate forest
    Temperate grassland
    Desert
    Tropical savanna
    Mediterranean scrub
    Taiga or boreal forest
    Tundra

  1. 4.

    Now in reviewing your regional results collectively, indicate the regions that do not host biodiversity hotspots, the regions that are primarily weakly represented, and the areas that are strongly represented.

    Biome Biodiversity Hotspot Present
    Tropical forest
    Temperate forest
    Temperate grassland
    Desert
    Tropical savanna
    Mediterranean scrub
    Taiga or boreal forest
    Tundra

5.

Now we return to the original Critical Analysis Question: Are there any biomes (see Figures 4.3 and 4.6) underrepresented among biodiversity hotspots? Are there any that are overrepresented?

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