REVIEW & REHEARSE 15 ECOSYSTEMS and COMMUNITIES
!quesred! <i>Check Your Knowledge</i>
Question 15.21
An ecosystem consists of in a given area.
- a) all the photosynthetic organisms
- b) all the living organisms
- c) all the abiotic factors that influence living organisms
- d) all the living organisms and non-
living materials - e) the plant life and climate
Question 15.22
Earth’s largest terrestrial ecosystems, the biomes, are defined primarily by:
- a) the average rainfall.
- b) the average temperature.
- c) the seasonal variability in temperature.
- d) the seasonal variability in rainfall.
- e) All of the above.
Question 15.23
Why is it hotter at the equator than at the Poles?
- a) The angle at which sunlight hits the earth leads to solar energy being spread over a smaller area at the equator than at the Poles.
- b) The increased rotational speed of the earth at the Poles creates strong winds that increase radiant cooling.
- c) Greater cloud cover at the equator leads to a greater “greenhouse” effect than at the Poles.
- d) The water in the oceans has a high heat capacity, and there is significantly more water at the equator than at the Poles.
- e) All of the above are responsible for the higher average temperature at the equator than at the Poles.
