The Earth S Ecosystems

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Assessment

Chapter Test B

The Earth’s Ecosystems

using key terms

Use the terms from the following list to complete the sentences below. Each term may be used only once. Some terms may not be used.

estuarybiomeplankton

littoral zoneopen-water zonedeep-water zone

wetlandsavanna

1.Tiny organisms that float near the surface of the water and produce their own food are ______

2.An ecosystem that plays an important role in flood control is a(n) ______

3.A nutrient-rich area where fresh water from rivers mixes with salt water from the ocean is a(n) ______

4.A large area characterized by its climate and the plants and animals that live there is called a(n) ______

5.The area of water closest to the edge of a lake or pond is the ______

6.The area of a lake or pond where no sunlight reaches is the ______

Understanding Key Ideas

Write the letter of the correct answer in the space provided.

_____7.Prairies, steppes, and pampas are types of

a.chaparral.

b.tundra.

c.deserts.

d.grasslands.

_____8.Which of the following is a type of wetland characterized by plants hanging from tree branches?

a.swamp

b.marsh

c.estuary

d.pond

Chapter Test B continued

_____9.Which of the following statements about savannas is true?

a.During the wet season, savannas receive little rain.

b.Savanna inhabitants include large herbivores.

c.Savannas are characterized by steep mountains.

d.Savannas are rainy year-round.

_____ 10. A major abiotic factor that affects freshwater ecosystems is

a.wildlife. c. how quickly water moves.

b.the amount of plankton. d.elevation.

_____ 11. The most biologically diverse biome is the

a.swamp. c. temperate grassland.

b.tundra. d. tropical rain forest.

12.What are three key abiotic factors in marine ecosystems?

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13.What are two adaptations that animals living in intertidal areas have to help them deal with crashing waves?

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14.Describe two adaptations of plants that inhabit the desert.

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15.Explain how a pond could become a forest.

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Chapter Test B continued

Critical Thinking

16.In the eastern region of the former Soviet Union, a railroad was built on the tundra. The surface soil was dug up, and tracks were laid down over the ground beneath. Within a year, the ground shifted and buckled, and the tracks could not be used. Using your understanding of the tundra, explain what probably happened.

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17.Ocean biomes cover about 71 percent of Earth’s surface. If the total surface of Earth is roughly 510,230,000 km2, about how many square kilometers are covered by nonocean biomes? Round your answer to the nearest million. Show your work.

18.Many organisms live in intertidal areas. However, fewer organisms live on high, rocky shores than in other intertidal environments. What are the probable reasons for this?

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Chapter Test B continued

Interpreting Graphics

Use the diagram below to answer questions 19 and 20.

19.Which letters indicate the areas of water where plankton can carry out photosynthesis? Explain your answer.

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20.What do the animals that live in the area indicated by D eat?

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Holt Science and Technology1The Earth's Ecosystems