Download Biome DQ - Biloxi Public Schools

Biomes DQ 2014-2015
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1. Liana plants are woody vines that grow on some trees in rain forests. What are the vines probably adapted for?
A competing with other plants for oxygen
B preventing predators from eating beneficial insects
C growing through layers of foliage to reach available sunlight D absorbing some of the nutrients found in the soil
Justification--______________________________________________________________________________
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2. Cacti grow slowly compared to most other plants. The fact that cacti keep their stomata closed for much of the day
can help explain this growth characteristic. Which of these best explains the advantage of keeping stomata closed
during the day?
A. It limits water loss through transpiration.
B. It conserves oxygen produced in photosynthesis.
C. It recycles carbon dioxide within plant systems.
D. It protects plant tissues from predators.
Justification--______________________________________________________________________________
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3. Some kinds of fish live most of their lives in salt water but lay their eggs in freshwater. Their ability to survive in
different environments is an example of --A. adaptation
B. selective breeding
C. a habit
D. developmental stages
Justification--______________________________________________________________________________
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4. Why are there so few plants that live at the ground level in a tropical rainforest?
A. The forest floor contains many decomposers.
B. Sunlight is blocked by tall, leaf-covered plants.
C. Rainfall is absorbed by the flat, broad tree leaves.
D. The temperature is extremely low most of the year.
Justification--______________________________________________________________________________
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5. A single species of squirrel evolved over time into two species, each on opposite sides of the Grand Canyon. This
change was most likely due to --A higher mutation rates on one side.
B low genetic diversity in the initial population.
C the isolation of the two groups.
D differences in reproductive rates.
Justification--______________________________________________________________________________
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6. Some mesquite trees have deeper roots than any other plant in the desert. How are deep roots an adaptation for
survival in the desert?
A Deep roots can protect the tree from predators.
B Roots can extend great distances to reach water.
C Roots encounter cooler conditions far below the desert surface.
D Deep roots interact with beneficial bacteria below the surface.
Justification--______________________________________________________________________________
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7. Which of the following would most likely increase a population's chances of survival through time?
A. a high mortality rate B. a large population size C. a low rate of reproduction D. low genetic diversity
Justification--______________________________________________________________________________
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8. The spotted cuscus lives in Australia’s tropical rainforest region. This mammal is primarily active at night and
feeds on fruit and leaves. Which of the following traits would be found in the spotted cuscus?
A. short tail
B. broad feet
C. large eyes
D. sharp teeth
Justification--______________________________________________________________________________
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Biomes DQ 2014-2015
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9. On the Galápagos Islands, finches adapted over time to different food sources through changes in their beak
structure. Which of the following most likely resulted from the finches’ beak structure adaptations?
A. a decreased predation on finches
B. an increased species diversity of finches
C. an increased competition among finches
D. a decreased reproductive rate in finches
Justification--______________________________________________________________________________
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10. Which adaptive feature is expected to be found in plants native to a tropical rainforest biome?
A Flowers that attract pollinating insects
B Roots that store large amounts of water
C Stems that tolerate freezing temperatures
D Seeds that sprout only in the presence of fire
Justification--______________________________________________________________________________
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11. The graph is a climatogram of a
particular biome. Which adaptation would
be seen in animals in this biome?
A. long thin bodies
B. strong thick hooves
C. thick body fat layers
D. dark colored feathers
Justification--___________________
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12. A common ancestor gave rise to fourteen species of Darwin’s finches, which live on the Galapagos Islands. The
finches that colonized different habitats on the islands diverged into different species. Which of the following explains
the process that led to the divergence of finches?
A. Through gene isolation, the finches were unable to adapt due to a limited gene pool.
B. Through natural selection, the finches adapted to different food sources in their habitats.
C. Through natural fragmentation, the finches were unable to interbreed in different habitats.
D. Through gene recombination, the finches began to develop different physical characteristics.
Justification--______________________________________________________________________________
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13. The fennec, shown below, is a small fox-like creature native to North
Africa. It lives in a very dry climate and has large ears that help rid its body
of excess heat. The size and body structures of the fennec are the result of
what process?
A. succession
B. genetic engineering
C. selective breeding
D. natural selection
Justification--_______________________________________________
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14. A terrestrial biome is warm year-round, averaging 24-29C with seasonal rainfall. The dry season in this biome
can last up to nine months. Many varieties of grasses and scattered trees are the primary producers. Which of these
animals are most common in this biome?
A. hibernating mammals
B. tree-dwelling mammals
C. small nocturnal mammals
D. large herbivorous mammals
Justification--______________________________________________________________________________
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