Reference no: EM133472128

Assignment:

1. Describe how latitudinal differences in incoming sunlight give rise to air circulation patterns that affect climate.

• Explain the forces that drive ocean currents, and how these currents affect climate.
• Explain why organisms in geographically distant portions of a biome often show similar traits.

2. Describe the dominant vegetation and geographic locations of three types of forest biome.

• Explain why tropical rain forest is especially rich in species, and why it plays an important role in the global carbon cycle.
• Describe the negative effects of deforestation.

3. Compare the climate conditions and dominant vegetation in grasslands, savanna, and chaparral.

• Explain the role of fire in maintaining grassland and chaparral.
• Using an appropriate example, describe an example of desertification.
• Describe permafrost and explain why permafrost melting is a concern.

4. Describe the physical factors that affect the distribution of life in freshwater ecosystems.

• Compare the characteristics of ecosystems on rocky shores, sandy shores, and estuaries.
• Describe the coral reef ecosystem and why these ecosystems are in decline.
• Give examples of ecosystems in the open ocean and on the seafloor.

5. Explain why discarded plastic poses a threat to wildlife.

• Describe the causes and effects of acid rain.
• Explain what is meant by the "ozone hole" and the steps that have been taken to address it.
• Using appropriate examples, describe ways in which global climate change harms species.

6. Distinguish between threatened and endangered species.

• Using appropriate examples, describe some factors that raise the risk of species extinctions.
• Present the arguments for conserving biodiversity.