Content Benchmark L.12.C.4
Students know the unique geologic, hydrologic, climatic, and biological characteristics of
Nevada’s bioregions. E/S
1st Item Specification: Recognize the distinguishing characteristics of the Mojave Desert,
alpine forest, and basin and range bioregions.
Depth of Knowledge Level 1
1. Compared to most states in the US, the biodiversity in Nevada
A. is the least diverse.
B. is the most diverse.
C. ranks in the top 10.
D. ranks in the bottom 10.
2. The area with highest concentration of endemic species in the United States is the
A. wetlands in Ash Meadows.
B. Florida Everglades.
C. Great Plains.
D. Mississippi River Delta.
3. The most common type of endemic species in Nevada belongs to which taxa listed below?
A. Fish
B. Plants
C. Reptiles
D. Birds
4. You would know that you are located in the Mojave Desert if you were surround by
A. Joshua trees.
B. Sagebrush.
C. Creosote bush.
D. Pinyon Pine trees.
5. What is the state flower of Nevada?
A. Joshua tree
B. Sagebrush
C. Barrel cactus
D. Desert daisy
Depth of Knowledge Level 2
6. Which reason best explains how the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountains effects the
climate in Nevada.
A. Descending air masses on the east side of the mountains generate greater rainfall.
B. Descending air masses on the east side of the mountains have no effect on rainfall.
C. Ascending air masses on the west side of the mountains pick up moisture.
D. Ascending air masses on the west side of the mountains lose moisture.
7. Which reason best explains why temperatures in Nevada are warmer than areas at the same
latitude on the pacific coast of California.
A. As air masses from the west descend into Nevada they begin to lose heat.
B. As air masses from the west descend into Nevada they begin to gain heat.
C. The Rocky Mountains block cool air from moving into Nevada.
D. Warm air masses from the Rocky Mountains enter Nevada.
8. Nevada has a very high biodiversity compared to other states. Which reason below best
explains why this is the case.
A. It is a large state in terms of area.
B. It is surrounded by many mountains.
C. It has numerous ecological ecosystems.
D. It has few people to disturb plant and animal habitats.
9. Use the diagram and information below to answer the next question. In the diagram below,
an air mass starts at Location 1 and moves over several mountains and valleys eventually
reaching Location 4. While moving over the highest mountains, rain occurs on the west side
of the mountains.
Location 2
Location 3
Location 4
Location 1
Which statement below is true based upon the diagram and given information?
A. Atmospheric humidity will be the greatest at Location 1.
B. Highest temperatures will be recorded at Location 3.
C. Location 3 will be cooler than Location 4.
D. Location 1 will be cooler than Location 2.
10. Use the diagram and information below to answer the next question. In the diagram below,
an air mass starts at Location 1 and moves over several mountains and valleys eventually
reaching Location 4. While moving over the highest mountains, rain occurs on the west side
of the mountains.
Location 2
Location 3
Location 4
Location 1
Which statement below is true based upon the diagram and given information?
A. Location 2 will be warmer than Location 1.
B. Location 1 will have warmer than Location 4.
C. Location 1 will have the driest climate.
D. Location 3 will have the driest weather.
Content Benchmark L.12.C.4
Students know the unique geologic, hydrologic, climatic, and biological characteristics of
Nevada’s bioregions. E/S
Answers to Sample Test Questions
1. C, DOK Level 1
2. A, DOK Level 1
3. C, DOK Level 1
4. A, DOK Level 1
5. B, DOK Level 1
6. D, DOK Level 2
7. B, DOK Level 2
8. C, DOK Level 2
9. B, DOK Level 2
10. D, DOK Level 2