Study Guide – Biomes and Diversity
1. Know the vocabulary:
abiotic
biotic
biodiversity
biosphere
microclimate
tropic zone
El Nino
polar zone Koeppen classification system
greenhouse effect
climatology
Maunder minimum
temperate zone
heat island
2. How many biomes are in North Carolina? 3
3. What are the names of the biomes in North Carolina? Mountains, piedmont, coastal plains
4. What are the five examples of abiotic factors. Soil, water, air, temperature, sunlight
5. What is the difference between abiotic and biotic factors? Abiotic – non-living, biotic –
living, once living
6. What is the trend of precipitation from west to east in North Carolina? decreases
7. What is the trend of temperature from west to east in North Carolina? increases
8. What are the three main soil types in North Carolina? Cecil soil, sandhill, organic
9. What is the most common soil type in North Carolina? Cecil soil
10. What is Cecil soil like? Where is it found? Deep, well drained; found in the piedmont region
11. What is sandhill soil like? Where is it found? Loose, grey, sandy; coastal plain area
12. What is organic soil like? Where is it found? Black, mucky, contains high amount of peat;
found in wetland areas – marshes, swamps, bogs
13. How does loss of biodiversity affect ecosystems? Loss of fresh water capacity, loss of
species, loss of the ability to produce goods like food, loss of ability to provide a stable
climate
14. Is loss of biodiversity as much of an environmental impact as global warming or pollution?
yes
15. Why is biodiversity important? It helps ensure that species will endure environmental
pressures
16. How do human activities impact the biosphere? Deforestation, pollution, overpopulation apply heavy biological pressures on species that may or may not be able to adapt