Section: Temperate and Polar Zones

Name Class Date

Assessment

Section Quiz

Section: Temperate and Polar Zones

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

1. Which of the following describes soils in deciduous forests?

a. most fertile soil of all biomes

b. rocky and nutrient poor

c. not fertile because of high acid content

d. fertile because of many decaying leaves

2. What do all biomes in the temperate zone have in common?

a. four distinct seasons c. similar animals

b. moderate temperatures d. deciduous and evergreen trees

3. Why have many temperate grasslands been farmed for crops?

a. Their climate is too dry to raise livestock.

b. They have very fertile soil.

c. They cover most of the Earth’s surface.

d. They receive abundant rainfall.

4. What is the main vegetation in chaparral regions?

a. deciduous trees c. evergreen shrubs

b. conifers d. grasses

5. What causes the big temperature change from day to night in the temperate desert?

a. frequent evening precipitation

b. high elevation

c. little solar energy during the day

d. low humidity and clear skies

6. Which of the following is a feature of the tundra biome?

a. It has 24 hours of daylight in the winter.

b. Its climate attracts many birds.

c. It is too cold for animal life.

d. Its soil never thaws.

7. Unlike the tundra biome, the taiga has

a. short, warm winters. c. very fertile soil.

b. mosses and lichens. d. many conifers.

8. Which of the following is one reason a city is a microclimate?

a. Dark pavement absorbs solar radiation.

b. Tall buildings create a higher elevation.

c. There are not enough plants to reflect solar radiation.

d. City roofs are effective heat reflectors.

Holt Science and Technology 52 Climate