Question

Match the ecosystem with the most suitable description. $$ \text {tundra } \quad \quad \text {a. freshwater and seawater mix} $$ $$ \text {chaparral} \quad \quad \text {b. low humidity, and little rainfall} $$ $$ \text {desert} \quad \quad \text {c. North American grassland} $$ $$ \text {prairie} \quad \quad \text {d. fire-adapted shrubs with tough leaves} $$ $$ \text {estuary} \quad \quad \text {e. coldest biome} $$ $$ \text {boreal forest} \quad \quad \text {f. most extensive biome} $$ $$ \text {coral reef} \quad \quad \text {g. main producers are protists} $$ $$ \text {tropical rain forest} \quad \quad \text {h. broad-leaved trees are active all year} $$

Short answer

Tundra - e, Chaparral - d, Desert - b, Prairie - c, Estuary - a, Boreal forest - f, Coral reef - g, Tropical rain forest - h.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Each Ecosystem's Description

We begin by matching each ecosystem to its correct description based on characteristic features. For instance, the "tundra" is known for being the coldest biome. Therefore, it aligns with option (e). Similarly, the "desert" is characterized by low humidity and little rainfall, matching with (b).

Match Specific Features to Ecosystems

We continue by pairing unique features with each remaining ecosystem. The "chaparral" is known for having fire-adapted shrubs with tough leaves, so it pairs with (d). The "prairie" is a North American grassland, so it matches with (c).

Detail Water-Based Ecosystems

The "estuary" is characterized by the mixing of freshwater and seawater, making (a) its description. The "coral reef" is primarily composed of protists like coral algae, which makes (g) its suitable description.

Complete Biome Matching

The "boreal forest" is the most extensive biome, and therefore, it should be matched with (f). Finally, the "tropical rain forest" is known for broad-leaved trees active throughout the year, so it matches with (h).

Key concepts

Tundra Ecosystem

The tundra ecosystem is one of the coldest and harshest biomes on Earth. It is mainly located near the North Pole and characterized by extremely low temperatures, little precipitation, and permafrost, a layer of permanently frozen subsoil. Due to these conditions, the tundra hosts a limited variety of plant and animal species compared to other biomes.

Some key features of the tundra ecosystem include:

• Short growing seasons: Plants have a very limited period each year to grow and reproduce.
• Lack of trees: The harsh climate means that large trees cannot survive; instead, mosses, lichens, and small shrubs dominate.
• Adaptations: Animals like polar bears and arctic foxes have adapted to survive the cold with thick fur and fat layers.

The tundra is a fragile ecosystem, vulnerable to climate change, which can cause the permafrost to thaw, impacting the global climate significantly.

Desert Climate

Desert climates are defined by low humidity and minimal rainfall, typically receiving less than 25 centimeters of rain annually. Deserts can be hot, like the Sahara, or cold, like the Gobi. They cover about one-third of Earth's land surface and are known for their extreme weather conditions.

Features of desert climates include:

• Temperature extremes: Hot deserts have scorching days and chilly nights, whereas cold deserts can have freezing winters.
• Sparse vegetation: Only plants adapted to water scarcity, like cacti and succulents, manage to thrive.
• Adapted wildlife: Animals such as camels and kangaroo rats have adapted to survive with little water by storing it efficiently or getting it from their food.

Deserts are expanding due to human activity and climate change, posing environmental challenges.

Boreal Forest Biome

The boreal forest biome, also known as the taiga, is the most extensive biome on Earth, sprawling across North America, Europe, and Asia. Characterized by its cold climates and coniferous forests, the boreal forest plays a crucial role in the planet's carbon cycle.

Key aspects of the boreal forest include:

• Coniferous trees: Spruces, pines, and firs dominate, adapted to survive cold temperatures and poor soil conditions.
• Long, cold winters and short, moist summers: This climate limits the growing season significantly.
• Rich in wildlife: Home to mammals like moose, bears, and wolves, as well as numerous migratory bird species.

The boreal forest is at risk from logging, mining, and climate change, which could alter these vital carbon storage systems.

Tropical Rain Forest

Tropical rainforests are the most biodiverse biomes, located near the equator in regions like the Amazon Basin, Congo River Basin, and parts of Southeast Asia. These lush green environments are known for their warm temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year.

Distinctive features of tropical rainforests include:

• High biodiversity: Home to more than half of the world's plant and animal species, including unique creatures like jaguars and harpy eagles.
• Dense vegetation: Canopy layers support diverse life, with trees that can reach over 50 meters in height.
• Year-round growing season: Mild temperatures and frequent rain allow plants to grow continuously.

Despite their importance, tropical rainforests are threatened by deforestation and habitat loss, with significant implications for global biodiversity and climate regulation.

Estuary Characteristics

Estuaries, where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with seawater, are some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth. Found along coasts around the world, they support diverse communities of aquatic life and provide critical ecosystem services.

Important characteristics of estuaries include:

• Varied salinity: Water salinity fluctuates with tides, seasonal changes, and weather, affecting the species that can live there.
• Rich biodiversity: Estuaries are nurseries for many marine species, offering shelter and abundant food supplies.
• Ecosystem services: They filter pollutants from water, buffer shorelines from erosion, and offer habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife.

Estuaries face threats from pollution, land reclamation, and climate change, which could alter their natural dynamics and reduce their ecological benefits.