Chapter 7

Describe the climate and general characteristics of tropical, temperate, and boreal forests.

Describe the physical characteristics of a grassland biome.

Tropical rainforests have thin, acidic soils, yet they contain dense vegetation and high biodiversity. How can these tropical forests have poor soil but support such diverse arrays of plant and animal life?

Distinguish between "minerals" and "ore minerals."

Distinguish between tropical and temperate grasslands.

Why do grasslands exist in some areas that receive enough rainfall to support forests?

What is the most widespread use of grasslands worldwide?

Identify Earth's layers. Include in your answer a definition of the lithosphere and tectonic plates.

Explain why many forest wildflowers emerge and bloom in early spring, before the trees "leaf out."

What is an "ecosystem service"? Describe three such services provided by forests.