Question

1. climate influences the distribution of biomes because—

a. animals migrate for better food
b. people build cities in warm places
c. temperature and precipitation determine plant life
d. nations create biome boundaries

1. a population pyramid that is wide at the bottom shows—

a. low birth rates
b. an aging population
c. rapid population growth
d. equal gender distribution

1. world population growth has generally—

a. decreased over time
b. stayed the same
c. increased rapidly in recent centuries
d. declined due to climate change

1. extreme weather events like el niño may cause—

a. predictable rainfall patterns
b. no change in ocean temperatures
c. floods and droughts (partially visible)

Explanation:

Question 14

To determine why climate influences biome distribution, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Animal migration for food is more about animal behavior and resource availability, not the direct link between climate and biome distribution. Biomes are defined by plant communities (and associated animals), so this is not the main reason.
• Option B: Human city - building in warm places is a human - centered activity and not related to the natural distribution of biomes, which are natural ecological communities.
• Option C: Temperature and precipitation are key climate factors. Different combinations of temperature and precipitation support different types of plant life. Since biomes are characterized by their dominant plant (and animal) communities, the climate - determined plant life is the main reason for biome distribution.
• Option D: Nations do not create biome boundaries. Biomes are natural ecological units, and political boundaries have no bearing on their natural distribution.

A population pyramid's shape indicates population characteristics:

• Option A: A wide - bottomed pyramid means there are many young people, which implies high birth rates, not low birth rates.
• Option B: An aging population is shown by a narrow bottom (few young people) and a wider top (more older people), not a wide bottom.
• Option C: A wide bottom in a population pyramid means a large proportion of the population is in the younger age groups. This large base of young people will grow into the reproductive age groups, leading to rapid population growth as they have children.
• Option D: A wide bottom of a population pyramid is related to age distribution (many young people), not gender distribution.

We analyze world population growth trends:

• Option A: World population has not decreased over time. In fact, for most of history, and especially in recent centuries, it has increased.
• Option B: The world population has not stayed the same. There have been significant changes, with a general upward trend.
• Option C: In recent centuries, due to factors like improvements in medicine, agriculture, and living conditions, the world population has increased rapidly. For example, the industrial revolution and advancements in public health have led to lower death rates and (at times) high birth rates, causing rapid population growth.
• Option D: While climate change may have some impacts on population in the future or in specific regions, it has not been the main cause of a general decline in world population growth. The overall trend in recent centuries has been one of rapid increase.

Answer:

C. Temperature and precipitation determine plant life

Question 15