Biology Answers

Thermal energy transfer in the atmosphere occurs mainly by:
a) conduction
b) convection
c) global wind patterns
d) re-emission of infrared radiation

The average net radiation budget of Earth is:
a) the amount of energy radiated from Earth’s surface
b) equal to zero on average, for Earth as a whole
c) the percentage change in average global temperature
d) the difference between the amount of incoming radiation and albedo

Some tropical plants can grow outdoors in Victoria, British Columbia, but not in
Edmonton, Alberta, because of differences in:
a) the weather
b) the altitude
c) the climate
d) their adaptations

Earth’s main source of energy is:
a) fossil fuels
b) hydroelectric energy
c) nuclear energy
d) solar energy

The average amount of insolation at the poles is less than at the equator due to:
a) the angle of incidence of incoming solar radiation
b) the angle of inclination of Earth
c) the angle of refraction of incoming solar radiation
d) the angle of reflection of incoming solar radiation

The hydrosphere
a) accounts for all the water on Earth’s surface
b) contains ice, liquid water, and water vapour
c) does not include water vapour in the atmosphere
d) consists of all the liquid water on Earth and the living organisms it contains

The lithosphere is warmed by:
a) both the molten material in Earth’s mantle and incoming energy from the Sun
b) incoming energy from the Sun
c) the molten material in Earth’s mantle
d) the gases of the atmosphere

The biosphere is composed of
a) all the living things on Earth’s surface
b) all the living things in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere
c) the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere
d) all the living things on Earth and the environment that supports them

The application of organic matter to the soil improves soil quality. Discuss.

Describe the structure of any two tectosilicate minerals found in soils.