DTW GED PREP

Over millions of years, Earth’s surface has been shaped and reshaped by various physical processes. The continents we recognize today have not always been in their current form. Over time, landmasses have drifted apart or collided with each other, forming new configurations. Internal forces within the Earth, such as tectonic activity, have caused mountain ranges to rise, but the forces of wind and water continually erode these mountains, gradually wearing them down. This ongoing process of change has resulted in a highly varied landscape, with diverse landforms and climates across the planet. These different landscapes, in turn, support a wide variety of plants and animals, each adapted to their specific environments

Climate plays a significant role in shaping these environments. It refers to the long-term patterns of temperature, precipitation, and prevailing winds in a region. Climate is influenced by geographical factors such as the proximity of mountains, oceans, or large bodies of water. For example, coastal areas tend to have milder climates than inland areas because the temperature of the ocean water influences the surrounding air. Similarly, mountains can affect the climate by blocking or redirecting air masses, leading to different conditions on each side of the range. Changes in these geographical factors, such as shifts in the Earth’s orbit or the movement of tectonic plates, can lead to changes in climate over time.

An ecosystem refers to the complex interaction between the physical environment (land, climate, and water) and the living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) within it. In an ecosystem, all the elements—living and non-living—work together in a balanced way to support life. For example, in a forest ecosystem, trees play a crucial role in producing nuts and fruits as part of their reproductive cycle. These food sources sustain small animals and birds, which, in turn, become prey for larger predators like wolves and hawks. Decomposers, such as insects and fungi, break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil that nourish the plants. This cyclical process ensures the continuation of life in the ecosystem, supporting each generation of organisms.

Earth is divided into many different ecosystems, each with its own unique climate, terrain, and living organisms. The tropical rainforest ecosystem in South America, for example, is characterized by high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and a wide variety of plant and animal life. This contrasts sharply with the desert ecosystem in the southwestern United States, where the climate is dry, with minimal rainfall and extreme temperature fluctuations. Despite these differences, both ecosystems are interconnected with the global climate system, and changes in one area can have ripple effects elsewhere.

In terms of climate zones, much of the United States and Western Europe lies within the temperate zone, characterized by moderate temperatures and distinct seasons. This zone supports a variety of ecosystems, from forests to grasslands, and is home to many of the world’s most developed nations. The temperate climate is typically more conducive to agriculture and human settlement, which has contributed to the development of these regions.

In summary, Earth’s surface has been shaped by millions of years of geological and climatic processes. These processes have created diverse ecosystems, each with its own climate, landforms, and living organisms. The interaction between these elements forms the foundation for life on Earth, and any changes to one aspect of the system—whether it’s the climate, geography, or living organisms—can have profound effects on the entire ecosystem.

ECOSYSTEMS

Directions: Choose the best answer to each question.

1. Which of the following is NOT considered a global ecosystem?
A. Temperate
B. Desert
C. Tropical
D. Deciduous

2. Based on the passage:
“Storms from the Pacific Ocean typically release their moisture when they reach the western slopes of the mountains in California, Oregon, and Washington. The area east of the mountains, where little rain falls, is referred to as a rain shadow.”

What type of ecosystem is most likely to exist in a rain shadow?
A. Temperate
B. Desert
C. Tropical
D. Arctic

1. Which of the following is NOT considered a global ecosystem?

✅ D. Deciduous
🟩 Explanation: “Deciduous” refers to a type of forest (e.g., trees that shed leaves seasonally), but it is not classified as a global ecosystem like temperate, desert, tropical, or arctic zones.

2. What type of ecosystem is most likely to exist in a rain shadow?

✅ B. Desert
🟩 Explanation: Rain shadows occur on the leeward side of mountains where dry air leads to arid or desert-like conditions due to lack of rainfall.