California Rivers Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What characteristic of alluvial fans supports more vegetation compared to surrounding areas?

  • Better soil and water availability (correct)
  • Higher elevation
  • Presence of stones
  • Consistent sunlight exposure

    • Which strategy describes annual plants that remain dormant until favorable conditions arise?

  • Evade
  • Allelopathy
  • Escape (correct)
  • Endure

    • Which adaptation is exhibited by the Desert Tortoise to conserve water?

  • Mating during rainy season
  • Underground swimming
  • Large body size
  • Collecting rainwater (correct)

    • Which of the following plants is known for its longevity and drought adaptations?

    <p>Creosote Bush</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do biological soil crusts (biocrusts) play in desert ecosystems?

    <p>Stabilize soil and retain moisture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a watershed defined as?

    <p>An area of land where precipitation drains into a common body of water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary ecological role of riparian vegetation?

    <p>To stabilize riverbanks and control erosion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which river is the longest in California?

    <p>Sacramento River</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant challenge do dams present for salmon in California rivers?

    <p>They block salmon migration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What benefit do high river flows provide to aquatic habitats?

    <p>They bring large woody debris that enhances structural habitats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do rivers have on agricultural irrigation?

    <p>They provide a crucial water source for irrigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following rivers is designated as 'Wild and Scenic'?

    <p>Merced River</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes anadromous fish?

    <p>Fish that migrate from freshwater to the ocean and back.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary ecological benefit of rivers like the Merced River having a Wild and Scenic designation?

    <p>It helps preserve their ecological and cultural legacy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following beach types is formed specifically at river mouths?

    <p>Delta beaches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily drives sand movement along California's coastline?

    <p>Littoral/longshore currents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are beaches considered dynamic environments?

    <p>Sand movement is influenced by various environmental factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which human modification is most likely to limit sediment supply to beaches?

    <p>Dams</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does wrack play in beach ecosystems?

    <p>It provides organic material for food webs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant threat to the Coastal Sage Scrub ecosystem?

    <p>Urban development and invasive plant species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is typical of chaparral ecosystems?

    <p>It experiences wet winters and dry summers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What adaptation allows certain chaparral plants to survive after wildfires?

    <p>Root crown resprouting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of coastal dunes?

    <p>Conduction of river flows</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contributes primarily to the biodiversity found in coastal sage scrub ecosystems?

    <p>Unique plant communities and habitat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant ecological benefit of beaches?

    <p>Natural filtration and trapping of pollutants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a primary producer in beach ecosystems?

    <p>Kelp and seagrass</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of shrubs dominate the coastal sage scrub (CSS) ecosystem?

    <p>Drought-deciduous shrubs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which adaptation helps chaparral plants conserve water?

    <p>Thick, leathery leaves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the fire regime in the coastal sage scrub ecosystem primarily get shaped?

    <p>Grazing and low-intensity fires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary soil condition found in chaparral habitats?

    <p>Low-nutrient, rocky soils</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what types of conditions do Coast Redwoods typically thrive?

    <p>Cool, moist conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way Coast Redwoods can regenerate after being damaged?

    <p>By sprouting from the base</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What adaptation do Coast Redwoods have to deter pests and resist decay?

    <p>High tannin content in bark and wood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of regeneration primarily occurs in old-growth redwoods?

    <p>Sexual regeneration through seed production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following species coexists with Coast Redwoods?

    <p>Douglas fir</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ecological role do redwood forests play regarding biodiversity?

    <p>Provide habitat for diverse invertebrates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of old-growth redwood forests remain due to historical logging?

    <p>4-5%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which movement led to the establishment of Redwood National Park?

    <p>Creation of Save the Redwoods League</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is unique to albino redwoods?

    <p>Lack chlorophyll and appear white</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ecological service do redwoods provide regarding water regulation?

    <p>Reduce runoff and support groundwater recharge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ecological benefit does fire provide in montane forests?

    <p>Creates diverse tree groupings and open spaces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does prolonged drought primarily affect dense forests?

    <p>Leads to increased competition for water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which tree species is noted for its relationship with Clark’s Nutcracker and its adaptations to harsh conditions?

    <p>Whitebark Pine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant risk caused by fire suppression in montane forests?

    <p>Loss of shrub patches for songbirds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic describes the alpine ecosystem?

    <p>Presence of glaciers from the last Ice Age</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact does climate change have on treeline elevation?

    <p>Induces upward shifts in treeline due to warmer temperatures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following animals is noted for adapting to cold, rocky alpine environments?

    <p>American Pika</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines California's desert ecosystems?

    <p>Areas receiving less than 10 inches of annual precipitation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the Mojave Desert?

    <p>Contains the lowest point in North America</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is most important for the survival of plants in desert ecosystems?

    <p>Ability to tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature is characteristic of the subalpine ecosystem?

    <p>Sparse, open woodlands below the treeline</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of soils are commonly found in desert ecosystems?

    <p>Sandy or rocky with low nutrients</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which species is known to have seen a significant rise in population due to conservation efforts?

    <p>Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for the formation of playas in desert environments?

    <p>Seasonal water supporting specific wildlife</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    California Rivers

    • Rivers distribute water from precipitation and snowmelt to forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas
    • They provide irrigation for agriculture, deposit nutrients in valleys, and transfer them via processes like salmon spawning
    • Rivers carry sediments to the ocean, supporting coastal ecosystems and beaches
    • River flow varies with precipitation and snowmelt
    • High flows bring large woody debris, scour riverbeds, and revitalize riparian vegetation
    • Riparian vegetation stabilizes riverbanks, provides shade and shelter, and regulates temperature and oxygen
    • Salmon are keystone species in California rivers with anadromous life cycles (born in fresh water, migrate to the ocean, return to spawn)
    • Dams block salmon migration, disrupt ecosystems, and threaten populations
    • Dams provide reliable water for agriculture, cities, and industry, as well as flood control
    • The Merced River watershed is ~1,700 square miles in the Sierra Nevada and primarily fed by snowmelt, recognized for its free-flowing condition
    • Human modifications like dams reduce river flow and impact anadromous fish migration
    • The Merced River has been designated as "Wild and Scenic" since 1987

    Sandy Beaches and Dunes

    • Beaches are formed by mobile sediments shaped by waves, wind, and tides
    • Types include pocket, delta, logarithmic spiral, and long straight beaches, and wide beaches with dunes
    • Sand is transported by littoral/longshore currents parallel to the shore
    • In California, sand transport is primarily north to south due to wave patterns
    • Littoral cells manage sediment movement
    • Sources of sand are streams, rivers and bluff erosion
    • Sinks include submarine canyons and sand dunes, with Monterey Canyon being a major sink
    • Sediment budget balances inputs and losses of sand; influencing beach width and stability
    • Human impacts include reduced sand supplying via dams, coastal armoring, and beach nourishment
    • Beaches erode in storms but rebuild during calm weather

    Coastal Sage Scrub and Coastal Chaparral

    • Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS) is a shrub-dominated plant community found on coastal slopes in Southern California
    • Plants are drought-deciduous, often "soft chaparral"
    • CSS flourishes in the spring but is dormant in summer, adapting to coastal fog
    • Species like California sagebrush, California gnatcatcher, and coast horned lizard are found in CSS
    • Chaparral is a dense, woody shrub ecosystem in Mediterranean climates
    • Shrubs have thick, leathery leaves reducing water loss; adapted to fire intervals of 30-150+ years
    • Species include Manzanita, Ceanothus, Chamise, and Knobcone pines
    • Fire promotes healthy forests, diversifying tree groupings, clearing underbrush, adding soil nutrients, and stimulating seed germination
    • Human activities can disrupt natural fire intervals, impacting species diversity through increased fire frequency and urban encroachment.

    Coast Redwood Forests

    • Coast redwoods are tall trees along the Pacific coast, with long lifespans (1,000–2,000 years)
    • They prefer cool, moist conditions with frequent fog
    • Adaptations include pest and disease resistance from tannins and symbiotic fungi, thick bark for fire protection, and tolerance to disturbance/flooding
    • Redwood forests are important for climate regulation and biodiversity. They store much carbon
    • Sexual regeneration involves millions of seeds, but only a small percentage germinate
    • Asexual regeneration occurs through sprouting from burls
    • Frequent fires aid in seed germination and growth
    • Human exploitation through logging drastically reduced old-growth forests
    • Conservation efforts like the Save the Redwoods League and Redwood National Park protect remaining forests

    Montane Forests

    • Montane forests are diverse and productive temperate ecosystems, boasting high conifer diversity
    • Shaped by temperature and precipitation gradients, elevation, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean
    • Major forest types include Sierran mixed conifer, Klamath mixed conifer, white fir, montane hardwood-conifer, giant sequoia groves, and eastside pine
    • Key tree species include white fir, red fir, incense cedar, Jeffrey pine, ponderosa pine, sugar pine, Douglas-fir, and California black oak
    • Fire is crucial for maintaining diversity in these forests
    • Forests become too dense with fire suppression, making them more vulnerable to pests and drought
    • Droughts heighten competition for water, increasing vulnerability to bark beetles
    • Climate change can disrupt plant-climate suitability

    Subalpine and Alpine Ecosystems

    • Subalpine is the transition zone below treeline, featuring sparse woodlands
    • Alpine extends above treeline, featuring tundra-like conditions
    • Key tree species include whitebark pine, bristlecone pine, and foxtail pine
    • Alpine vegetation consists of fell fields with dwarf shrubs, perennial grasses, and wildflowers
    • Animal adaptations include wind-blown stunted trees of subalpine species and low-growing flora
    • Treeline reflects climate change and may shift upward

    Desert Ecosystems

    • California deserts receive less than 10 inches of annual precipitation and cover approximately 38% of the state
    • Key deserts include the Great Basin, Mojave, and Colorado Deserts
    • Abiotic factors are most crucial, including high temperatures, low and variable precipitation, and nutrient-poor soils
    • Adaptations in plants include escaping via seeds, evading via water storage (e.g., cacti), and enduring using deep roots and waxy leaves
    • Animals exhibit behavioral/physiological adaptations, like burying for heat/water, and large ears for heat dissipation
    • Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) help stabilize soil, provide nutrients, and retain moisture
    • Human impacts include mining, agriculture, urban development, and renewable energy projects
    • Conservation efforts protect areas like Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks, safeguarding these diverse desert landscapes.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the vital role of California's rivers. This quiz covers topics including river flow dynamics, the importance of riparian vegetation, and the impact of dams on salmon migration and local ecosystems. Explore how rivers contribute to agriculture and coastal ecosystems.

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