A Wildlife Biologist in South Africa Notes That the Soils

question 21

Multiple Choice

A wildlife biologist in South Africa notes that the soils on south-facing slopes are wetter and deeper than those on north-facing slopes, and therefore support more wildlife. What likely accounts for this difference?

• A) differences in rainfall from one area to another
• B) more rapid plant growth on the south slopes
• C) higher soil temperatures on the north slopes
• D) more solar radiation on the south slopes
• E) sandier soils on the north slopes

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Definitions:

Blastopore

Opening into the primitive gut formed at gastrulation.

Vertebrates

Animals with a backbone or spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Gray Crescent

Region that forms during early cellular differentiation of the embryo; believed to contain unique chemical signals that are important during development.

Fertilization

The process by which male and female gametes combine to form a zygote, initiating embryonic development in sexually reproducing organisms.