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Ch. 34 The Biosphere: An Introduction to Earth's Diverse Environments
Taylor - Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th Edition
Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTaylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan 10th EditionCh. 34 The Biosphere: An Introduction to Earth's Diverse EnvironmentsProblem 9
Chapter 34, Problem 9

Changes in the seasons are caused by
a. The tilt of Earth's axis toward or away from the sun
b. Annual cycles of temperature and rainfall
c. Variation in the distance between Earth and the sun
d. An annual cycle in the sun's energy output

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of Earth's axial tilt: Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. This tilt is a key factor in the changing seasons.
Recognize how the tilt affects sunlight: During different times of the year, the tilt causes one hemisphere to receive more direct sunlight while the other receives less. This results in variations in temperature and daylight hours.
Eliminate incorrect options: (b) refers to temperature and rainfall cycles, which are effects of seasons, not their cause. (c) is incorrect because the variation in Earth's distance from the sun is minimal and does not significantly affect seasons. (d) is incorrect because the sun's energy output does not vary significantly on an annual basis.
Focus on the correct explanation: The tilt of Earth's axis (option a) is the primary reason for the seasonal changes, as it determines the angle and intensity of sunlight received by different parts of the Earth throughout the year.
Conclude that the correct answer is based on the tilt of Earth's axis, which causes the variation in sunlight distribution and leads to the changes in seasons.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Tilt of Earth's Axis

The tilt of Earth's axis, approximately 23.5 degrees, is the primary reason for the changing seasons. As Earth orbits the sun, different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to seasonal changes in temperature and daylight.
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Earth's Orbit

Earth's orbit around the sun is elliptical, but the variation in distance from the sun is not significant enough to cause the seasons. Instead, the axial tilt plays a more critical role in determining the intensity and duration of sunlight received at different latitudes during the year.
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Solar Energy Output

While the sun's energy output does vary slightly over time, these changes occur over much longer cycles and do not directly cause seasonal changes. The seasons are primarily influenced by the axial tilt and the resulting angle of sunlight, rather than fluctuations in solar energy.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

You have seen that Earth's terrestrial biomes reflect regional variations in climate. But what determines these climatic variations? Interpret the following diagrams in reference to how each represents effects on global patterns of temperature, rainfall, and winds.

a. Solar radiation and latitude

b. Earth's orbit around the sun

c. Global patterns of air circulation and rainfall

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Textbook Question
Match each description on the left with the correct biome on the right. 2. The most complex and diverse biome 3. Ground permanently frozen 4. Deciduous trees such as ­hickory and birch 5. Limited to small coastal areas 6. Spruce, fir, pine, and hemlock trees 7. Home of ants, antelopes, and lions 8. North American plains a. chaparral b. savanna c. taiga d. temperate broadleaf forest e. temperate grassland f. tropical rain forest g. arctic tundra
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Textbook Question

What makes the Gobi Desert of Asia a desert?

a. The growing season there is very short

b. It is hot

c. Temperatures vary little from summer to winter

d. It is dry

1145
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Textbook Question

Which of the following sea creatures might be described as a pelagic animal of the aphotic zone?

a. A coral reef fish

b. An intertidal snail

c. A deep-sea squid

d. A harbor seal

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Textbook Question

Why do the tropics and the windward side of mountains receive more rainfall than areas around latitudes 30° north and south and the leeward side of mountains?

a. Rising warm, moist air cools and drops its moisture as rain.

b. Descending air condenses, creating clouds and rain.

c. There is more solar radiation in the tropics and on the windward side of mountains.

d. Earth's rotation creates seasonal differences in rainfall.

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