Which term refers to a land-based ecosystem?

Which term refers to a land-based ecosystem?

• A. Biomes
• B. Nonpoint source pollution
• C. Terrestrial ecosystem
• D. Aquatic ecosystem

Answer: (C)

Distinguishing where an ecosystem exists—on land or in water—is what this question tests. A terrestrial ecosystem is the land-based kind, including forests, deserts, and grasslands, where organisms interact with soil, air, and sunlight. Aquatic ecosystems are the water-based environments like rivers, lakes, and oceans. Biomes are very large ecological zones that can include both land- and water-based areas, but the term for a land-only environment is terrestrial ecosystem. Nonpoint source pollution refers to diffuse pollution sources and is not about ecosystem type. So the best answer is terrestrial ecosystem because it directly designates a land-based environment.

Distinguishing where an ecosystem exists—on land or in water—is what this question tests. A terrestrial ecosystem is the land-based kind, including forests, deserts, and grasslands, where organisms interact with soil, air, and sunlight. Aquatic ecosystems are the water-based environments like rivers, lakes, and oceans. Biomes are very large ecological zones that can include both land- and water-based areas, but the term for a land-only environment is terrestrial ecosystem. Nonpoint source pollution refers to diffuse pollution sources and is not about ecosystem type. So the best answer is terrestrial ecosystem because it directly designates a land-based environment.