Date. Short Answer: Please answer the following questions in the space provided. 11. Explain what is meant by the term "extinction." Give an example of a species that is extinct, and explain how the extinction occurred. (3 marks) __ 12. In the space provided or on a separate piece of paper,answer the following questions. Use complete sentences in your written work. Choose one of Alberta's biomes. Describe the following:(5 marks) - the area where the biome is found; - the climate (both factors) of the biome;and the plants and animals that live there. Try to relate climate and location to the organisms that live in the biome.

**11.** Extinction refers to the complete disappearance of a species from Earth. It means that no living individuals of that species remain anywhere in the world.<br /><br />Example: The Dodo bird is an extinct species. It was a flightless bird endemic to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Its extinction was primarily caused by human activities. Sailors hunted the Dodo for food, and introduced invasive species like rats, pigs, and monkeys, which preyed on Dodo eggs and competed for resources. Habitat destruction due to logging also contributed to its demise.<br /><br /><br />**12.** **Alberta's Boreal Forest Biome:**<br /><br />* **Area:** The boreal forest covers a vast area of northern and central Alberta, extending from the northern border southwards towards the parkland region.<br /><br />* **Climate:** The boreal forest experiences long, cold winters with significant snowfall and short, cool summers. Temperatures can range from -40°C in winter to 20°C in summer. Precipitation is moderate, mostly falling as snow in winter and rain in summer.<br /><br />* **Plants and Animals:** The dominant vegetation consists of coniferous trees like spruce, fir, and pine, adapted to survive the harsh winters and acidic soils. Deciduous trees like aspen and birch are also found in some areas. Animals found in the boreal forest include moose, elk, deer, black bears, wolves, lynx, snowshoe hares, and a variety of bird species like owls and woodpeckers.<br /><br />The long, cold winters and moderate precipitation influence the types of plants and animals that can thrive in the boreal forest. Coniferous trees are well-suited to the cold, as their needle-like leaves reduce water loss. Animals have adaptations like thick fur or feathers for insulation and some hibernate or migrate to cope with the harsh winter conditions. The relatively short growing season also influences the types of plants that can grow and reproduce successfully.<br />