Question 1

Studying species transplants is a way that ecologists ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  determine the distribution of a species in a specified area 
B)  develop mathematical models for distribution and abundance of organisms 
C)  determine if dispersal is a key factor in limiting distribution of organisms 
D)  consolidate a landscape region into a single ecosystem 
A)  determine the distribution of a species in a specified area 
B)  develop mathematical models for distribution and abundance of organisms 
C)  determine if dispersal is a key factor in limiting distribution of organisms 
D)  consolidate a landscape region into a single ecosystem

Question 2

At 15-30°N, air masses formed over the Pacific Ocean are moved by prevailing westerlies, where they encounter extensive north-south mountain ranges. Which statement best describes the outcome of this encounter between a landform and an air mass?

Accepted Answer

A)  The cool, moist Pacific air heats as it rises, releasing its precipitation as it passes the tops of the mountains. This now warm and dry air cools as it descends on the leeward side of the range. 
B)  The warm, moist Pacific air rises and cools, releasing precipitation as it moves up the windward side of the range. This now cool and dry air mass heats up as it descends on the leeward side of the range. 
C)  The cool, dry Pacific air heats up and picks up moisture from evaporation of the snowcapped peaks of the mountain range, releasing this moisture as precipitation when the air cools while descending on the leeward side of the range. 
D)  These air masses are blocked by the mountain ranges, producing high annual amounts of precipitation on the windward sides of these mountain ranges. 
A)  The cool, moist Pacific air heats as it rises, releasing its precipitation as it passes the tops of the mountains. This now warm and dry air cools as it descends on the leeward side of the range. 
B)  The warm, moist Pacific air rises and cools, releasing precipitation as it moves up the windward side of the range. This now cool and dry air mass heats up as it descends on the leeward side of the range. 
C)  The cool, dry Pacific air heats up and picks up moisture from evaporation of the snowcapped peaks of the mountain range, releasing this moisture as precipitation when the air cools while descending on the leeward side of the range. 
D)  These air masses are blocked by the mountain ranges, producing high annual amounts of precipitation on the windward sides of these mountain ranges.

Question 3

Which of the following is characteristic of most terrestrial biomes?

Accepted Answer

A)  a distribution predicted almost entirely by rock and soil patterns 
B)  clear boundaries between adjacent biomes 
C)  vegetation demonstrating vertical layering 
D)  cold winter months 
A)  a distribution predicted almost entirely by rock and soil patterns 
B)  clear boundaries between adjacent biomes 
C)  vegetation demonstrating vertical layering 
D)  cold winter months

Question 4

Use the diagram showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the question.
 
The range of cattle egrets has expanded between 1937 and today. How would an ecologist likely best explain the expansion of the cattle egret?

Accepted Answer

A)  Climatic factors, such as sunlight, temperature, and precipitation, provide a suitable habitat for cattle egrets. 
B)  There are no predators for cattle egrets in the New World, so they continue to expand their range. 
C)  The abundant area and little competition with other birds occupying similar habitats met the biotic and abiotic requirements of the cattle egret expansion. 
D)  The first egrets to colonize South America evolved into a new species capable of competing with the native species of herons and egrets. 
A)  Climatic factors, such as sunlight, temperature, and precipitation, provide a suitable habitat for cattle egrets. 
B)  There are no predators for cattle egrets in the New World, so they continue to expand their range. 
C)  The abundant area and little competition with other birds occupying similar habitats met the biotic and abiotic requirements of the cattle egret expansion. 
D)  The first egrets to colonize South America evolved into a new species capable of competing with the native species of herons and egrets.

Question 5

If global warming continues at its present rate, which biomes will likely take the place of the coniferous forest (taiga)?

Accepted Answer

A)  temperate broadleaf forest and grassland 
B)  desert and chaparral 
C)  tropical forest and savanna 
D)  chaparral and temperate broadleaf forest 
A)  temperate broadleaf forest and grassland 
B)  desert and chaparral 
C)  tropical forest and savanna 
D)  chaparral and temperate broadleaf forest

Question 6

Two plant species live in the same biome but on different continents. Although the two species are not at all closely related, they may appear quite similar as a result of ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  convergent evolution 
B)  allopatric speciation 
C)  introgression 
D)  gene flow 
A)  convergent evolution 
B)  allopatric speciation 
C)  introgression 
D)  gene flow

Question 7

Which of these environmental factor(s)is/are the key determining factor(s)that control(s)the biotic structure of aquatic biomes?

Accepted Answer

A)  average annual air temperature and precipitation 
B)  seasonal fluctuation of water temperature 
C)  oxygen concentrations and nutrient levels 
D)  salinity 
A)  average annual air temperature and precipitation 
B)  seasonal fluctuation of water temperature 
C)  oxygen concentrations and nutrient levels 
D)  salinity

Question 8

When climbing a mountain, we can observe transitions in biological communities that are analogous to the changes ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  in biomes at different latitudes 
B)  in a community through different seasons 
C)  in an ecosystem as it evolves over time 
D)  across the United States from east to west 
A)  in biomes at different latitudes 
B)  in a community through different seasons 
C)  in an ecosystem as it evolves over time 
D)  across the United States from east to west

Question 9

When climbing a mountain, we can observe transitions in biological communities that are analogous to the changes

Accepted Answer

A)  in biomes at different latitudes. 
B)  in different depths in the ocean. 
C)  in a community through different seasons. 
D)  in an ecosystem as it evolves over time. 
A)  in biomes at different latitudes. 
B)  in different depths in the ocean. 
C)  in a community through different seasons. 
D)  in an ecosystem as it evolves over time.

Question 10

The main reason polar regions are cooler than the equator is that ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  solar radiation strikes the poles at a lower angle and travels through more atmosphere 
B)  the poles are farther from the sun than is the equator 
C)  the polar atmosphere is thinner and contains fewer greenhouse gases 
D)  the poles are permanently tilted away from the sun 
A)  solar radiation strikes the poles at a lower angle and travels through more atmosphere 
B)  the poles are farther from the sun than is the equator 
C)  the polar atmosphere is thinner and contains fewer greenhouse gases 
D)  the poles are permanently tilted away from the sun

Question 11

The eight climographs show yearly temperature (line graph and left vertical axis)and precipitation (bar graph and right vertical axis)averages for each month for some locations on Earth.
 
Which climograph shows the climate for location 1?

Accepted Answer

A)  A 
B)  C 
C)  E 
D)  H 
A)  A 
B)  C 
C)  E 
D)  H

Question 12

For mountain ranges that are subjected to prevailing winds, why is the climate drier on the leeward (downwind)side?

Accepted Answer

A)  Deserts create dry conditions on the leeward side of mountain ranges. 
B)  The sun illuminates the leeward side of mountain ranges at a more direct angle, converting to heat energy, which evaporates most of the water present. 
C)  Pushed by the prevailing winds on the windward side, air is forced to rise, cool, condense, and drop its precipitation, leaving drier air to descend the leeward side. 
D)  Air masses pushed by the prevailing winds are stopped by mountain ranges and the moisture is used up in the stagnant air masses on the leeward side. 
A)  Deserts create dry conditions on the leeward side of mountain ranges. 
B)  The sun illuminates the leeward side of mountain ranges at a more direct angle, converting to heat energy, which evaporates most of the water present. 
C)  Pushed by the prevailing winds on the windward side, air is forced to rise, cool, condense, and drop its precipitation, leaving drier air to descend the leeward side. 
D)  Air masses pushed by the prevailing winds are stopped by mountain ranges and the moisture is used up in the stagnant air masses on the leeward side.

Question 13

Imagine that a deep temperate zone lake did not turn over during the spring and fall seasons. Based on the physical and biological properties of limnetic ecosystems, what would be the difference from normal seasonal turnover?

Accepted Answer

A)  The lake would fail to freeze over in winter. 
B)  An algal bloom of algae would result every spring. 
C)  Lakes would suffer a nutrient depletion in surface layers. 
D)  The pH of the lake would become increasingly alkaline. 
A)  The lake would fail to freeze over in winter. 
B)  An algal bloom of algae would result every spring. 
C)  Lakes would suffer a nutrient depletion in surface layers. 
D)  The pH of the lake would become increasingly alkaline.

Question 14

Which of the following causes seasons on Earth?

Accepted Answer

A)  the variation in proximity of the Earth to the sun at different times of the year 
B)  the constant tilt of the Earth, combined with its orbit around the sun 
C)  the distance between the Earth and the sun in winter versus in the summer 
D)  the variation or wobble of Earth's tilt during the year 
A)  the variation in proximity of the Earth to the sun at different times of the year 
B)  the constant tilt of the Earth, combined with its orbit around the sun 
C)  the distance between the Earth and the sun in winter versus in the summer 
D)  the variation or wobble of Earth's tilt during the year

Question 15

If the direction of Earth's rotation reversed, the most predictable effect would be

Accepted Answer

A)  a big change in the length of the year. 
B)  winds blowing from west to east along the equator. 
C)  a loss of seasonal variation at high latitudes. 
D)  the elimination of ocean currents. 
A)  a big change in the length of the year. 
B)  winds blowing from west to east along the equator. 
C)  a loss of seasonal variation at high latitudes. 
D)  the elimination of ocean currents.

Question 16

Use the following figures to answer the question below.

Based on the data in the figures, which of the following statements is accurate?

Accepted Answer

A)  Area 1 could be called a boreal forest/taiga. 
B)  Area 2 could be called a temperate grassland. 
C)  Area 1 could be called a tropical wet/rain forest. 
D)  Area 2 could be tundra. 
A)  Area 1 could be called a boreal forest/taiga. 
B)  Area 2 could be called a temperate grassland. 
C)  Area 1 could be called a tropical wet/rain forest. 
D)  Area 2 could be tundra.

Question 17

In areas of permafrost, stands of black spruce are frequently observed in the landscape, while other tree species are noticeably absent. Often these stands are referred to as "drunken forests" because many of the black spruce often "lean over" (that is, they are displaced from their normal vertical alignment). What is the most likely explanation for the unusual growth of these forests in this marginal habitat?

Accepted Answer

A)  Branches are adapted to absorb more carbon dioxide with this displaced alignment. 
B)  Taproot formation is impossible, so trees developed shallow root beds. 
C)  Trees are tilted so snow prevents them from breaking or tipping over. 
D)  Trees tip so that they do not compete with each other for sunlight. 
A)  Branches are adapted to absorb more carbon dioxide with this displaced alignment. 
B)  Taproot formation is impossible, so trees developed shallow root beds. 
C)  Trees are tilted so snow prevents them from breaking or tipping over. 
D)  Trees tip so that they do not compete with each other for sunlight.

Question 18

Use the following figures to answer the question below.

Based on the data in the figures, which of the following statements are correct?
I.Area 1 would be considered a desert because of its high average temperature.
II.Area 1 has more average precipitation than Area 2.
III.Area 2 would be considered a desert because of its low average precipitation.
IV.Area 2 has a larger annual temperature variation.

Accepted Answer

A)  only I and III 
B)  only II and IV 
C)  only I, II, and IV 
D)  only II, III, and IV 
A)  only I and III 
B)  only II and IV 
C)  only I, II, and IV 
D)  only II, III, and IV

Question 19

If you are interested in observing a relatively simple community structure in a clear water lake, you would do well to choose diving into ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  an oligotrophic lake 
B)  a eutrophic lake 
C)  a relatively shallow lake 
D)  a nutrient-rich lake 
A)  an oligotrophic lake 
B)  a eutrophic lake 
C)  a relatively shallow lake 
D)  a nutrient-rich lake

Question 20

Use the following figures to answer the question below.

Based on the data in the figures, which of the following statements are correct?
I.Area 1 has more average precipitation than Area 2.
II.Area 1 has a higher average temperature than Area 2.
III.Both areas have low variation in monthly precipitation.
IV.Area 2 has a lower annual temperature variation compared to Area 1.

Accepted Answer

A)  only I and III 
B)  only II and IV 
C)  only II, III, and IV 
D)  only I, II, and III 
A)  only I and III 
B)  only II and IV 
C)  only II, III, and IV 
D)  only I, II, and III

Exam 52: An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere

Studying species transplants is a way that ecologists ________.

At 15-30°N, air masses formed over the Pacific Ocean are moved by prevailing westerlies, where they encounter extensive north-south mountain ranges. Which statement best describes the outcome of this encounter between a landform and an air mass?

Which of the following is characteristic of most terrestrial biomes?

Use the diagram showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the question. The range of cattle egrets has expanded between 1937 and today. How would an ecologist likely best explain the expansion of the cattle egret?

If global warming continues at its present rate, which biomes will likely take the place of the coniferous forest (taiga)?

Two plant species live in the same biome but on different continents. Although the two species are not at all closely related, they may appear quite similar as a result of ________.

Which of these environmental factor(s)is/are the key determining factor(s)that control(s)the biotic structure of aquatic biomes?

When climbing a mountain, we can observe transitions in biological communities that are analogous to the changes ________.

When climbing a mountain, we can observe transitions in biological communities that are analogous to the changes

The main reason polar regions are cooler than the equator is that ________.

The eight climographs show yearly temperature (line graph and left vertical axis)and precipitation (bar graph and right vertical axis)averages for each month for some locations on Earth. Which climograph shows the climate for location 1?

For mountain ranges that are subjected to prevailing winds, why is the climate drier on the leeward (downwind)side?

Imagine that a deep temperate zone lake did not turn over during the spring and fall seasons. Based on the physical and biological properties of limnetic ecosystems, what would be the difference from normal seasonal turnover?

Which of the following causes seasons on Earth?

If the direction of Earth's rotation reversed, the most predictable effect would be

Use the following figures to answer the question below. Based on the data in the figures, which of the following statements is accurate?

If you are interested in observing a relatively simple community structure in a clear water lake, you would do well to choose diving into ________.

Evolution, the Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry

The Chemical Context of Life

Water and Life

Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life

The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules

A Tour of the Cell

Membrane Structure and Function

An Introduction to Metabolism

Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

Photosynthesis

Cell Communication

The Cell Cycle

Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles

Mendel and the Gene Idea

The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance

The Molecular Basis of Inheritance

Gene Expression: From Gene to Protein

Regulation of Gene Expression

Viruses

DNA Tools and Biotechnology

Genomes and Their Evolution

Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life

The Evolution of Populations

The Origin of Species

The History of Life on Earth

Phylogeny and the Tree of Life

Bacteria and Archaea

Protists

Plant Diversity I: How Plants Colonized Land

Plant Diversity II: The Evolution of Seed Plants

Fungi

An Overview of Animal Diversity

An Introduction to Invertebrates

The Origin and Evolution of Vertebrates

Vascular Plant Structure, Growth, and Development

Resource Acquisition and Transport in Vascular Plants

Soil and Plant Nutrition

Angiosperm Reproduction and Biotechnology

Plant Responses to Internal and External Signals

Basic Principles of Animal Form and Function

Animal Nutrition

Circulation and Gas Exchange

The Immune System

Osmoregulation and Excretion

Hormones and the Endocrine System

Animal Reproduction

Animal Development

Neurons, Synapses, and Signaling

Nervous Systems

Sensory and Motor Mechanisms

Animal Behavior

Population Ecology

Community Ecology

Ecosystems and Restoration Ecology

Conservation Biology and Global Change

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