Q: Gross primary production (GPP) and net primary production (NPP) are important concepts in ecosystem ecology. Which equation correctly relates these two?

$$\mathrm{NPP} = \mathrm{GPP} - \text{respiration}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes 'species evenness' in the context of biodiversity measurement?

Accepted Answer

The proportion of each species relative to the total number of individuals in the community.

Question 2

A tropical rainforest has higher species richness than a temperate forest. Which factor most likely contributes to this pattern?

Accepted Answer

Greater habitat heterogeneity and stable climate over time.

Question 3

Which of the following best explains the 'intermediate disturbance hypothesis'?

Accepted Answer

Ecosystems experiencing moderate levels of disturbance maintain the highest biodiversity.

Question 4

Gross primary production (GPP) and net primary production (NPP) are important concepts in ecosystem ecology. Which equation correctly relates these two?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{NPP} = \mathrm{GPP} - 	ext{respiration}$$

Question 5

A keystone species is removed from a community. What is the most likely ecological consequence?

Accepted Answer

A significant decline in biodiversity and possible collapse of community structure.

Question 6

Which process in the nitrogen cycle is responsible for converting atmospheric $$\mathrm{N}_2$$ into ammonia ($$\mathrm{NH}_3) $$usable by plants?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation

Question 7

A farmer applies excess fertilizer to a field, which runs off into a nearby lake. Which process is most likely to occur as a result?

Accepted Answer

Cultural eutrophication leading to marine dead zones.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of producers in an ecosystem's food chain?

Accepted Answer

They convert inorganic molecules into organic matter using energy from the sun.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic reservoir in a biogeochemical cycle?

Accepted Answer

Atmospheric $$\mathrm{CO}_2 in $$the carbon cycle.

Question 10

Which step in the nitrogen cycle is carried out by bacteria that convert ammonia ($$\mathrm{NH}_3) $$into nitrite ($$\mathrm{NO}_2^-) $$and then nitrate ($$\mathrm{NO}_3^-$$)?

Accepted Answer

Nitrification

Question 11

A volcanic island forms in the ocean and is colonized by plants and animals over time. Which effect is most likely to influence its biodiversity compared to the mainland?

Accepted Answer

Insular effects, leading to lower species richness due to isolation.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes 'beta diversity'?

Accepted Answer

The difference in species composition between habitats or communities.

Question 13

Which human activity most directly increases atmospheric carbon dioxide, impacting the carbon cycle?

Accepted Answer

Burning fossil fuels for energy.

Question 14

Which process in the phosphorus cycle involves the weathering of rocks to release phosphate ions into soil and water?

Accepted Answer

Apatite weathering

Question 15

A grassland ecosystem has a GPP of $$2000\ \mathrm{g\ m$$^{-2}$$\ yr$$^{-1}$$}$$ and plant respiration accounts for $$1200\ \mathrm{g\ m$$^{-2}$$\ yr$$^{-1}$$}. $$What is the NPP?

Accepted Answer

$$800\ \mathrm{g\ m$$^{-2}$$\ yr$$^{-1}$$}$$

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of a 'food web'?

Accepted Answer

A network of interconnected food chains showing multiple feeding relationships.

Question 17

Which process in the nitrogen cycle returns nitrogen to the atmosphere as $$\mathrm{N}_2$$ gas?

Accepted Answer

Denitrification

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why marine dead zones form near the mouths of large rivers?

Accepted Answer

Excess nutrients from agricultural runoff cause algal blooms, leading to oxygen depletion.

Question 19

Which of the following is a likely consequence of reduced habitat heterogeneity in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Decreased species richness due to fewer available niches.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes 'relative abundance' in a biological community?

Accepted Answer

The proportion of individuals of a species compared to the total number of individuals in the community.

Biodiversity, Ecosystem Function, and Biogeochemical Cycles

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