Q: Which equation correctly represents Net Primary Productivity (NPP) in an ecosystem?

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

Q: If a grassland ecosystem receives 10,000 kJ of energy from sunlight, approximately how much energy would be available to secondary consumers, assuming the 10% rule applies at each trophic level?

$$10,000 \times 0.1 \times 0.1 = 100 kJ$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a hypothesis and a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation supported by extensive evidence.

Question 2

A scientist is studying the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis in a plant. Which is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The temperature at which the plant is kept

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for natural selection to occur in a population?

Accepted Answer

Equal reproductive success among all individuals

Question 4

A population of rabbits in a field increases rapidly when food is abundant and there are no predators. Which population growth model best describes this scenario, and what is the shape of its curve?

Accepted Answer

Exponential growth; J-shaped curve

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a density-independent factor affecting a population?

Accepted Answer

A severe drought

Question 6

A survivorship curve that shows high mortality early in life, but low mortality for survivors, is classified as which type?

Accepted Answer

Type III

Question 7

Which biome is characterized by very cold temperatures, low precipitation, and permafrost?

Accepted Answer

Tundra

Question 8

In a community, two species of birds compete for the same nesting sites. Over time, one species is eliminated from the area. This outcome is best explained by which ecological principle?

Accepted Answer

Competitive exclusion principle

Question 9

Which of the following interactions is correctly matched with its effect on the two species involved?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism: (+/+)

Question 10

A beaver builds dams that create wetlands, which support many other species. If beavers are removed, the ecosystem changes dramatically. The beaver is best described as a:

Accepted Answer

Keystone species

Question 11

During primary succession, which of the following is most likely to be the first type of organism to colonize a newly formed volcanic island?

Accepted Answer

Pioneer species such as lichens and mosses

Question 12

Which equation correctly represents Net Primary Productivity (NPP) in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

If a grassland ecosystem receives 10,000 kJ of energy from sunlight, approximately how much energy would be available to secondary consumers, assuming the 10% rule applies at each trophic level?

Accepted Answer

$$10,000 	imes 0.1 	imes 0.1 = 100 kJ$$

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why energy flow in ecosystems is considered 'one-way'?

Accepted Answer

Energy is lost as heat at each trophic level and cannot be reused by the ecosystem.

Question 15

Which human activity is most directly responsible for increasing atmospheric CO$$_2$$ levels and contributing to climate change?

Accepted Answer

Burning fossil fuels

Question 16

A scientist observes that a certain plant species only grows in areas with high soil nitrogen. She hypothesizes that nitrogen is required for the plant's growth. Which step of the scientific method should she perform next?

Accepted Answer

Make a prediction based on her hypothesis

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche?

Accepted Answer

A fundamental niche is the potential range of conditions a species can tolerate, while a realized niche is the range it actually occupies due to competition and other factors.

Question 18

Which of the following best illustrates the cycling of matter but not energy in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

The movement of carbon through photosynthesis and respiration

Question 19

A lake receives excess nutrients from agricultural runoff, leading to a rapid increase in algae followed by a die-off of fish. This phenomenon is best explained by which process?

Accepted Answer

Eutrophication causing a dead zone due to oxygen depletion

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning in biology?

Accepted Answer

Predicting that if all plants require sunlight, then a plant kept in darkness will not survive

Biology Exam Study Guide: Nature of Science, Population, Community, and Ecosystem Ecology

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