Question 1

Which of the following best describes the major goal of ecology?

Accepted Answer

To understand how organisms interact with each other and their environment, and how these interactions determine the distribution and abundance of organisms.

Question 2

A researcher is studying how the introduction of a new predator affects the population size of a native rodent species in a grassland. Which area of ecological research does this study best represent?

Accepted Answer

Community ecology

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor that can limit the distribution of a terrestrial species?

Accepted Answer

Soil pH

Question 4

A species of fish is found only in a single lake because it cannot tolerate saltwater. Which factor is most likely limiting its distribution?

Accepted Answer

Abiotic factor

Question 5

Which of the following best differentiates an invasive species from an exotic species?

Accepted Answer

An invasive species causes ecological or economic harm in its new environment, while an exotic species is simply non-native and may not cause harm.

Question 6

Why do seasons exist on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Because Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbital plane around the Sun.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the tropics are warmer and wetter than temperate regions?

Accepted Answer

The Sun's rays strike the tropics more directly, and Hadley cells cause rising air and high rainfall.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a factor used to define a terrestrial biome?

Accepted Answer

The genetic diversity of animal populations

Question 9

A region receives high rainfall and has warm temperatures year-round. Which biome is most likely present in this region?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rainforest

Question 10

Which abiotic factor is most important in determining the depth of the photic zone in an aquatic biome?

Accepted Answer

Light penetration

Question 11

Which process brings nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface, supporting high primary productivity?

Accepted Answer

Ocean upwelling

Question 12

During which process does dense, cold water sink in a lake, causing mixing of nutrients between surface and deep waters?

Accepted Answer

Lake turnover

Question 13

Which of the following is a direct impact of human activity on aquatic biomes?

Accepted Answer

Eutrophication due to fertilizer runoff

Question 14

A city is experiencing higher average temperatures and more frequent droughts over the past decade. Which global phenomenon is most likely contributing to these changes?

Accepted Answer

Climate change

Question 15

Which equation best represents net primary productivity (NPP) in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{NPP} = \mathrm{GPP} - R$$

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a biological niche?

Accepted Answer

The range of resources a species uses and the range of conditions it can tolerate.

Question 17

A plant species is native to North America but has been introduced to Europe, where it spreads rapidly and outcompetes local plants. In Europe, this species is considered:

Accepted Answer

Invasive

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of ocean upwelling being disrupted by climate change?

Accepted Answer

Reduced nutrient availability at the surface, leading to lower primary productivity.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why deserts are typically found at 30° latitude north and south of the equator?

Accepted Answer

Descending dry air from Hadley cells causes low precipitation.

Question 20

A scientist is mapping the distribution of a frog species and finds that it is absent from a suitable habitat separated by a mountain range. Which factor most likely explains this absence?

Accepted Answer

Dispersal limitation

Chapter 49: Introduction to Ecology – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards