Question 1

Which of the following best describes the focus of ecosystem ecology?

Accepted Answer

It investigates energy flow and cycling of chemicals among organisms and the physical environment.

Question 2

A population ecologist is most likely to use which equation to estimate population growth under ideal conditions?

Accepted Answer

$$dN/dt = rN$$

Question 3

Which of the following is a direct consequence of the tilt of Earth's axis?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal variation in temperature and day length

Question 4

How do mountains influence local climate on their windward and leeward sides?

Accepted Answer

They create a rain shadow effect, with moist air rising and cooling on the windward side, and dry air descending on the leeward side.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Descending dry air masses at these latitudes inhibit cloud formation and precipitation.

Question 6

A climograph plots which two variables to help define terrestrial biomes?

Accepted Answer

Temperature and precipitation

Question 7

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of temperate grasslands?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal drought, fires, and grasses adapted to dry conditions

Question 8

Which aquatic biome is characterized by periodic flooding, high productivity, and serves as a habitat for many migratory birds?

Accepted Answer

Wetland

Question 9

What is the primary reason for the vertical stratification of aquatic biomes?

Accepted Answer

Variation in light penetration and temperature with depth

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Predation

Question 11

A species transplant experiment shows that a plant can survive and reproduce in a new area, but it does not naturally occur there. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

Dispersal limitation prevents its natural occurrence.

Question 12

Which equation best represents logistic population growth, where $$K is $$carrying capacity?

Accepted Answer

$$dN/dt = rN(1 - N/K)$$

Question 13

Which biome is characterized by permafrost, low precipitation, and short growing seasons?

Accepted Answer

Tundra

Question 14

Which of the following is a major effect of vegetation on local climate?

Accepted Answer

Vegetation reduces surface temperature and increases humidity through transpiration.

Question 15

Which process is responsible for the mixing of water layers in temperate lakes during spring and autumn?

Accepted Answer

Turnover

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a typical adaptation of desert organisms?

Accepted Answer

Broad leaves for maximum photosynthesis

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the effect of global climate change on species distributions?

Accepted Answer

Species ranges shift toward the poles or higher elevations.

Question 18

Which of the following abiotic factors is most likely to limit photosynthesis in aquatic biomes?

Accepted Answer

Light availability

Question 19

Which of the following is a defining feature of estuaries?

Accepted Answer

Mixing of fresh and salt water, resulting in variable salinity

Question 20

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of removing vegetation from a terrestrial biome?

Accepted Answer

Increase in surface temperature and decrease in humidity

Chapter 52: An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards