Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic required to define life?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 2

Which of the following best distinguishes a eukaryotic cell from a prokaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Presence of a membrane-enclosed nucleus

Question 3

A scientist observes an organism that grows, responds to stimuli, and uses energy, but cannot reproduce. According to the characteristics of life, is this organism considered alive?

Accepted Answer

No, because reproduction is a required characteristic of life

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents exponential population growth?

Accepted Answer

$$dN/dT = r$$_{max}$$N$$

Question 5

A population of rabbits in a field grows rapidly when food is abundant and there are no predators. Which type of growth is this, and what is the likely shape of the population growth curve?

Accepted Answer

Exponential growth; J-shaped curve

Question 6

Which of the following is a density-independent factor that can limit population growth?

Accepted Answer

Flood

Question 7

In the logistic growth model, what does the term $$K$$ represent in the equation $$dN/dT = r$$_{max}$$N \left(\frac{K-N}{K}\right)$$?

Accepted Answer

The carrying capacity of the environment

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the Competitive Exclusion Principle?

Accepted Answer

Two species cannot coexist if they compete for the same resource

Question 9

A population of fish in a lake is limited by the amount of dissolved oxygen. As the population increases, oxygen becomes scarce and growth slows. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Density-dependent regulation

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Bees pollinating flowers while collecting nectar

Question 11

Which survivorship curve is most likely to be observed in humans and elephants?

Accepted Answer

Type I

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

A species whose impact on the community is disproportionately large relative to its abundance

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of resource partitioning?

Accepted Answer

Several lizard species living in different parts of the same tree

Question 14

Which formula would you use to calculate the change in population size over time, given the number of births ($$B) $$and deaths ($$D$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$dN/dT = B - D$$

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of a density-dependent limiting factor?

Accepted Answer

A contagious disease spreading more rapidly as population density increases

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the realized niche of a species?

Accepted Answer

The actual set of conditions and resources a species uses in the presence of competitors

Question 17

Which of the following is true about energy flow in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Energy flows in one direction, from producers to consumers, and is eventually lost as heat

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between K-selected and r-selected species?

Accepted Answer

K-selected species produce fewer, larger offspring with more parental care

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor affecting a biotic community?

Accepted Answer

A drought causing a decrease in plant growth

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct sequence of ecological organization from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Individual, Population, Community, Ecosystem, Biosphere

Ecology Study Guide

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