Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A fundamental niche is the theoretical range of environmental conditions a species can tolerate, while a realized niche is the portion of that range actually occupied due to biotic interactions.

Question 2

In an experiment, two species of barnacles (Chthamalus and Balanus) are found at different tidal zones. When Balanus is removed, Chthamalus expands its range. What does this demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Competition with Balanus restricts Chthamalus to a smaller realized niche.

Question 3

Which equation best represents the concept of competitive exclusion when two species compete for the same resource?

Accepted Answer

$$K_1$$  $$K_1$$

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of commensalism?

Accepted Answer

An epiphytic orchid growing on a tree without harming it

Question 5

A keystone species is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

Which scenario best illustrates a trophic cascade?

Accepted Answer

Removal of wolves leads to an increase in deer, which decreases plant abundance.

Question 7

Which of the following is a bottom-up influence on community structure?

Accepted Answer

An increase in nutrient availability leads to greater plant growth, supporting more herbivores and predators.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Both species benefit from the interaction.

Question 9

In the ant-treehopper experiment, what evidence supports the hypothesis that their relationship is mutualistic?

Accepted Answer

Treehoppers have higher survival rates when ants are present, especially when jumping spiders are common.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a key attribute of community structure?

Accepted Answer

The genetic diversity within a single species

Question 11

According to the Clements-Gleason dichotomy, which statement is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Chance historical events and climate play a large role in community composition.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the competitive exclusion principle?

Accepted Answer

When two species compete for the same limited resource, one will outcompete the other, leading to the exclusion of the less competitive species.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of niche differentiation?

Accepted Answer

Two finch species evolve different beak sizes to exploit different seed types.

Question 14

Which of the following equations best represents the logistic growth of a population?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN \left(1 - \frac{N}{K}\right)$$

Question 15

Which of the following is a direct effect in a food web?

Accepted Answer

A fish eats a larval dragonfly.

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates cheating in a mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Cleaner fish feed on client tissue instead of parasites.

Question 17

Which of the following would most likely increase species richness in a community?

Accepted Answer

Introduction of a keystone predator that reduces the abundance of a dominant competitor.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes species evenness?

Accepted Answer

How similar the abundances of different species are in a community.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a top-down effect in a community?

Accepted Answer

Removal of sea stars leads to a decline in species richness among intertidal invertebrates.

Community Ecology: Structure, Interactions, and Dynamics

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