$$\text{Water flows from low to high solute concentration}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between acclimatization and adaptation in organisms?

Accepted Answer

Acclimatization is a short-term, reversible physiological or behavioral change, while adaptation is a long-term genetic change in a population.

Question 2

A population of fish is found only in a single lake. Which of the following is most likely to limit its distribution?

Accepted Answer

The presence of geographic barriers preventing dispersal.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of tolerance as a coping mechanism for environmental stress?

Accepted Answer

A polar bear's thick fur insulating it from cold temperatures.

Question 4

Why do chemical reactions in living organisms have an optimal temperature?

Accepted Answer

Because enzymes function best at specific temperatures and can be denatured by extreme heat.

Question 5

A freshwater fish is placed in saltwater. What is the most likely physiological challenge it will face?

Accepted Answer

It will lose water to the environment due to osmosis.

Question 6

Which of the following equations correctly describes the direction of water flow by osmosis?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Water flows from low to high solute concentration}$$

Question 7

Which adaptation would most likely be found in a desert plant to conserve water?

Accepted Answer

Opening stomata only at night.

Question 8

Why do smaller organisms generally lose water faster than larger organisms?

Accepted Answer

They have a larger surface area relative to their volume.

Question 9

Which of the following is a tradeoff associated with water conservation in mammals?

Accepted Answer

Sweat glands help with cooling but require water loss.

Question 10

A marine fish is hypoosmotic to its environment. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The fish's body fluids have a lower solute concentration than the surrounding water.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why the actual distribution of a species is often smaller than its potential distribution?

Accepted Answer

Species interactions and geographic barriers limit the actual distribution.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of avoidance as a coping mechanism?

Accepted Answer

A polar bear migrating south during winter.

Question 13

What is the main benefit of dormancy for an organism?

Accepted Answer

It allows survival during periods of extreme environmental stress when growth and reproduction are not possible.

Question 14

Which of the following is a physiological response to environmental stress that is reversible?

Accepted Answer

Acclimatization

Question 15

Why do endotherms generally have a smaller surface area to volume ratio compared to ectotherms?

Accepted Answer

To reduce heat exchange with the environment and maintain a constant internal temperature.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a way that plants can conserve water?

Accepted Answer

Opening stomata during the hottest part of the day.

Question 17

A kangaroo rat survives in the desert by converting fats into water and carbohydrates. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A physiological adaptation to conserve water.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between environmental stress and the rate of physiological processes?

Accepted Answer

Environmental stress decreases the rate of physiological processes, lowering survival, growth, or reproduction.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of acclimatization?

Accepted Answer

A human developing a higher red blood cell count after moving to high altitude.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about osmosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Water moves from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration.}$$

2.3 Coping with Environmental Stress: Temperature and Water in Organisms

Study Guide - Practice Questions