Question 1

Which of the following research questions best exemplifies the study of ecology at the community level?

Accepted Answer

How does the introduction of a new predator affect the diversity of bird species in a forest?

Question 2

A scientist is studying why a certain fish species is only found in the photic zone of a lake. Which factor is most likely limiting its distribution?

Accepted Answer

Availability of sunlight (an abiotic factor)

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor influencing species distribution?

Accepted Answer

Soil pH affecting plant growth

Question 4

What is the primary reason for Earth's seasons?

Accepted Answer

The tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the sun

Question 5

On the windward side of a mountain, you are most likely to find which of the following climate patterns, and why?

Accepted Answer

High precipitation due to moist air rising and cooling

Question 6

Which of the following best describes a Hadley cell?

Accepted Answer

A large-scale atmospheric convection cell in which air rises at the equator and sinks at about 30° N and S

Question 7

Which of the following is a key feature of climate at 30° N and S latitude?

Accepted Answer

High atmospheric pressure and dry, desert-like conditions

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT one of the four major physical components of climate?

Accepted Answer

Soil composition

Question 9

A wildfire sweeps through a temperate grassland, removing most of the vegetation. In ecological terms, this event is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A disturbance

Question 10

Which of the following is a direct way humans contribute to climate change?

Accepted Answer

Burning fossil fuels, releasing $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$ into the atmosphere

Question 11

A climograph is used to measure and compare which two factors for different biomes?

Accepted Answer

Average temperature and average precipitation

Question 12

Which biome is characterized by high biodiversity, warm temperatures, and high annual rainfall?

Accepted Answer

Tropical forest

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the limnetic zone in a lake?

Accepted Answer

Open water area away from the shore, well-lit by sunlight

Question 14

Which aquatic environment is defined by the mixing of fresh and salt water and supports high productivity?

Accepted Answer

Estuary

Question 15

A lake with high nutrient levels, frequent algal blooms, and low oxygen content is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Eutrophic

Question 16

Which biome is dominated by coniferous trees, has long, cold winters, and is found in northern regions?

Accepted Answer

Northern coniferous forest (taiga)

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why deserts are often found at 30° N and S latitude?

Accepted Answer

Descending dry air masses create high pressure and low precipitation

Question 18

Which zone in an aquatic environment receives little or no sunlight and is typically found at great depths?

Accepted Answer

Aphotic zone

Question 19

Which of the following is a key feature of the chaparral biome?

Accepted Answer

Mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers with frequent fires

Question 20

A scientist observes that a coral reef is declining due to increased ocean temperatures and acidification. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Climate change impacting a sensitive aquatic biome

Ecology and Climate: Study Guide for BIO 1306 Exam 4

Study Guide - Practice Questions