Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The fundamental niche is the full range of environmental conditions a species can theoretically occupy, while the realized niche is the portion actually occupied due to biotic interactions such as competition.

Question 2

A population of rabbits in a field grows according to the exponential growth model. If the intrinsic rate of increase $$r = 0.2$$ per month and the initial population size $$N_0 = 50$, what is the population size after 3 months? Use the exponential growth equation N_t$$ = $$N_0$$ $$e^{rt}.$$

Accepted Answer

Approximately 91 rabbits

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent factor regulating population size?

Accepted Answer

A contagious disease spreading more rapidly as population density increases

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why only about 10% of the energy at one trophic level is transferred to the next trophic level?

Accepted Answer

Most energy is lost as heat due to the second law of thermodynamics and through metabolic processes.

Question 5

Which of the following is the best example of Batesian mimicry?

Accepted Answer

A harmless king snake with coloration similar to a venomous coral snake

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of K-selected species?

Accepted Answer

Produce many small offspring

Question 7

In the logistic growth model, at what population size is the rate of population growth highest?

Accepted Answer

When the population size $$N is at $$half the carrying capacity $$K$$ ($$N = \frac{K}{2})$$

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the process of eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Excess nutrients, often from fertilizers, lead to algal blooms, which upon decomposition deplete oxygen and cause fish kills.

Question 9

Which of the following is a primary abiotic reservoir in the phosphorus cycle?

Accepted Answer

Rocks and soil minerals

Question 10

Which of the following is the most realistic representation of feeding relationships in a biological community?

Accepted Answer

Food web

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of detritivores in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Question 13

Which of the following is the greatest current threat to biodiversity worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding the nitrogen cycle?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric $$N_2$$ into forms usable by plants.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Accepted Answer

Primary succession occurs on newly exposed surfaces without soil, while secondary succession occurs where soil remains after a disturbance.

Question 16

A keystone species is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on community structure relative to its abundance.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of biological augmentation in restoration ecology?

Accepted Answer

Adding nitrogen-fixing bacteria to degraded soils to enhance plant growth

Question 18

If a grassland ecosystem has a net primary productivity (NPP) of $$500 \ 	ext{g/m}^2/	ext{year}$$ and a gross primary productivity (GPP) of $$1200 \ 	ext{g/m}^2/	ext{year}$$, what is the amount of energy used in plant respiration ($$R$$)? Use the equation $$NPP = GPP - R.$$

Accepted Answer

$$700 \ 	ext{g/m}^2/	ext{year}$$

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of mountains on regional climate?

Accepted Answer

Mountains cause air to rise and cool, leading to precipitation on the windward side and dry conditions on the leeward side.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a measure of community biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Carrying capacity

Ecology and Conservation Biology Study Guide – Step-by-Step Guidance

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