Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between exponential and logistic population growth, and what equation represents exponential growth?

Accepted Answer

Exponential growth occurs when resources are unlimited, producing a J-shaped curve; $$G = rN.$$

Question 2

A population of rabbits in a field increases rapidly until it reaches a stable size due to limited food and space. This stable size is known as:

Accepted Answer

Carrying capacity

Question 3

Which survivorship curve is most characteristic of species like insects and many plants, and what does it indicate about their mortality?

Accepted Answer

Type III; high juvenile mortality and few survive to adulthood.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a density-independent factor affecting population size?

Accepted Answer

A hurricane

Question 5

A scientist observes that after a volcanic eruption, new land is colonized first by lichens and mosses. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Primary succession

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

They break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the ecosystem.

Question 7

Which biome is characterized by permafrost, cold temperatures, and a short growing season?

Accepted Answer

Tundra

Question 8

A population pyramid with a wide base and narrow top most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

A rapidly growing population with high birth rates

Question 9

Which of the following is the primary cause of modern biodiversity loss and extinctions?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction

Question 10

In the Hardy-Weinberg equation $$p^2 + 2pq$$ + $$q^2 = 1$, what does 2pq$ represent?

Accepted Answer

Frequency of heterozygous individuals

Question 11

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the founder effect?

Accepted Answer

A small group of birds colonizes a new island, resulting in reduced genetic diversity.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Bees pollinating flowers

Question 13

Which process is responsible for the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during the carbon cycle?

Accepted Answer

Cellular respiration

Question 14

A scientist finds that a certain fish species is crucial for maintaining the structure of its ecosystem. Removing this species causes dramatic changes in the community. This fish is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A keystone species

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why sickle-cell trait persists in some human populations?

Accepted Answer

It provides resistance to malaria (heterozygote advantage).

Question 16

Which of the following is a characteristic of r-selected species?

Accepted Answer

Many offspring and little parental care

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Habitat is where an organism lives; niche is how it lives and interacts with its environment.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

Humans breeding wild mustard to produce broccoli, cabbage, and kale

Question 19

Which lake zone is closest to the shore and supports the greatest diversity of aquatic plants?

Accepted Answer

Littoral zone

Question 20

Which of the following is a likely consequence of eutrophication in a freshwater lake?

Accepted Answer

Algal blooms followed by oxygen depletion and fish kills

Ecology and Evolution: Study Guide for BIO 106 Unit 4

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards