Q: A population of bacteria doubles every hour. If you start with 50 bacteria, how many will you have after 5 hours? Use the formula $$N_t = N_0$ \times 2^t.$$

$$N_t = 50 \times 2^5$ = 1,600$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between fundamental niche and realized niche in population ecology?

Accepted Answer

Fundamental niche is the full range of environmental conditions an organism can theoretically use, while realized niche is the portion actually occupied due to competition and other biotic interactions.

Question 2

A population of deer in a forest grows according to the exponential growth model. If the initial population is $$N_0 = 100$ and the intrinsic rate of increase is r = 0.05$, what will the population be after 10 years? Use the formula N_t$$ = $$N_0$$ $$e^{rt}.$$

Accepted Answer

$$N_t = 100 e$$^{0.5}$$ \approx 164$$

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of mutualism (+/+) in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar

Question 4

Which abiotic factor is most responsible for the latitudinal variation in temperature and precipitation that determines biome distribution?

Accepted Answer

Latitude

Question 5

In a food web, which trophic level is responsible for converting solar energy into chemical energy (biomass)?

Accepted Answer

Producers

Question 6

If a population reaches its carrying capacity, which of the following is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Population growth will slow and stabilize.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains the competitive exclusion principle?

Accepted Answer

Two species competing for the same resources cannot stably coexist.

Question 8

Which equation best represents the net primary productivity (NPP) in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

$$NPP = GPP - R$$

Question 9

A scientist observes that the population growth of a species is density-dependent. Which of the following factors is most likely influencing this growth?

Accepted Answer

Predation and competition for resources

Question 10

Which of the following is a direct consequence of resource partitioning among competing species?

Accepted Answer

Reduced competition and coexistence

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Energy flows through ecosystems while nutrients cycle within them.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a biotic factor influencing population abundance?

Accepted Answer

Temperature

Question 13

A population of bacteria doubles every hour. If you start with 50 bacteria, how many will you have after 5 hours? Use the formula $$N_t = N_0$ 	imes 2^t.$$

Accepted Answer

$$N_t = 50 	imes 2^5$ = 1,600$$

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of commensalism (+/0)?

Accepted Answer

A remora fish attaching to a shark for transportation

Question 15

Which process is most responsible for the transformation of energy from sunlight into chemical energy in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 16

Which of the following would most likely increase the carrying capacity of a population?

Accepted Answer

Increase in food supply

Question 17

Which of the following is a primary abiotic factor influencing biome distribution?

Accepted Answer

Temperature

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the concept of resource partitioning?

Accepted Answer

Species divide resources to reduce competition.

Question 19

Which of the following is a direct result of natural selection in predator-prey relationships?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary arms race of adaptations

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why ocean currents influence temperature and precipitation patterns?

Accepted Answer

Ocean currents transport heat and moisture, affecting climate in coastal regions.

Ecology: Biomes, Population, Community, and Ecosystem Ecology

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