Question 1

Which of the following best explains why deserts are commonly found at approximately 30º north and south latitude?

Accepted Answer

Dry, descending air masses at these latitudes absorb moisture, creating arid climates.

Question 2

A researcher observes that a certain plant species is only found on the south-facing slopes of mountains in the Northern Hemisphere. Which abiotic factor most likely explains this distribution?

Accepted Answer

South-facing slopes receive more sunlight, making them warmer and drier.

Question 3

Which of the following is a direct consequence of the high specific heat of water for terrestrial climates near large bodies of water?

Accepted Answer

These regions have more moderate temperatures, with cooler days and warmer nights.

Question 4

A population ecologist is studying a group of flamingos. Which research question would be most appropriate for this level of ecological study?

Accepted Answer

What environmental factors affect the reproductive rate of flamingos?

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the process of turnover in temperate lakes?

Accepted Answer

It is the seasonal mixing of lake waters, bringing oxygen to the bottom and nutrients to the surface.

Question 6

Which of the following scenarios illustrates the concept of convergent evolution in biomes?

Accepted Answer

Cacti in North America and euphorbs in African deserts both have thick, fleshy stems for water storage, but evolved from different ancestral lineages.

Question 7

A species of fish is found only in freshwater lakes and cannot survive in marine environments. Which abiotic factor most likely limits its distribution?

Accepted Answer

Salinity

Question 8

Which of the following is a likely effect of deforestation on local and regional climate?

Accepted Answer

Reduced transpiration causes the climate to become hotter and drier.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the range of the long-spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii) expanded in recent years?

Accepted Answer

Increased water temperature due to climate change allowed the species to survive in new areas.

Question 10

Which of the following is a characteristic adaptation of desert plants?

Accepted Answer

Reduced leaf surface area and water storage tissues.

Question 11

A scientist is studying the effect of periodic fires on the maintenance of savanna ecosystems. Which ecological concept is most directly being investigated?

Accepted Answer

Disturbance

Question 12

Which of the following aquatic biomes is among the most productive and is characterized by periodic depletion of dissolved oxygen due to rapid organic production and decomposition?

Accepted Answer

Wetland

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the relationship between ecological change and evolution?

Accepted Answer

Ecological interactions can drive evolutionary change, and evolutionary change can alter ecological interactions.

Question 14

Which of the following is a likely consequence of human-induced nutrient enrichment in lakes?

Accepted Answer

Algal blooms followed by oxygen depletion and fish kills.

Question 15

A species of salmon migrates from freshwater rivers to the ocean and back during its life cycle. Which physiological adaptation allows this migration?

Accepted Answer

Ability to osmoregulate by adjusting water intake and switching gill function.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the vertical layering of vegetation in a temperate broadleaf forest?

Accepted Answer

Multiple layers including a closed canopy, understory trees, shrub layer, and herb layer.

Question 17

Which of the following is a likely effect of global climate change on the distribution of terrestrial species?

Accepted Answer

Species ranges shift toward higher latitudes or elevations.

Question 18

Which of the following is a defining feature of the oceanic pelagic zone?

Accepted Answer

Constant mixing by wind-driven currents and dominance of phytoplankton and zooplankton.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the presence or absence of pollinators can limit the distribution of a plant species?

Accepted Answer

Without pollinators, plants cannot reproduce sexually and establish new populations.

Question 20

A scientist transplants a species of grass to a new region where it survives and reproduces successfully. What does this result suggest about the species' potential range?

Accepted Answer

Its potential range is larger than its actual range.

Ecology: The Biosphere and Biomes – Distribution, Climate, and Interactions

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