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 a mountain 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 stable temperatures, with smaller daily and seasonal variations.

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

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

Question 6

A species of fish is found only in freshwater lakes with low nutrient content and high oxygen levels. Which type of lake does this describe, and what is a likely consequence of nutrient enrichment?

Accepted Answer

Oligotrophic lake; oxygen depletion and possible fish kills.

Question 7

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 and spines, but evolved from different ancestral lineages.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Reduced transpiration causes hotter and drier conditions.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Disturbance

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why oxygen concentrations are often low in the deep waters of eutrophic lakes?

Accepted Answer

High rates of decomposition in nutrient-rich sediments consume oxygen.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor limiting the distribution of a species?

Accepted Answer

The presence of a predator prevents a prey species from establishing in a new area.

Question 12

A population of long-spined sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii) expands its range due to increasing water temperatures. What is a likely ecological consequence of this range shift?

Accepted Answer

Destruction of seaweed stands and loss of associated species diversity.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Which of the following aquatic biomes is characterized by high productivity, periodic depletion of dissolved oxygen, and the presence of plants adapted to water-saturated soils?

Accepted Answer

Wetlands

Question 15

A species of salmon migrates between freshwater rivers and the ocean. Which physiological adaptation allows this migration?

Accepted Answer

Ability to switch gills from taking up to excreting salt, adjusting water intake.

Question 16

Which of the following is a likely outcome of a successful species transplant experiment?

Accepted Answer

The species establishes and reproduces, indicating its potential range is larger than its actual range.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the photic zone in aquatic biomes supports the greatest diversity of life?

Accepted Answer

It receives sufficient light for photosynthesis, supporting primary producers.

Question 18

A climograph is used to plot which two variables for a region, and what does it help determine?

Accepted Answer

Annual mean temperature and precipitation; it helps determine the region's biome.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of upwelling in coastal ocean regions?

Accepted Answer

Upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface, stimulating phytoplankton growth.

Question 20

Which of the following is a plausible multi-step scenario illustrating how human activity can alter a terrestrial biome and its climate?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation reduces transpiration, leading to decreased precipitation and increased surface temperatures.

Ecology: The Biosphere and Biomes – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards