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 scientist 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 likely consequence of deforestation in a tropical region?

Accepted Answer

The local climate becomes hotter and drier due to reduced evaporative cooling.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

Which of the following adaptations would you expect to find in plants living in a desert biome?

Accepted Answer

Reduced leaf surface area and water storage tissues.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about aquatic biomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Oceans cover about 75\% of Earth's surface and provide most of the planet's rainfall.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Salinity

Question 9

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 10

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution in biomes?

Accepted Answer

Cacti in North America and euphorbs in African deserts have similar adaptations but different evolutionary origins.

Question 11

A researcher finds that a plant species is absent from a region with suitable climate and soil. A transplant experiment shows the plant can survive and reproduce there. What is the most likely explanation for its absence?

Accepted Answer

The plant's dispersal ability is limited.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why upwelling zones in the ocean are areas of high biological productivity?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following is a likely effect of climate change on the geographic range of a species?

Accepted Answer

Species may shift their ranges toward higher latitudes or elevations as temperatures increase.

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic of oligotrophic lakes?

Accepted Answer

Low nutrient content and high oxygen concentration.

Question 15

Which of the following is a direct effect of the high specific heat of water on coastal climates?

Accepted Answer

Coastal areas have milder climates with less temperature variation.

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 consequence of introducing a non-native species to a new ecosystem through a species transplant?

Accepted Answer

The non-native species may disrupt the existing community or ecosystem.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a disturbance maintaining a biome's characteristic vegetation?

Accepted Answer

Frequent fires in savannas prevent the establishment of woody plants.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why salmon can migrate between freshwater and marine habitats?

Accepted Answer

They can adjust their water intake and switch gills from taking up to excreting salt.

Question 20

Which of the following is a likely effect of periodic insect outbreaks in northern coniferous forests?

Accepted Answer

Large areas of forest are killed, reducing habitat for many species.

Ecology: The Biosphere and the Distribution of Life

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