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 south-facing slopes in the Northern Hemisphere. Which abiotic factor most likely explains this distribution?

Accepted Answer

South-facing slopes receive more sunlight, resulting in warmer and drier conditions.

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

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, despite being unrelated.

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, because the fish cannot osmoregulate in saltwater.

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 coral reefs are restricted to shallow, warm, clear waters?

Accepted Answer

Corals require high oxygen concentrations and sufficient light for their photosynthetic symbionts.

Question 10

A scientist observes that after a fire, a savanna quickly returns to its characteristic vegetation. Which concept does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Disturbance maintains the dominant plant species adapted to fire.

Question 11

Which of the following is a likely consequence of global climate change for species with poor dispersal abilities?

Accepted Answer

They may fail to shift their range and face increased risk of extinction.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of upwelling in ocean ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Grazing by sea urchins prevents the establishment of seaweed.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Wetlands

Question 15

A scientist transplants a plant species to a new region, and it thrives. What does this suggest about the factors limiting its natural distribution?

Accepted Answer

Dispersal limitation prevented the species from reaching the new region.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Ecological interactions can drive evolutionary change, which in turn alters ecological interactions.

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic adaptation of desert plants to their environment?

Accepted Answer

Reduced leaf surface area to minimize water loss.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the photic zone in aquatic biomes supports the most photosynthetic organisms?

Accepted Answer

It receives sufficient light for photosynthesis.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Large areas of forest are killed, altering community structure and nutrient cycling.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the main difference between oligotrophic and eutrophic lakes?

Accepted Answer

Oligotrophic lakes are nutrient-poor and oxygen-rich; eutrophic lakes are nutrient-rich and may have low oxygen in deep layers.

Ecology: The Biosphere, Climate, and Biomes

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