Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of nutrient cycling in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients move between biotic and abiotic reservoirs through processes such as assimilation, consumption, and decomposition.

Question 2

Which abiotic factor is LEAST likely to directly influence the rate of decomposition in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Wind speed

Question 3

At which latitude would you expect the highest decomposition rates, and why?

Accepted Answer

0 degrees (equator), because high temperature and moisture increase microbial activity.

Question 4

Which of the following is a direct effect of increased atmospheric CO2 on ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Rising global temperatures due to the greenhouse effect

Question 5

A plant species is observed to flower earlier each year as average temperatures rise. This is an example of which type of response to climate change?

Accepted Answer

Adjust (phenological shift)

Question 6

Which of the following best defines functional diversity in a biological community?

Accepted Answer

The diversity of functional traits that influence ecosystem processes

Question 7

Why is nitrogen often a limiting nutrient for primary productivity in terrestrial ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen is abundant in the atmosphere but most plants cannot use atmospheric N2 directly.

Question 8

Which human activity most directly leads to the depletion of groundwater stored in aquifers?

Accepted Answer

Increasing water use for agriculture and industry

Question 9

Which process in the nitrogen cycle converts atmospheric N2 into a form usable by plants?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation

Question 10

A researcher finds that a community has high species richness but low evenness. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

There are many species, but most individuals belong to a few species.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of an indirect effect of climate change?

Accepted Answer

Increased frequency of wildfires due to altered precipitation patterns

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why biodiversity is important for maintaining ecosystem function?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity increases the likelihood that some species can perform essential ecosystem roles under changing conditions.

Question 13

Which of the following is the largest reservoir of carbon on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Rocks and sediment

Question 14

A community with high phylogenetic diversity is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Having species that are evolutionarily distinct from each other.

Question 15

Which of the following equations best represents the process of photosynthesis, which removes carbon from the atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

$$6\ CO_2$ + 6\ H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6$ + 6\ O_2$

Question 16

Which of the following is a likely consequence of converting forests and grasslands into agricultural land?

Accepted Answer

Increased runoff and decreased groundwater recharge

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of denitrification in the nitrogen cycle?

Accepted Answer

Conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere

Question 18

A bee pollinating a flower is an example of which ecosystem function?

Accepted Answer

Pollination, a regulating ecosystem service

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible multi-step effect of increased fertilizer use on aquatic ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Increased fertilizer use leads to higher nitrate runoff, causing eutrophication and subsequent oxygen depletion in aquatic systems.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a way that species can respond to climate change?

Accepted Answer

Increase atmospheric CO2 levels

Ecosystem Ecology: Nutrient Cycling, Climate Change, and Biodiversity

Study Guide - Practice Questions