Question 1

Which of the following is a synapomorphy that unites all animals within the animal kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Multicellularity with cells lacking cell walls

Question 2

A biologist is studying a population of frogs in a pond. She observes that the population size remains relatively constant over several years. Which survivorship curve is most likely to describe this population, and what does it indicate about mortality rates?

Accepted Answer

Type II; constant mortality rate throughout life

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the difference between fundamental and realized niches?

Accepted Answer

The fundamental niche is the full range of environmental conditions a species can theoretically occupy, while the realized niche is the portion actually occupied due to biotic interactions.

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents the exponential growth of a population?

Accepted Answer

$dN\/dt = rN$

Question 5

A population of deer is limited by food availability, which is a density-dependent factor. Which of the following best explains how this factor affects population growth?

Accepted Answer

Food availability decreases as population density increases, slowing population growth.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the process of primary succession?

Accepted Answer

The establishment of a biological community in an area with no soil, such as after a volcanic eruption

Question 8

Which of the following equations would you use to calculate the net primary productivity (NPP) of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{NPP} = 	ext{GPP} - R$

Question 9

A researcher observes that a certain bird species exhibits territorial behavior during the breeding season, defending a specific area from others of the same species. Which type of competition is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

Intraspecific competition

Question 10

Which of the following is a major threat to biodiversity that can be directly mitigated by establishing protected areas and wildlife reserves?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the Cambrian explosion?

Accepted Answer

A rapid diversification of animal body plans and major animal groups

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a density-independent factor affecting population size?

Accepted Answer

A severe drought reducing water availability

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why fungi are important decomposers in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

They break down complex organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic of K-selected species?

Accepted Answer

Stable population size near carrying capacity

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of keystone species in a community?

Accepted Answer

They have a disproportionately large effect on community structure relative to their abundance.

Question 16

A scientist is studying the carbon cycle. Which of the following processes removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 17

Which of the following is a direct consequence of sexual selection in animal populations?

Accepted Answer

Evolution of traits that improve mating success, sometimes at the cost of survival

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about trophic efficiency in food chains?

Accepted Answer

Trophic efficiency is typically about 10%, meaning only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between proximate and ultimate explanations for animal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Proximate explanations address the immediate physiological or environmental triggers, while ultimate explanations address the evolutionary significance.

General Biology: Final Exam Study Notes (Fungi, Animal Diversity, Ecology, and Ecosystems)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards