$\text{NPP} = \text{GPP} - \text{Respiration}$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of mycorrhizal fungi in terrestrial ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

They form mutualistic relationships with plant roots, enhancing water and nutrient uptake.

Question 2

Which shared trait is found in all animals and distinguishes them from other eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Multicellularity with specialized tissues and lack of cell walls.

Question 3

During the Cambrian explosion, which major evolutionary milestone occurred?

Accepted Answer

Rapid diversification of animal body plans and the appearance of most major animal phyla.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of proximate causation in animal behavior?

Accepted Answer

A bird sings in spring because increased daylight triggers hormonal changes.

Question 5

A population of deer in a forest has a birth rate of $b = 0.2$ and a death rate of $d = 0.1$. What is the per capita growth rate $r$?

Accepted Answer

$r = b - d = 0.1$

Question 6

Which of the following best describes density-dependent regulation in populations?

Accepted Answer

Population growth rate decreases as population size increases due to limited resources.

Question 7

Which equation represents exponential population growth?

Accepted Answer

$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN$

Question 8

In a food web, what is the primary effect of removing a top predator?

Accepted Answer

It can cause a trophic cascade, altering the abundance of species at lower trophic levels.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Stable population size near carrying capacity and high parental care.

Question 10

Which process is responsible for the cycling of carbon between the atmosphere and living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains the concept of realized niche?

Accepted Answer

The actual conditions and resources a species uses in the presence of competitors.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a major threat to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection.

Question 13

Which formula would you use to calculate Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of commensalism?

Accepted Answer

Barnacles attaching to a whale, gaining mobility while the whale is unaffected.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Accepted Answer

Primary succession begins on bare rock or areas without soil, while secondary succession occurs where soil remains after disturbance.

Question 16

Which of the following is a direct consequence of sexual selection?

Accepted Answer

Evolution of traits that improve reproductive success, such as elaborate plumage in birds.

Question 17

Which of the following is a biotic factor that can influence the distribution of a species?

Accepted Answer

Competition with other species.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the competitive exclusion principle?

Accepted Answer

No two species can occupy the exact same niche in the same environment for a long time.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Ants protecting aphids in exchange for honeydew.

Question 20

Which of the following is a major abiotic factor influencing terrestrial biomes?

Accepted Answer

Annual precipitation and temperature.

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions