Question 1

Which of the following best describes the greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere

Question 2

Which of the following is the correct definition of heat in a biological context?

Accepted Answer

A form of energy

Question 3

A group of individuals of the same species living in the same place at the same time is called a:

Accepted Answer

Population

Question 4

The Calvin Cycle in photosynthesis produces which of the following as its main product?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$}$$

Question 5

In San Diego county, which of the following is most likely to be considered a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

Great horned owl

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Sunlight

Question 7

What is the main reason why ice floats on water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds in ice form a lattice that is less dense than liquid water

Question 8

Which of the following equations correctly represents the process of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which property of water allows it to move upward from plant roots to leaves against gravity?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion and adhesion

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next in a food chain?

Accepted Answer

Most energy is converted to heat or used for metabolism

Question 11

A solution with a pH of 4 has how many times more hydrogen ions ($$\mathrm{H^+}) $$than a solution with a pH of 7?

Accepted Answer

1000 times more

Question 12

Which of the following is a direct consequence of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide on ocean chemistry?

Accepted Answer

Ocean pH decreases, making it more acidic

Question 13

Which of the following best describes a buffer in a biological system?

Accepted Answer

A substance that minimizes changes in pH when acids or bases are added

Question 14

Which of the following is the main source of carbon dioxide emissions from human activities?

Accepted Answer

Burning fossil fuels for electricity and transportation

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between exponential and logistic population growth?

Accepted Answer

Exponential growth continues indefinitely, while logistic growth levels off at carrying capacity

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of a keystone species and its effect on an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Sea otters maintain kelp forests by controlling sea urchin populations

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why biofuels are considered more sustainable than fossil fuels?

Accepted Answer

Biofuels are produced from modern plants that absorb $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$ during growth, partially offsetting emissions

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of entropy in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Entropy is a measure of disorder and tends to increase in energy conversions

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between ecological footprint and carrying capacity?

Accepted Answer

A higher ecological footprint decreases the carrying capacity of an ecosystem

Question 20

Which of the following is a practical action an individual can take to reduce their carbon footprint?

Accepted Answer

Drive less and use public transportation

General Biology Review: Ecology, Energy, and Photosynthesis (Session 1)

Study Guide - Practice Questions