Question 1

Which factor is primarily responsible for establishing global climate patterns on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Geographic differences in sunlight striking the planet

Question 2

What is the main mechanism by which sunlight energy enters an ecological community?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 3

Which event is considered the key step in photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Carbon fixation

Question 4

Approximately what percentage of sunlight striking Earth is used in photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

\u003c1%

Question 5

Which formula correctly represents Net Primary Production (NPP)?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

Which of the following is a typical limiting nutrient in terrestrial habitats?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen

Question 7

What is the effect of increased atmospheric CO$$_2 on $$the greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

Increases absorption of infrared radiation, warming the atmosphere

Question 8

Which biome has the highest average net primary productivity (NPP) per unit area?

Accepted Answer

Tropical forest

Question 9

What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

Accepted Answer

Convert atmospheric N$$_2 to NH$_3$$

Question 10

Which nutrient is most likely to limit net primary productivity in open ocean ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Iron

Question 11

If Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) is less than zero, what does this indicate about the ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

It releases CO$$_2$$ and becomes a carbon source

Question 12

Which factor does NOT directly influence Net Primary Production (NPP)?

Accepted Answer

Wind speed

Question 13

Why do farm fields lose productivity over time without intervention?

Accepted Answer

Loss of nitrogen in soil

Question 14

Which process is responsible for converting NH$$_3$$ into NO$$_2^-$$ and then NO$$_3^- in $$the soil?

Accepted Answer

Nitrification

Question 15

What is the effect of adding iron supplements to open ocean regions?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 4x increase in NPP

Question 16

Which equation correctly represents Net Ecosystem Production (NEP)?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{NEP} = \mathrm{GPP} - R_t$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a solution to nitrogen limitation in agricultural fields?

Accepted Answer

Crop rotation with legumes

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why NPP varies with latitude?

Accepted Answer

Differences in sunlight intensity and duration

Question 19

What is the primary reason for increased NPP in terrestrial ecosystems from 1982 to 1999?

Accepted Answer

Decreased cloud cover over tropical forests

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a typical limiting nutrient for NPP?

Accepted Answer

Sodium

Global Patterns of Primary Production and Limiting Factors in Ecosystems

Study Guide - Practice Questions