Q: Which of the following equations correctly represents Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

$$\mathrm{NPP} = \text{Total carbon fixed by photosynthesis} - \text{Carbon oxidized during respiration}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a species' range and its niche?

Accepted Answer

A species' range is the geographic area where it is found, while its niche is the set of biotic and abiotic factors it can tolerate.

Question 2

A conservation biologist is deciding whether to invest resources in saving a population of frogs that is genetically distinct from other populations. Which concept is most relevant to this decision?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU)

Question 3

Which of the following is a key abiotic factor that can determine the range of a species?

Accepted Answer

Temperature

Question 4

Why do mountain ranges often create distinct wet and dry regions on their windward and leeward sides?

Accepted Answer

Air rises over mountains, cools, and releases water as precipitation on the windward side, leaving dry air to descend on the leeward side (rain shadow effect).

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why oceans moderate coastal climates?

Accepted Answer

Oceans absorb and release heat slowly due to water's high specific heat, buffering temperature changes.

Question 6

Which biome is characterized by high productivity, high species diversity, constant moderate to high temperatures, and infertile soils?

Accepted Answer

Tropical wet (rainforest)

Question 7

A lake experiences spring turnover. What is the main consequence of this process?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients from the bottom are brought to the surface, and oxygen from the surface is carried to the bottom.

Question 8

Which of the following equations correctly represents Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{NPP} = 	ext{Total carbon fixed by photosynthesis} - 	ext{Carbon oxidized during respiration}$$

Question 9

Which ocean zone is most likely to support the highest rates of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Photic zone

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for an area to be considered a conservation hotspot?

Accepted Answer

It must cover more than 50% of Earth's land area.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the Coriolis Effect and its impact on global wind patterns?

Accepted Answer

It causes air and water to be deflected to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere, shaping prevailing winds.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of functional diversity?

Accepted Answer

The variety of feeding strategies among fish species in a lake.

Question 13

A scientist is studying the effect of a new predator introduced to an island. Which type of ecological question is she addressing?

Accepted Answer

How does the presence of one species affect another species?

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity provides ecosystem services and increases ecosystem resilience.

Question 15

Which of the following is a plausible consequence if seasonal turnover did NOT occur in a temperate lake?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients would remain at the bottom, limiting productivity in surface waters.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the difference between climate and weather?

Accepted Answer

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term patterns.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the main reason why the 6th major extinction event is considered unique compared to previous events?

Accepted Answer

It is caused primarily by human activity rather than natural events like volcanic eruptions or asteroid impacts.

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of the temperate grassland biome?

Accepted Answer

Moderately low precipitation, moderate temperature, and dominance of grasses

Question 19

Which lake zone is defined as the area along the shore where plants can take root?

Accepted Answer

Littoral zone

Question 20

A region contains a high number of independent evolutionary lineages, some of which are species-poor. Which measure of biodiversity does this describe?

Accepted Answer

Phylogenetic diversity

Introduction to Ecology and Conservation Biology: Study Notes

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