$$T_{final} = T_{initial} - 10$$^{\circ}$$C \times \frac{h}{3000m}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the focus of population ecology?

Accepted Answer

It focuses on groups of interbreeding individuals and aims to understand factors affecting population growth, density, and size.

Question 2

Which abiotic factor is most directly responsible for the bleaching of coral reefs?

Accepted Answer

Temperature

Question 3

A marine fish is placed in hypertonic water. What physiological response will it most likely exhibit?

Accepted Answer

It will lose water and must drink seawater, excreting salt at its gills and kidneys.

Question 4

Which of the following is a biotic factor that can affect the distribution and abundance of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Interspecific competition

Question 5

Why are endotherms able to inhabit higher latitudes compared to most ectotherms?

Accepted Answer

Endotherms harness heat from metabolism, enabling them to maintain body temperature in colder regions.

Question 6

Which equation best represents the adiabatic cooling effect on temperature with elevation?

Accepted Answer

$$T_{final} = T_{initial} - 10$$^{\circ}$$C 	imes \frac{h}{3000m}$$

Question 7

A plant species is found only in soils with pH between 6.0 and 7.0. What is the most likely reason for its restricted distribution?

Accepted Answer

Nitrifying bacteria do not function below pH 5.2, limiting nutrient availability.

Question 8

Which process is most affected by increased atmospheric $$CO_2$$ leading to ocean acidification?

Accepted Answer

Formation of calcareous shells in marine organisms

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why climatic zones may shift faster than trees can migrate in response to global warming?

Accepted Answer

The rate of climate change exceeds the rate of tree migration.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a major abiotic factor affecting the distribution and abundance of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Competition

Question 11

In aquatic systems, why does photosynthesis primarily occur only in the top ~100m of water?

Accepted Answer

Light levels decrease with depth, limiting photosynthesis to the upper layers.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a Hadley cell?

Accepted Answer

A large-scale atmospheric convection cell in which air rises at the equator and sinks at medium latitudes.

Question 13

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of a rain shadow?

Accepted Answer

Warm, moist air flows up a mountain, cools and releases precipitation, leaving the leeward side dry.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct definition of 'ecology'?

Accepted Answer

The scientific study of interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms.

Question 15

Which of the following would most likely limit the distribution of buffalo in the Serengeti?

Accepted Answer

Availability of permanent fresh water and grass productivity related to rainfall.

Question 16

Which statement best explains why halophytes can survive in arid areas with high salt accumulation?

Accepted Answer

Halophytes possess salt glands that excrete excess salt.

Question 17

Which of the following is a direct effect of wind on the distribution of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Wind increases heat loss by evaporation, transpiration, and convection.

Question 18

Which ecological scale focuses on the flow of energy and cycling of elements?

Accepted Answer

Ecosystem ecology

Question 19

Which of the following is most likely to occur if ocean pH continues to decrease due to increased $$CO_2$$?

Accepted Answer

Dissolution of calcareous shells, negatively impacting shell-forming organisms.

Introduction to Ecology: Scales, Factors, and Biomes

Study Guide - Practice Questions