Question 1

Which ecological scale focuses on the physiological and behavioral adaptations of individual organisms to their environment?

Accepted Answer

Organismal ecology

Question 2

Which of the following is an abiotic factor that most strongly influences the distribution of terrestrial biomes?

Accepted Answer

Temperature

Question 3

A population of marine fish is found only in a narrow band along the coast due to their inability to tolerate low salinity. Which factor is limiting their distribution?

Accepted Answer

Abiotic factor: salinity

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the effect of wind on the distribution of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Wind amplifies temperature effects by increasing heat loss through evaporation and convection

Question 5

Which of the following is a likely consequence of global warming for species distribution?

Accepted Answer

Species will shift their geographic ranges toward the poles

Question 6

Which term describes the scientific study of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Ecology

Question 7

A plant species is unable to grow in soils with pH less than 5.2 because nitrifying bacteria cannot function. This is an example of limitation by which factor?

Accepted Answer

Abiotic factor: pH

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why corals bleach at high temperatures?

Accepted Answer

High temperatures cause stress outside the optimal range for corals

Question 9

Which two abiotic factors are most important in determining the major terrestrial biomes?

Accepted Answer

Temperature and water

Question 10

A mountain range causes moist air to rise, cool, and release precipitation on one side, leaving the other side dry. What is this phenomenon called?

Accepted Answer

Rain shadow

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a geographic barrier limiting the range of a species?

Accepted Answer

A mountain range preventing the spread of a terrestrial mammal

Question 12

Which of the following best describes an ectotherm?

Accepted Answer

An organism that obtains heat from its environment

Question 13

Which process is slowed by ocean acidification due to increased atmospheric CO$$_2$$?

Accepted Answer

Formation of CaCO$$_3$$

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of population ecology?

Accepted Answer

Studying the impact of skewed sex ratios on the abundance of sea turtles in Brazil

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a likely consequence of a warming climate?

Accepted Answer

Some species will shift their geographic ranges toward the equator

Question 16

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 17

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

Accepted Answer

Competition with other species

Question 18

Why are halophytes able to survive in arid areas with high salt accumulation?

Accepted Answer

They have specialized salt glands to excrete excess salt

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the equator receives more solar energy than higher latitudes?

Accepted Answer

The sun's rays strike the equator more directly

Question 20

Where do you expect to find the driest, sunniest conditions on Earth?

Accepted Answer

30 degrees north and south

Introduction to Ecology: Scales, Factors, and Biomes

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