Q: Which of the following is a correct example of using SI units and scientific notation?

The area of a plot is $6.0 \times 10^{4}$ m$^2$

Q: A study plot on campus must be less than 6 hectares. How many square meters can it be? (1 ha = 10,000 m$^2$)

$6 \times 10,000 = 60,000$ m$^2$

Q: If an osprey is flying 45 km/hr during its spring migration from Venezuela to Salisbury, how fast is it going in m/s? (1 km = 1000 m, 1 hr = 3600 s)

$45 \times \frac{1000}{3600} = 12.5$ m/s

Question 1

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor that could influence the distribution of a plant species on a mountain?

Accepted Answer

The average annual temperature

Question 2

A researcher is studying the effect of soil pH and earthworm abundance on plant growth. Which of the following best describes the variables in this study?

Accepted Answer

Soil pH is an abiotic factor; earthworm abundance is a biotic factor.

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why Delmarva is colder than Brazil, according to climate patterns?

Accepted Answer

Delmarva is at a higher latitude, receiving less direct sunlight.

Question 4

A student is asked to convert 0.000004 L to scientific notation. Which is the correct answer?

Accepted Answer

$4.0 	imes 10^{-6}$ L

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct order of ecological organization from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Organism, population, community, ecosystem, global

Question 6

If a willow oak leaf is 5.5 inches long, how many centimeters is it? (1 inch = 2.54 cm)

Accepted Answer

$5.5 	imes 2.54 = 13.97$ cm

Question 7

Which of the following best describes 'net primary productivity' (NPP)?

Accepted Answer

The amount of energy available to consumers after producers have used some for respiration

Question 8

A scientist is comparing the heat tolerance of coconut palms and açaí palms. If coconut palms can survive from $10^{\circ}C$ to $40^{\circ}C$ and açaí palms from $15^{\circ}C$ to $35^{\circ}C$, which species has a larger range of temperature tolerance?

Accepted Answer

Coconut palms, because their range is $40^{\circ}C - 10^{\circ}C = 30^{\circ}C$

Question 9

Which of the following is a strategy for studying the effects of climate change on biomes?

Accepted Answer

Using long-term field experiments to monitor changes in species composition over time

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct example of using SI units and scientific notation?

Accepted Answer

The area of a plot is $6.0 	imes 10^{4}$ m$^2$

Question 11

A study plot on campus must be less than 6 hectares. How many square meters can it be? (1 ha = 10,000 m$^2$)

Accepted Answer

$6 	imes 10,000 = 60,000$ m$^2$

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a primary source in scientific literature?

Accepted Answer

An original research article presenting new data and findings

Question 13

If an osprey is flying 45 km/hr during its spring migration from Venezuela to Salisbury, how fast is it going in m/s? (1 km = 1000 m, 1 hr = 3600 s)

Accepted Answer

$45 	imes \frac{1000}{3600} = 12.5$ m/s

Question 14

Which of the following is a biotic factor that could affect the net primary productivity (NPP) of a forest ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Herbivore population density

Question 15

Which statement about reading primary literature is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

You should underline or highlight unfamiliar terms and look them up.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of an anthropogenic biome (anthrome)?

Accepted Answer

A city park surrounded by urban development

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct conversion for 56712 mL to scientific notation in liters?

Accepted Answer

$5.6712 	imes 10^{1}$ L

Question 18

Which of the following is a secondary source in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

A review article summarizing multiple studies

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why Brazil is wetter than Delmarva?

Accepted Answer

Brazil is closer to the equator and receives more direct sunlight, leading to higher evaporation and precipitation.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct example of using significant figures in a biological measurement?

Accepted Answer

Reporting a leaf length as 5.50 cm when measured with a ruler marked to 0.1 cm

Introduction to Ecology: Study Guide and Key Concepts

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