Question 1

Which of the following is an example of an environmental condition to which organisms must respond, but is NOT consumed or used by the organism?

Accepted Answer

Temperature

Question 2

A sudden, unpredictable change in environmental conditions, such as a flash flood, is best described as which type of environmental variable?

Accepted Answer

Disturbance

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a mutualistic relationship?

Accepted Answer

Individuals of different species benefit each other by providing something that benefits the other

Question 4

According to Niko Tinbergen, which of the following is NOT one of the four questions that must be answered to understand animal behavior?

Accepted Answer

What is the genetic sequence of the animal?

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a negative feedback loop in human physiology?

Accepted Answer

Thermoregulation to maintain body temperature

Question 6

Which statement about innate immunity is correct?

Accepted Answer

It provides a rapid, general defense against many pathogens

Question 7

A person with Type 1 diabetes has an autoimmune disease. What is the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells of the pancreas

Question 8

Which of the following best describes a positive feedback loop?

Accepted Answer

A process that amplifies deviations from a set point

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of a behavioral response in animals?

Accepted Answer

Migrating to a warmer climate during winter

Question 10

Which mechanism can result in changes to an organism's phenotype across generations without altering the DNA sequence?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetic effects

Question 11

Which of the following is a resource, as defined in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Energy (such as carbohydrates)

Question 12

Which of the following immune responses is characterized by the production of antibodies?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive immunity

Question 13

A person with a compromised immune system is at increased risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Cancer

Question 14

Which of the following best explains how environmental conditions can influence gene expression?

Accepted Answer

By modifying the structure of histones and DNA transcription factors

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a function of physiological responses in animals?

Accepted Answer

Producing observable behaviors

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a highly variable learned behavioral response?

Accepted Answer

Birds learning to sing species-specific songs

Question 17

Which equation best represents the concept of homeostasis in terms of feedback regulation?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta S = S_{actual} - S_{setpoint}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of an exaggerated immune response to a harmless environmental substance?

Accepted Answer

Allergy

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about developmental responses?

Accepted Answer

They can result from environmental influences on gene expression

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of a commensal relationship?

Accepted Answer

A bird nesting in a tree without affecting the tree

Introduction to Responsiveness in Organisms

Study Guide - Practice Questions