Question 1

Which of the following best explains why deserts are commonly found at approximately 30° north and south latitude?

Accepted Answer

Dry air descends at these latitudes, absorbing moisture from the land.

Question 2

A climograph plots which two variables to help distinguish between different terrestrial biomes?

Accepted Answer

Annual mean temperature and annual mean precipitation

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary abiotic factor that determines the distribution of terrestrial biomes?

Accepted Answer

Annual precipitation

Question 4

What is the main reason that the equator receives more direct sunlight than the poles?

Accepted Answer

Sunlight strikes the equator at a higher angle, concentrating energy over a smaller area.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the photic zone in an aquatic biome?

Accepted Answer

The region where light intensity is sufficient for photosynthesis

Question 6

A population of ground squirrels is studied using a life table. Which of the following is most likely to be ignored in the table for a sexually reproducing species?

Accepted Answer

The number of males in each age group

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor that could limit the distribution of a species?

Accepted Answer

Predation by another species

Question 8

If a mountain range is located near a coast, which side is most likely to be a desert due to the rain shadow effect?

Accepted Answer

The leeward side

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a Type III survivorship curve?

Accepted Answer

Low survivorship for young, but higher survivorship for those that survive early years

Question 10

Which of the following is a direct effect of ocean currents on coastal climates?

Accepted Answer

They heat or cool air masses that pass over land, moderating temperatures.

Question 11

A researcher observes that a plant species is only found on the south-facing slopes of a mountain in the Northern Hemisphere. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

South-facing slopes receive more sunlight, creating warmer conditions.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the pelagic zone in a lake?

Accepted Answer

The open water area that includes both the photic and aphotic zones

Question 13

Which sampling method would be most appropriate for estimating the population size of a clumped-dispersion species such as mussels on a rocky shore?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling with quadrats

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic of aquatic biomes that distinguishes them from terrestrial biomes?

Accepted Answer

They are primarily characterized by their physical and chemical environment.

Question 15

Which of the following equations would you use to estimate population density ($$D) if $$you know the number of individuals ($$N) $$and the area ($$A) $$sampled?

Accepted Answer

$$D = \frac{N}{A}$$

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a disturbance that can alter the distribution of a terrestrial biome?

Accepted Answer

A wildfire that removes large areas of forest

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the term 'ecotone'?

Accepted Answer

A region of transition between two biomes that may be wide or narrow

Question 18

Which of the following is a likely consequence of a successful species transplant?

Accepted Answer

The species' actual range is smaller than its potential range.

Question 19

Which of the following is a direct result of upwelling in coastal ocean regions?

Accepted Answer

Increased phytoplankton growth due to nutrient-rich water

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between the littoral and limnetic zones in a lake?

Accepted Answer

The littoral zone is near the shore and supports rooted plants, while the limnetic zone is farther from shore and too deep for rooted plants.

Population Ecology and the Distribution of Organisms (Chapter 40) – Study Notes

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