Question 1

Which of the following best describes the effect of competition between two species in a community?

Accepted Answer

Both species are negatively affected ($$-$$/$$-)$$

Question 2

A tick feeding on a deer is an example of which type of species interaction?

Accepted Answer

Parasitism

Question 3

Which interaction type is correctly matched with its effects on both species?

Accepted Answer

Herbivory: $$+$$/$$-$$

Question 4

A disturbance such as a wildfire can influence which aspects of a biological community?

Accepted Answer

Diversity and composition of the community

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of commensalism?

Accepted Answer

Barnacles attaching to a whale

Question 6

If a pathogen is introduced into a community, what is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

It may alter community structure locally and globally

Question 7

Which of the following best defines a biological community?

Accepted Answer

A group of populations of different species living close enough to interact

Question 8

In mutualism, both species benefit. Which equation best represents this interaction?

Accepted Answer

$$+$$/$$+$$

Question 9

Which of the following scenarios illustrates the concept of trophic structure?

Accepted Answer

The arrangement of feeding relationships among producers, consumers, and decomposers

Question 10

A disturbance in a community, such as a flood, can lead to which of the following outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Altered species diversity and community composition

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT an interspecific interaction?

Accepted Answer

Mating between individuals of the same species

Question 12

Which biogeographic factor is most likely to affect community diversity?

Accepted Answer

The geographic location and size of the habitat

Question 13

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of intense competition between two species?

Accepted Answer

One species may be driven to local extinction

Question 14

Which interaction type is characterized by one species benefiting and the other being unaffected?

Accepted Answer

Commensalism

Question 15

If a new predator is introduced into a community, what is a likely effect on the prey population?

Accepted Answer

The prey population will decrease

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of herbivory on the plant species being consumed?

Accepted Answer

Negative ($$-)$$

Question 17

A fungus living in the roots of a plant and helping it absorb nutrients, while receiving carbohydrates in return, is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Question 18

Which of the following equations correctly represents the effect of parasitism?

Accepted Answer

$$+$$/$$-$$

Question 19

Which of the following is most likely to increase community diversity?

Accepted Answer

Frequent disturbances that allow new species to colonize

Question 20

Which of the following is a direct effect of pathogens on a biological community?

Accepted Answer

Pathogens can reduce species diversity by causing disease

Species Interactions and Community Ecology

Study Guide - Practice Questions