$$T_{new} = T_{original} - 6 \, ^\circ C \times (\frac{\Delta h}{1000})$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the biosphere?

Accepted Answer

All of the Earth that is inhabited by life, extending from the atmosphere several kilometers above Earth to the depths of the oceans.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

The presence of predators such as wolves.

Question 3

A scientist is studying the effect of wind and fire on plant communities in a grassland. Which type of factor is she investigating?

Accepted Answer

Abiotic factors

Question 4

Which level of ecological study focuses on interactions between all populations of organisms living close enough together for potential interaction?

Accepted Answer

Community ecology

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a major abiotic factor that determines the biosphere’s structure and dynamics?

Accepted Answer

Predator-prey relationships

Question 6

How does air temperature typically change with elevation near mountains?

Accepted Answer

It decreases by about 6°C for every 1,000-m increase in elevation.

Question 7

Which combination of factors is primarily responsible for the formation of ocean currents?

Accepted Answer

Prevailing winds, the planet’s rotation, unequal heating of surface waters, and the location and shapes of continents

Question 8

A region receives high solar energy input and has consistent rainfall throughout the year. Which biome is most likely to be found in this region?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rainforest

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why similar biomes can be found in geographically distant places?

Accepted Answer

They have similar climate conditions, such as temperature and precipitation.

Question 10

Which process in the global water cycle is increased by the destruction of tropical rain forests?

Accepted Answer

Evaporation over the land due to less water vapor in the air

Question 11

A behavioral ecologist is interested in why a bird migrates south for the winter. Which type of question is she asking?

Accepted Answer

An ultimate question

Question 12

Which of the following is a standing water biome?

Accepted Answer

Lake

Question 13

Which equation best represents the relationship between temperature and elevation near mountains?

Accepted Answer

$$T_{new} = T_{original} - 6 \, ^\circ C 	imes (\frac{\Delta h}{1000})$$

Question 14

Which of the following human activities increases the rate of evaporation over land?

Accepted Answer

Pumping large amounts of groundwater to the surface for irrigation

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct sequence of ecological study levels from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Organism, population, community, ecosystem

Question 16

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of global warming on terrestrial biomes?

Accepted Answer

Latitudinal shifts in biome borders

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the main difference between standing water and flowing water biomes?

Accepted Answer

Standing water biomes include lakes and ponds, while flowing water biomes include rivers and streams.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of how human activities can disrupt nutrient and water cycles?

Accepted Answer

The destruction of tropical rain forests reduces the amount of water vapor in the air.

The Biosphere: Structure, Dynamics, and Ecological Interactions

Study Guide - Practice Questions