Q: A population of rabbits in a field increases from 100 to 150 individuals in one year. During that year, 20 rabbits immigrated into the population and 10 emigrated. If there were 40 births, how many deaths occurred?

$$\text{Change in population size} = (\text{Births} + \text{Immigrants}) - (\text{Deaths} + \text{Emigrants})$$ $$50 = (40 + 20) - (D + 10)$$ $$50 = 60 - (D + 10)$$ $$D + 10 = 10$$ $$D = 0 So$$, 0 deaths occurred.

Question 1

Which of the following best explains why endotherms, such as birds and mammals, require more frequent feeding compared to ectotherms like reptiles?

Accepted Answer

Endotherms have higher metabolic rates and generate heat internally, increasing their energy demands.

Question 2

A lizard basks in the sun to raise its body temperature. Which term best describes this thermoregulatory strategy?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral regulation as an ectotherm

Question 3

Which of the following is a direct result of vasodilation in human skin during exercise on a hot day?

Accepted Answer

Increased heat loss to the environment

Question 4

A population of rabbits in a field increases from 100 to 150 individuals in one year. During that year, 20 rabbits immigrated into the population and 10 emigrated. If there were 40 births, how many deaths occurred?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Change in population size} = (	ext{Births} + 	ext{Immigrants}) - (	ext{Deaths} + 	ext{Emigrants})$$

$$50 = (40 + 20) - (D + 10)$$

$$50 = 60 - (D + 10)$$

$$D + 10 = 10$$

$$D = 0

So$$, 0 deaths occurred.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche?

Accepted Answer

A fundamental niche is the full range of environmental conditions a species can potentially occupy, while a realized niche is the portion actually occupied due to biotic interactions.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of density-dependent population regulation in K-selected species?

Accepted Answer

A disease spreads more rapidly as population density increases, reducing birth rates and increasing death rates.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why tropical regions have higher species richness than temperate regions?

Accepted Answer

Tropical regions are older, more stable, and have higher rates of speciation and lower extinction rates.

Question 8

A scientist is studying a community where one species, though not abundant, has a disproportionately large effect on the structure of the community. This species is best described as a:

Accepted Answer

Keystone species

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the intermediate disturbance hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Species richness is maximized at intermediate levels of disturbance.

Question 10

Which of the following is the correct formula for the Shannon diversity index ($$H) $$for a community with three species (A, B, and C) with relative abundances $$p_A$$, $$p_B$$, and $$p_C$$?

Accepted Answer

$$H = -(p_A \ln p_A + p_B \ln p_B + p_C \ln p_C)$$

Question 11

Which of the following is a likely consequence of removing a foundation species, such as beavers, from an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

A decrease in habitat diversity and a reduction in species that depend on wetland environments.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why energy transfer between trophic levels is typically only about 10% efficient?

Accepted Answer

Energy is lost as heat through respiration, feces, and uneaten parts at each trophic transfer.

Question 13

Which of the following is a key adaptation that allows plants to access limiting soil nutrients?

Accepted Answer

Mutualistic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi

Question 14

Which of the following statements about the nitrogen cycle is correct?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation by bacteria converts $$N_2$$ into forms usable by plants.

Question 15

A population of deer is growing in a new environment with unlimited resources. Which equation best describes the population growth rate under these conditions?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN$$

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution in biomes?

Accepted Answer

Cacti in North America and euphorbs in Africa both have thick, fleshy stems and spines, despite being unrelated.

Question 17

Which of the following is a primary difference between primary and secondary succession?

Accepted Answer

Primary succession begins in lifeless areas without soil, while secondary succession occurs where a community has been disturbed but soil remains.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of decomposers in nutrient cycling?

Accepted Answer

They break down organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Question 19

According to the island equilibrium model, which island would be expected to have the highest species richness?

Accepted Answer

A large island close to the mainland

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