Q: A scientist measures the net primary production (NPP) of a grassland. Which equation should they use to calculate NPP?

$$\text{NPP} = \text{GPP} - R_a$$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Endotherms have higher metabolic rates, generating heat internally, which increases their energy demands.

Question 2

A lizard basks in the sun to raise its body temperature and becomes sluggish at night when temperatures drop. This behavior is characteristic of which group, and what is the primary advantage of this strategy?

Accepted Answer

Ectotherms; conserves energy by relying on environmental heat.

Question 3

Which physiological response would most likely occur in a human exposed to a hot environment, and what is its effect?

Accepted Answer

Vasodilation; increases heat loss from the skin.

Question 4

A population of rabbits in a new environment grows rapidly without any limiting factors. Which equation best describes the change in population size under these conditions?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta N = rN$$

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of acclimatization in animals?

Accepted Answer

A fish adjusting its metabolic rate when moved to colder water over several weeks.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The fundamental niche is the set of resources a species could potentially use, while the realized niche is what it actually uses.

Question 7

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of resource partitioning?

Accepted Answer

Two lizard species occupy the same tree but feed on insects at different heights.

Question 8

Which of the following is a density-dependent factor regulating population size in K-selected species?

Accepted Answer

A disease spreading more rapidly as population density increases.

Question 9

In the logistic growth model, what happens to the per capita rate of increase as the population size ($$N) $$approaches the carrying capacity ($$K$$)?

Accepted Answer

It declines to zero.

Question 10

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.

Question 11

A scientist measures the net primary production (NPP) of a grassland. Which equation should they use to calculate NPP?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{NPP} = 	ext{GPP} - R_a$$

Question 12

Which of the following is a likely consequence of removing a keystone species from a community?

Accepted Answer

A dramatic shift in species composition and loss of diversity occurs.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the intermediate disturbance hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Species richness is highest at intermediate levels of disturbance.

Question 14

Which process in the nitrogen cycle converts atmospheric $$N_2$$ into a form usable by plants?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation

Question 15

A community has four species with the following relative abundances: 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, and 0.1. Using the Shannon diversity index formula $$H = -(p_A \ln p_A + p_B \ln p_B + p_C \ln p_C + p_D \ln p_D)$$, which community would have higher diversity?

Accepted Answer

A community with all four species at 0.25 each.

Question 16

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 and as undigested material.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Cacti in North America and euphorbs in Africa both having thick, fleshy stems and spines.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Primary succession begins on bare rock with no soil; secondary succession occurs where a community existed and soil remains.

Question 19

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.

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