Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of energy in maintaining dynamic homeostasis in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Energy is required for growth, reproduction, and maintaining dynamic homeostasis by powering cellular processes.

Question 2

A plant bends toward a light source due to differential cell expansion. What is this response called?

Accepted Answer

Phototropism

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between Net Primary Production (NPP), Gross Primary Production (GPP), and Respiration (R) in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

$NPP = GPP - R$

Question 4

If a corn field has a GPP of $1,000\ J/m^2/day$ and releases $600\ J/m^2/day$ as CO$_2$ through respiration, what is the NPP?

Accepted Answer

$NPP = 400\ J/m^2/day$

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent factor affecting population growth?

Accepted Answer

A disease spreading more rapidly in a crowded population

Question 6

What is the ecological efficiency if primary producers produce $10,000\ J/m^2/day$ and primary consumers receive $1,400\ J/m^2/day$?

Accepted Answer

$14\%$

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation

Question 8

A keystone species is removed from an ecosystem. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The ecosystem collapses or undergoes significant change.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why ectotherms are more dependent on environmental temperature than endotherms?

Accepted Answer

Ectotherms lack efficient internal temperature regulation mechanisms.

Question 10

Which of the following is a real-world example of a density-independent factor?

Accepted Answer

A hurricane destroying habitat regardless of population size

Question 11

Which formula describes exponential population growth?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the process of resource partitioning?

Accepted Answer

Competing species evolve to use different resources or use resources in different ways.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a way organisms communicate information to others?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 14

Which of the following is a direct result of eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in sunlight penetration due to algal blooms

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the biogeochemical cycle?

Accepted Answer

The cycling of matter through biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems.

Question 16

Which of the following is a consequence of introducing an invasive species into a new ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled population growth and ecological change.

Question 17

Which process in the carbon cycle returns carbon to the atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

Respiration

Question 18

Which of the following is a learned behavior that increases an organism's fitness?

Accepted Answer

Birds learning to avoid poisonous butterflies after negative experience

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why diversity in an ecosystem increases its resilience to environmental change?

Accepted Answer

Diversity allows for a greater variety of responses to disturbances.

Question 20

Which of the following is true about the phosphorus cycle?

Accepted Answer

Phosphorus is released from rocks and cycles through soil and living organisms.

Unit 8 Ecology: Energetics, Responses, and Interactions in Biological Systems

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards