Question 1

Which of the following best describes an emergent property in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

A novel property that appears when individual components interact at higher levels of organization.

Question 2

A scientist observes that a certain plant species grows faster in sunlight than in shade. She proposes: 'If plants are exposed to more sunlight, then they will grow taller.' Which aspect of the scientific method does this statement best represent?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of all living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Possession of a nervous system

Question 4

Which of the following best distinguishes a scientific theory from a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

A theory explains why phenomena occur, while a law describes how phenomena behave under certain conditions.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

A disease spreading more rapidly as population density increases

Question 6

A population of rabbits in a field grows according to the logistic growth model. Which equation best describes the rate of change in population size ($$N) $$over time ($$t$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN \left(1 - \frac{N}{K}\right)$$

Question 7

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of a rain shadow?

Accepted Answer

A mountain range causes moist air to rise, cool, and release precipitation on the windward side, leaving the leeward side dry.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between environmental science and ecology?

Accepted Answer

Ecology is the study of interactions among organisms and their environment, while environmental science integrates ecology with other disciplines to address human impacts.

Question 9

A population of bacteria doubles every hour under ideal conditions. Which type of growth does this represent, and what is the general equation for this growth?

Accepted Answer

Exponential growth; $$N_t = N_0$ e$$^{rt}$$

Question 10

Which of the following is a key factor that determines the carrying capacity ($$K) of a $$population?

Accepted Answer

The availability of resources such as food, water, and space

Question 11

Which of the following best describes a K-selected species?

Accepted Answer

Exhibits high parental investment, few offspring, and stable population sizes near carrying capacity

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a hypothesis that is testable and falsifiable?

Accepted Answer

Plants grow better when exposed to classical music.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why deserts are commonly found at 30° north and south latitude?

Accepted Answer

Descending dry air masses at these latitudes inhibit precipitation.

Question 14

A country is experiencing a demographic transition. Which of the following patterns would you expect to see during the transition from stage 2 to stage 3?

Accepted Answer

Birth rates decline while death rates remain low, leading to slower population growth.

Question 15

Which survivorship curve (Type I, II, or III) is most characteristic of humans in developed countries, and what does it indicate?

Accepted Answer

Type I; low mortality early and middle life, high mortality in old age

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of an iteroparous life history strategy?

Accepted Answer

A perennial plant that flowers and produces seeds every year

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the relationship between population age structure and future population growth?

Accepted Answer

A population with a broad base (many young individuals) is likely to grow rapidly.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a level of ecological study?

Accepted Answer

Molecular

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the scientific method is correct?

Accepted Answer

Science relies on testable, falsifiable explanations for natural phenomena.

Question 20

Which of the following factors is most likely to cause a population to overshoot its carrying capacity ($$K) $$and then decline?

Accepted Answer

A time lag between reproduction and resource limitation

Biology 190 Exam 1 Study Guide: Science of Biology, Ecology, and Population Ecology

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard