Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary abiotic factors that define a terrestrial biome?

Accepted Answer

Average annual temperature and precipitation, along with their annual variation

Question 2

According to the theory of island biogeography by MacArthur and Wilson, which island would you expect to have the highest species richness?

Accepted Answer

A large island close to the mainland

Question 3

Which of the following is a likely consequence of climate change on the distribution of acai palms in South America by 2080, based on species distribution modeling?

Accepted Answer

The suitable growth areas for acai palms will shift, expanding in some regions and contracting in others

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why tropical wet forests (rain forests) have high species diversity?

Accepted Answer

They have year-round growing conditions, high net primary productivity, and a diversity of habitat types

Question 5

A researcher is using niche modeling to predict the future distribution of a frog species. Which variables are most important to include in the model?

Accepted Answer

Temperature, precipitation, and seasonality

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a prediction made by the equilibrium theory of island biogeography?

Accepted Answer

Species richness is higher on smaller, more isolated islands

Question 7

If a new volcanic island forms near the coast, what is the expected pattern of species immigration and extinction over time according to MacArthur and Wilson's model?

Accepted Answer

Immigration rates will be high initially and then decrease as extinction rates increase, eventually reaching equilibrium

Question 8

Which of the following best describes a 'biogeographic island' in the context of the theory of island biogeography?

Accepted Answer

Any habitat that is isolated from similar habitats, such as lakes, mountaintops, or forest patches

Question 9

Why is species diversity generally higher at the equator than at the poles?

Accepted Answer

There is more solar energy and stable conditions, leading to higher primary productivity and more available niches

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct application of the concept of allopatric speciation, as discussed in the seminar on North American freshwater fishes?

Accepted Answer

A river changes course, splitting a fish population into two isolated groups that evolve into separate species

Question 11

Given the following scenario: A small, remote island has a low immigration rate and a high extinction rate. According to the equilibrium theory of island biogeography, what is the expected species richness on this island?

Accepted Answer

Low species richness

Question 12

Which equation best represents the equilibrium number of species ($$S^*) on an $$island according to MacArthur and Wilson's model, where $$I is $$the immigration rate and $$E is $$the extinction rate?

Accepted Answer

$$I = E at$$ $$S^*$$

Question 13

A climate model predicts that by 2080, the suitable habitat for a plant species will move 200 km north. Which of the following factors could prevent the species from successfully shifting its range?

Accepted Answer

Limited seed dispersal ability and the absence of necessary pollinators in the new area

Question 14

Which of the following is a biotic factor that could influence the future distribution of acai palms, in addition to abiotic factors?

Accepted Answer

The presence of toucans that disperse acai seeds

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why precipitation in tropical wet forests is not equally distributed throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal wind patterns and the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone

Question 16

If you were to graph latitude (x-axis) versus biodiversity (y-axis), what general pattern would you expect to see?

Accepted Answer

A peak in biodiversity at the equator, decreasing toward the poles

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of a 'habitat island' that is not surrounded by water?

Accepted Answer

A mountaintop forest patch surrounded by grassland

Question 18

Which of the following statements about biomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Biomes are defined by their dominant vegetation type, which is determined by climate

Question 19

A student claims that the Sonoran Desert is not a biome because it is too dry. Which of the following is the best response?

Accepted Answer

The Sonoran Desert is a biome because it is defined by its characteristic vegetation and climate, regardless of dryness

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between habitat size and extinction rate on an island?

Accepted Answer

Larger islands have lower extinction rates due to more resources and habitat diversity

Biomes, Biogeography, and Speciation: Key Concepts in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

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