Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The fundamental niche is the set of resources a species uses in the absence of competitors, while the realized niche is the set of resources it uses in the presence of competitors.

Question 2

In a forest ecosystem, two species of plants compete for sunlight. Species A is a much better competitor than Species B. According to the competitive exclusion principle, what is the most likely long-term outcome?

Accepted Answer

Species B will be driven to extinction or forced to retreat to a part of the niche not used by Species A.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

$$NPP = GPP - R$$

Question 4

A parasite living on a host and feeding on its tissues is an example of which type of species interaction?

Accepted Answer

Consumption

Question 5

Which of the following is a real-world example of mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Bees pollinating flowers while collecting nectar

Question 6

If two species are equally good competitors and their niches overlap between 15-25 cm soil depth, in which part of the niche will individuals be selected against due to competition?

Accepted Answer

15-25 cm depth

Question 7

Which of the following best explains the evolutionary arms race between predators and prey?

Accepted Answer

Predators and prey evolve traits that increase their own fitness in response to each other's adaptations.

Question 8

Which process is responsible for the flow of energy from the sun to producers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 9

In a food web, which group of organisms is responsible for recycling nutrients from dead organic matter back into the ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Detritivores (decomposers)

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a short-term impact of species interactions?

Accepted Answer

Co-evolution of species traits

Question 11

A plant and a fungus form a relationship where the fungus provides the plant with water and minerals, and the plant provides the fungus with sugars. What type of interaction is this?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the competitive exclusion principle?

Accepted Answer

It is not possible for species with completely overlapping niches to coexist.

Question 13

Which of the following equations correctly represents the process of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6$ + 6O_2$$

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of resource partitioning resulting from competition?

Accepted Answer

Two plant species using different soil depths for water uptake.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about energy flow in ecosystems is correct?

Accepted Answer

Energy flows in one direction, from the sun to producers to consumers, and is eventually lost as heat.

Question 16

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of asymmetric competition between two species?

Accepted Answer

The weaker competitor may become locally extinct or retreat to a part of the niche not used by the stronger competitor.

Question 17

Which of the following is a long-term impact of species interactions?

Accepted Answer

Co-evolution of species traits

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of detritivores in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They feed on waste products or dead bodies, recycling nutrients.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of consumption as a species interaction?

Accepted Answer

A caterpillar eating leaves of a plant

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the short-term and long-term impacts of species interactions?

Accepted Answer

Short-term impacts include changes in distribution and abundance, while long-term impacts include co-evolution of traits.

Ecology: Species Interactions, Niches, and Energy Flow in Ecosystems

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