Ecology and Climate Quiz

Questions and Answers

Long-term data are valuable in assessing the health and stability of a community. Of particular importance to understanding community stability is the change in the _____

number of species and their relative abundances in the community over multiple years

What will be the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide if it nearly doubles by the end of this century?

700 ppm

Some areas of the Earth may have large temperature fluctuations throughout the year while others have only minor fluctuations.

True

Which species is most likely a primary producer in the ecosystem?

A Signup and view all the answers

What is one type of primary succession?

Succession after a glacier retreats leaving rocks and debris but not soil. Signup and view all the answers

Why are sea levels rising?

Glaciers are melting. Signup and view all the answers

What biogeochemical cycles have been heavily affected by human activities? (Select all that apply)

The carbon cycle Signup and view all the answers

Classify each concept as the appropriate type of ecological pyramid:

Pyramid of Numbers = Inverted versions are relatively common Pyramid of Biomass = Inverted versions are relatively rare Pyramid of Energy = Inverted versions do not occur Signup and view all the answers

How does DDT in the environment affect many birds?

Decreased reproductive rate Signup and view all the answers

If you could speed up the process of continental drift, what factors would be affected? (Select all that apply)

The distribution of extinct species Signup and view all the answers

Indicate whether each description is consistent with primary or secondary succession:

No plants, animals, or microbes present = Primary Succession Supports life immediately following the disturbance = Secondary Succession Occurs after a volcanic eruption = Primary Succession Soil present = Secondary Succession Signup and view all the answers

What causes the global patterns of atmospheric circulation and precipitation?

Rising masses of warm air and sinking masses of cool air. Signup and view all the answers

The same biome cannot occur on more than one continent.

False Signup and view all the answers

All rain forests are tropical.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Community Health and Stability

Long-term data is crucial for assessing community health and identifying potential threats.
Key focus on changes in species abundance and diversity over time.

Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007 predicted atmospheric CO2 levels could reach 700 ppm by the century's end.

Temperature Fluctuations

Earth's tilt and rotation cause varying temperature fluctuations; some areas experience large changes, while others have minor fluctuations throughout the year.

Primary Producers in Ecosystems

In an ecological context, species represented by 'A' is the most likely primary producer, indicated by energy flow direction.

Primary Succession Process

Primary succession occurs after glacial retreat, starting with mosses and lichens thriving on bare rocks.
Initial colonizers facilitate nutrient buildup and soil formation, allowing more complex plants to establish over time.
Species like alder fix nitrogen, and later, spruce and hemlock trees contribute to soil enrichment through organic matter breakdown.

Rising Sea Levels

Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels as global temperatures increase.

Human Impact on Biogeochemical Cycles

Human activities significantly affect the water, phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon cycles.

Ecological Pyramids

Pyramid of Numbers: Inverted forms are common; involves counting individuals.
Pyramid of Biomass: Inverted forms are rare; involves weighing individuals.
Pyramid of Energy: Inverted forms do not exist; measures production rates at each trophic level.

Environmental Impact of DDT

DDT exposure in the environment leads to a decrease in reproductive rates among many bird species.

Effects of Accelerated Continental Drift

Speeding up continental drift would impact ocean circulation patterns, global climate patterns, and the distribution of extinct species.

Disturbance and Succession

Primary succession is characterized by bare ground with no prior life, often after volcanic eruptions or glacial retreat.
Secondary succession involves life support with soil present, occurring post-disturbance events like fires or tornadoes.

Global Atmospheric Patterns

Atmospheric circulation and precipitation patterns result from warm air rising and cool air sinking.

Biome Distribution

Biomes can appear on multiple continents; the idea that a single biome is continent-specific is false.

Rainforest Classification

Not all rainforests are classified as tropical; this statement is false.

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Description

Test your knowledge on community health, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and the primary succession process in ecosystems. This quiz covers fundamental concepts in ecology, climate change, and the role of primary producers. Dive into the interactions that shape our environment!