Ecology and Evolution Quiz

Types of Selection

• Directional selection favors one extreme of a trait.
• Stabilizing selection favors the average trait.
• Disruptive selection favors both extremes of a trait.
• Sympatric selection occurs within a population.

Biomes

• Biomes are large-scale ecosystems.
• Characterized by climate and vegetation types.
• Interactions between different species are part of each biome.

Animal Studies

• Radio telemetry is best for studying small, mobile animals.
• Quadrat sampling is used for static populations.
• Mark-recapture is used for repeated observation
• Transect sampling is for surveys in specific locations.

Logistic Growth

• Exponential population growth is unlimited by resources.
• Carrying capacity is where population growth stops.
• Logistic growth curves have both exponential and slowing phases.
• Density-independent factors influence growth.

Mutualism

• Mutualism benefits both species involved.
• Relationships can be obligate or facultative.
• Physical contact is not always necessary.
• Mutualistic relationships are common between different life forms.

Pioneer Species

• Pioneer species are the first to colonize a new habitat.
• They are not specialized and have broad niches.
• They are usually hardy to disturbances.
• They are often the subject of ecological succession studies.

Ecological Succession

• Primary succession occurs on newly exposed substrates, like volcanic rock.
• Secondary succession occurs where soil is present, like after a forest fire.
• Primary succession is slower than secondary succession.

Rank Abundance Curves

• Rank abundance curves show the relative abundance of species in a community.
• It shows how different species rank in abundance.
• Can be used to show species diversity in a community.

Species Loss Globally

• Habitat loss is the most common cause of species loss worldwide.
• Climate change is a leading factor.
• Pollution and invasive species also contribute.

Primary Production

• High temperature and high moisture generally promote primary production.

Soil Horizons

• O horizon: Organic layer
• A horizon: Topsoil
• B horizon: Subsoil
• K horizon: Bedrock

Biomass Efficiency

• Assimilation efficiency is the conversion of consumed food into biomass or offspring.
• Production efficiency, trophic efficiency, and consumption efficiency are all measures of biomass conversion.

Decomposition Agents

• Bacteria and fungi are the primary agents of decomposition.
• They break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the soil.

Insects as Prey

• Insects are less desirable prey because their chitinous exoskeletons make them difficult to break down.

Decomposition Factors

• High temperature and high moisture are favorable for faster decomposition rates.

Aquatic Layers

• Epilimnion, littoral zone, benthic zone, and rhizosphere are different layers in lakes.

Water Mixing

• Estuaries are areas where freshwater mixes with saltwater.

Carbon Cycle

• Respiration and photosynthesis are examples of carbon cycle interactions within an ecosystem.

Phosphorus Cycle

• Phosphorus is primarily released through volcanic eruptions.
• It is not a major atmospheric component.
• It is not readily available to plants in all forms.

Nitrogen Cycle

• Nitrate and ammonium are forms of nitrogen used by plants.
• Nitrogen gas is not directly usable by plants.

Test your knowledge on various ecological concepts and evolutionary processes, including types of selection, biomes, animal studies, logistic growth, and mutualism. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of these foundational topics in ecology and biology.