Ecosystem Science Exam Prep

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Questions and Answers

What is the relationship between elevation and latitude in the context of environmental changes?

Elevation changes occur slower than latitude changes.

Elevation and latitude changes are independent of each other.

Latitude changes occur faster than elevation changes. (correct)

Elevation and latitude changes occur at the same rate.

Which of the following is NOT an abiotic component of an ecosystem?

Sunlight

Temperature

Predator-Prey interactions (correct)

Water availability

What is the primary factor responsible for the varying zones of impact around Mount Saint Helens after the eruption?

The elevation of the surrounding terrain.

The direction of the prevailing winds.

The species richness of the pre-eruption ecosystem.

The distance from the volcano's vent. (correct)

How does the eruption of Mount Saint Helens affect the soil quality of the surrounding ecosystem?

The eruption destroys existing soil and leaves behind a layer of volcanic ash. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a natural disturbance?

Occurring with varying intensity and frequency. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely impact of a volcanic eruption on species richness in the surrounding ecosystem?

Decreased species richness due to the destruction of habitats. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of studying Mount Saint Helens in the context of ecological recovery?

It allows researchers to understand the processes of ecological succession. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between the pumice plain and the scorch zone after the Mount Saint Helens eruption?

The scorch zone is characterized by complete vegetation loss, while the pumice plain has surviving vegetation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs correctly identifies a type of intermolecular force and its potential interaction?

Hydrogen bonding - interaction between a hydrogen atom and a lone pair of electrons on a highly electronegative atom (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of interaction contributes to the formation of the tertiary structure of a protein, but not its secondary structure?

Disulfide bridges (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between nitrogen fixation and plant assimilation of nitrogen?

Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which plants can then assimilate into amino acids. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of lupine in the Mount St. Helens (MSH) pumice plain contribute to nitrogen availability for other plants?

Lupine forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enriching the soil with nitrogen available to other plants. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the best explanation for the differences in nitrogen levels at Mount St. Helens before and after the eruption?

The tephra created by the eruption was devoid of nitrogen, leading to a significant depletion in the nitrogen levels. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Liebig's Law of the Minimum, what can be considered a limiting resource for plant growth?

The nutrient present in the lowest concentration (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of limiting resources apply to the colonization of the Mount St. Helens pumice plain by plants?

The lack of nitrogen in the tephra primarily limits plant growth, making nitrogen the limiting resource. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why are scientists uncertain about which resource may be limiting plant growth in the Mount St. Helens pumice plain?

The amount of each resource available in the pumice plain is always fluctuating, making it difficult to identify a limiting factor. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is typical of early-successional tree species?

Shade intolerant (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT typically increase with the age of a forest?

Disturbance frequency (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of biodiversity, what does the term 'S’' refer to?

Species richness (C) Signup and view all the answers

What outcome is associated with higher biodiversity in a forest?

Increased stability (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can be a significant influence on biodiversity?

Latitude (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of larger seeds for a plant?

They have a higher chance of survival due to increased resources. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does seed size correlate with the number of seeds produced by a plant?

As seed size increases, the number of seeds produced decreases. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is fitness in the context of biological trade-offs?

The capability of an organism to produce viable offspring that can survive to reproduce. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does facilitation play in ecosystem recovery?

It helps pioneer species establish by creating favorable conditions for subsequent species. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly describes symbiosis?

It encompasses mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is primary succession?

It begins on bare rock or surfaces without any soil. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of intraspecific competition?

Trees of the same species competing for sunlight. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one ecological benefit of older ecosystems?

They exhibit greater structural complexity and biodiversity. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the impact of tephra on the reestablishment of organisms?

Tephra's impact is highly variable, depending on its composition and the type of organisms being considered. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common evolutionary tradeoff?

The tradeoff between the ability to withstand extreme temperatures and the ability to thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the octet rule is FALSE?

The octet rule applies only to the elements in the second row of the periodic table. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following amino acid components is responsible for the unique characteristics of a particular amino acid?

The side chain (R group) (D) Signup and view all the answers

During the process of protein folding, which level of structure is primarily stabilized by hydrogen bonds?

Secondary structure (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of nitrogen in plants?

To build proteins and other essential molecules (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with r-selected species?

Large body size (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between electronegativity and the type of chemical bond formed?

Large differences in electronegativity lead to ionic bonds, while small differences lead to covalent bonds. (A) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Exam Preparation Guide

The exam will cover material from lectures and assignments.
Understand the main concepts before focusing on details.
The importance of a topic is related to the time spent on it in class and the number of questions asked on worksheets, quizzes, etc.
Material mentioned briefly in class or not revisited isn't likely to be on the exam.
Use your notes, lecture powerpoints, worksheets, in-class questions (ICQs) and weekly review quizzes as supplemental study resources.

Equations for the Exam

S' = 1 - D
D = Σ(pi)²
δΝ/δt = rN₀

Definitions of scale

Definitions of scale (population, ecosystem, etc.) will be included in the exam.

Mount Saint Helens (MSH)

Ecosystem Definition:
- Abiotic components: Averages and seasonality importance
- Biotic components:
- Disturbances: scale, frequency, and intensity
- Mountains: Elevation, biotic and abiotic changes, relationship between elevation and latitude, rate of change
Before MSH eruption:
- Conditions: Soil quality, biodiversity (vertical and horizontal), biome type, species richness, elevation effects, relationship to south slopes.
The Impact of the Eruption:
- Describe the impact the eruption has had on surrounding ecosystems, covering soil quality, vertical and horizontal biodiversity, biome type, and species richness.

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Description

Prepare for your upcoming exam on ecosystem science with this comprehensive guide. This quiz covers key concepts, equations, and definitions related to ecosystems, including the significance of material discussed in class. Utilize your resources effectively to maximize your understanding and perform well on the exam.