Untitled Quiz

Questions and Answers

How do seed-eating animals affect the distribution and abundance of the trees?

All options are correct. (correct)

Is one that a present-day ecologist would be likely to ask.

Would be difficult to answer because a long-term experiment would be required.

Would be difficult to answer because a large experimental area would be required.

Would require an elaborate experimental design to answer.

Which of the following levels of ecological organization is arranged in the correct sequence from most to least inclusive?

Community, ecosystem, individual, population

Individual, community, population, ecosystem

Ecosystem, community, population, individual (correct)

Population, ecosystem, individual, community

Individual, population, community, ecosystem

Which of the following examples of an ecological effect leading to an evolutionary effect is most correct?

A few organisms of a larger population survive a drought and then these survivors emigrate to less arid environments.

Fish that swim the fastest in running water catch the most prey and more easily escape predation.

A few individuals with denser fur survive the coldest days of an ice age, and the reproducing survivors of the ice age all have long fur. (correct)

When seeds are not plentiful, trees produce more seeds.

The insects that spend the most time exposed to sunlight have the most mutations.

Which of the following might be an investigation of microclimate?

The effect of sunlight intensity on species composition in a decaying rat carcass Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following choices includes all of the others in creating global terrestrial climates?

Differential heating of Earth's surface Signup and view all the answers

Why is the climate drier on the leeward side of mountain ranges that are subjected to prevailing winds?

Pushed by the prevailing winds on the windward side, air is forced to rise, cool, condense, and drop its precipitation, leaving only dry air to descend the leeward side. Signup and view all the answers

What would be the effect on climate in the temperate latitudes if Earth were to slow its rate of rotation from a 24-hour period of rotation to a 48-hour period of rotation?

The climate would stay the same. The only change would be longer days and nights. Signup and view all the answers

Palm trees and subtropical plants are commonplace in Land's End, England, whose latitude is the equivalent of Labrador in coastal Canada where the local flora is subarctic. Which statement best explains why this apparent anomaly exists between North America and Europe?

Warm ocean currents interact with England, whereas cold ocean currents interact with Labrador. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes how climate might change if Earth was 75% land and 25% water?

Earth's daytime temperatures would be higher and nighttime temperatures lower. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following abiotic factors has the greatest influence on the metabolic rates of plants and animals?

Temperature Signup and view all the answers

In mountainous areas of western North America, north-facing slopes would be expected to

Support biological communities similar to those found at higher elevations on similar south-facing slopes. Signup and view all the answers

Deserts typically occur in a band at 20 degrees north and south latitude because

Descending air masses tend to be cool and dry. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events might you predict to occur if the tilt of Earth's axis relative to its plane of orbit was increased to 33 1/2 degrees?

Summers and winters in the United States would likely become warmer and colder, respectively. Signup and view all the answers

Imagine some cosmic catastrophe jolts Earth so that its axis is perpendicular to the orbital plane between Earth and the sun. The most obvious effect of this change would be

The elimination of seasonal variation. Signup and view all the answers

The main reason polar regions are cooler than the equator is that

Sunlight strikes the poles at a lower angle. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following environmental features might influence microclimates?

All of the options are correct. Signup and view all the answers

The success with which plants extend their range northward following glacial retreat is best determined by

Their seed dispersal rate. Signup and view all the answers

As climate changes because of global warming, species' ranges in the northern hemisphere may move northward. The trees that are most likely to avoid extinction in such an environment are those that

Have seeds that are easily dispersed by wind or animals. Signup and view all the answers

Generalized global air circulation and precipitation patterns are caused by

Rising, warm, moist air masses that cool and release precipitation as they rise and then, at high altitude, cool and sink back to the surface as dry air masses after moving north or south of the tropics. Signup and view all the answers

Air masses formed over the Pacific Ocean are moved by prevailing westerlies where they encounter extensive north-south mountain ranges, such as the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades. Which statement best describes the outcome of this encounter between a landform and an air mass?

The warm, moist Pacific air rises and cools, releasing precipitation as it moves up the windward side of the range, and this cool, now dry air mass heats up as it descends on the leeward side of the range. Signup and view all the answers

If global warming continues at its present rate, which biomes will likely take the place of the coniferous forest (taiga)?

Temperate broadleaf forest and grassland Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are important biotic factors that can affect the structure and organization of biological communities?

Predation, competition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be said about light in aquatic environments?

Water selectively reflects and absorbs certain wavelengths of light. Signup and view all the answers

Coral reefs can be found on the southern east coast of the United States but not at similar latitudes on the southern west coast. Differences in which of the following most likely account for this?

Ocean currents Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following investigations would shed the most light on the distribution of organisms in temperate regions that are faced with climate change?

Look back at the changes that occurred since the Ice Age and how species redistributed as glaciers melted, then make predictions on future distribution in species based on past trends. Signup and view all the answers

Which series is correctly layered from top to bottom in a tropical rain forest?

Emergent layer, canopy, under story, shrub/immature layer, ground layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the limiting factor for the growth of trees in the tundra?

Permafrost Signup and view all the answers

Generally speaking, deserts are located in places where air masses are usually

Descending. Signup and view all the answers

Turnover of water in temperate lakes during the spring and fall is made possible by which of the following?

The changes in the density of water as seasonal temperatures change Signup and view all the answers

In temperate lakes, the surface water is replenished with nutrients during turnovers that occur in the

Autumn and spring. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is responsible for the differences in summer and winter temperature stratification of deep temperate zone lakes?

Water is densest at 4°C. Signup and view all the answers

Imagine that a deep temperate zone lake did not 'turn over' during the spring and fall seasons. Based on the physical and biological properties of limnetic ecosystems, what would be the difference from normal seasonal turnover?

Lakes would suffer a nutrient depletion in surface layers. Signup and view all the answers

Which marine zone would have the lowest rates of primary productivity (photosynthesis)?

Abyssal Signup and view all the answers

If you are interested in observing a relatively simple community structure in a clear water lake, you would do well to choose diving into

An oligotrophic lake. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the ocean pelagic biome is true?

Pelagic ocean photosynthetic activity is disproportionately low in relation to the size of the biome. Signup and view all the answers

If a meteor impact or volcanic eruption injected a lot of dust into the atmosphere and reduced the sunlight reaching Earth's surface by 70% for one year, which of the following marine communities most likely would be least affected?

Deep-sea vent Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors is indicated in the relationship between soil nitrate and phosphate levels and wildflower abundance?

The amount of nitrate and phosphate in the soil, and wildflower abundance and diversity Signup and view all the answers

What should an ecologist do to understand why a certain species of pine tree grows only in specific high elevation locations?

Investigate the various biotic and abiotic factors that are unique to high altitude. Signup and view all the answers

What is true about species introduced by humans to new geographic locations?

They can outcompete and displace native species for biotic and abiotic resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the effect of climate on biome distribution?

Average climate and the pattern of climatic variation both determine biome distribution. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most dependent on all others in the development of terrestrial biomes?

The species of colonizing animals Signup and view all the answers

Two plant species in the same biome but on different continents may appear similar due to:

Convergent evolution. Signup and view all the answers

In which terrestrial biome pair are both parts dependent upon periodic burning?

Chaparral and savanna Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of human fire suppression in ecosystems?

It can change species composition within biological communities. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the interaction between fire and ecosystems?

Many kinds of plants have adapted to frequent fires. Signup and view all the answers

In which community would organisms most likely have adaptations enabling them to respond to different photoperiods?

Temperate forest Signup and view all the answers

The growing season is shortest in which of the following biomes?

Coniferous forest Signup and view all the answers

Why are trees not usually found in the tundra biome?

Permafrost. Signup and view all the answers

What method do ecologists use to study species transplants?

Determine if dispersal limits distribution of organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Which climograph shows the climate for location 1?

A Signup and view all the answers

Which climograph shows the climate for location 2?

D Signup and view all the answers

Which climograph shows the climate for location 3?

C Signup and view all the answers

Which climograph shows the climate for location 4?

D Signup and view all the answers

Which climograph shows the climate for location 5?

B Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best substantiates why location 3 is considered to have an equatorial (tropical) climate?

The temperature is high for each monthly average. Signup and view all the answers

Which zone has a condition of constant temperature?

C Signup and view all the answers

Which zone produces the most global oxygen gas?

B Signup and view all the answers

Which zone is comprised largely of detritus-feeding organisms?

C Signup and view all the answers

Which zone has the lowest biomass per unit of area?

D Signup and view all the answers

Which zone experiences the most abiotic change over a 24-hour period?

A Signup and view all the answers

How would an ecologist likely explain the expansion of the cattle egret?

A habitat left unoccupied by native herons and egrets met the requirements for the cattle egret. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the observation about factors limiting distribution of organisms best illustrate?

Environmental factors are limiting in amount and longevity. Signup and view all the answers

What might be the adaptive significance of forests growing in unusual ways in marginal habitats?

Taproot formation is impossible, so trees developed shallow root beds. Signup and view all the answers

Which area of study focuses on the exchange of energy, organisms, and materials between ecosystems?

Landscape ecology Signup and view all the answers

Which lake zone would be absent in a very shallow lake?

Aphotic zone Signup and view all the answers

What is true regarding oligotrophic lakes and eutrophic lakes?

Eutrophic lakes are richer in nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

Which biome is correctly paired with its climate description?

Tropical forests - nearly constant day length and temperature. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristics are typical of most terrestrial biomes?

Vegetation demonstrating vertical layering Signup and view all the answers

How do oceans affect the biosphere?

Regulating the pH of freshwater biomes and groundwater. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about dispersal is false?

Dispersal occurs only on an evolutionary time scale. Signup and view all the answers

When climbing a mountain, the transitions in biological communities are analogous to changes:

In biomes at different latitudes. Signup and view all the answers

In which biome would you find the greatest number of bird species, assuming it is determined mainly by the number of vertical strata?

Tropical rain forest Signup and view all the answers

If the direction of Earth's rotation reversed, what would be the most predictable effect?

Winds blowing from west to east along the equator. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Seed-Eating Animals and Trees

Seed-eating animals influence tree distribution and abundance through their dietary habits.
Answering the influence of these animals requires complex, large-scale experiments.

Ecological Organization Levels

The correct sequence of ecological organization from most to least inclusive is: ecosystem, community, population, individual.

Ecological and Evolutionary Effects

An example of an ecological effect prompting evolutionary change is denser fur surviving cold conditions leading to offspring with long fur.

Microclimate Investigations

Investigating microclimates may involve studying sunlight intensity's effect on species composition in decaying organic matter.

Global Climate Creation

Global terrestrial climates are shaped by differential heating of Earth's surface, along with ocean currents and wind patterns.

Rain Shadow Effect

Drier climates on the leeward side of mountains occur because prevailing winds force air to rise and cool, causing precipitation on the windward side.

Earth’s Rotation and Climate

Slowing Earth’s rotation from 24 hours to 48 hours would not affect climate significantly, only lengthening days and nights.

Disparity in Flora between Regions

Subtropical plants thrive in Land's End, England, primarily due to warm ocean currents, contrasting with cold ocean influences in Labrador.

Climate with Increased Land

If Earth were 75% land, daytime temperatures may rise, while nighttime temperatures could lower.

Polar vs. Equatorial Temperatures

The polar regions are cooler than the equator because sunlight strikes at a lower angle.

Microclimate Influencing Factors

Environmental features like a forest canopy, large boulders, and soil disturbances can significantly influence local microclimates.

Plant Range Post-Glacial Retreat

Trees' success in extending their range depends heavily on their seed dispersal rates after glacial retreat.

Adaptations in Climate Change

Trees likely to survive climate change are those with seeds easily dispersed by wind or animals.

Global Air Circulation

Air circulation patterns and precipitation are driven by rising warm moist air, cooling and releasing precipitation before descending as dry air masses.

Precipitation Patterns and Mountain Ranges

Humid Pacific air rises over mountains, cooling and releasing precipitation, while dry air descends on the leeward side.

Biome Transition due to Global Warming

Coniferous forests in taiga may be replaced by temperate broadleaf forests and grasslands due to ongoing climate changes.

Biotic Factors in Biological Communities

Important biotic factors impacting community structure include predation and competition among species.

Light in Aquatic Environments

In aquatic ecosystems, water selectively absorbs certain wavelengths of light, affecting photosynthesis depths.

Coral Reefs Distribution

Coral reefs are present on the southern east coast of the U.S. due to favorable ocean currents, unlike similar latitudes in the west.

Investigations for Climate Change Impact

Analyzing historical species distribution since the Ice Age can provide insights into future organism behavior in temperate regions facing climate change.

Tropical Rainforest Layering

The correct layering in a tropical rainforest goes from ground layer, shrub/immature layer, under story, canopy, to emergent layer.

Limiting Factors in Tundra

The primary limiting factor for tree growth in the tundra is permafrost.

Desert Locations

Deserts are typically found where air masses are descending, leading to dry conditions.

Temperate Lake Turnovers

The turnover of water in temperate lakes occurs in spring and fall, revitalizing surface waters with nutrients.

Stratification in Deep Lakes

The density of water at 4°C leads to stratification changes during different seasons in deep temperate lakes.

Effects of No Seasonal Turnover

A lake that fails to turn over would suffer nutrient depletion in surface layers, affecting ecosystem health.

Primary Productivity in Marine Zones

The abyssal zone of the ocean has the lowest rates of primary productivity due to reduced light penetration.

Simple Community Structures in Lakes

Oligotrophic lakes offer simpler community structures with clearer waters, ideal for ecological observations.

Resource Abundance in Pelagic Zones

Photosynthetic activity in the pelagic zone is low relative to its vast size, with neritic zones being more productive.

Resilience of Deep-Sea Vents

Communities at deep-sea vents would likely be least affected by significant atmospheric changes due to their isolation and unique conditions.

Abiotic and Biotic Factors Interdependence

Understanding species distribution requires examining both abiotic factors, like frost-free days, and biotic factors, such as species competition.

Pine Tree Habitat Preferences

Investigating the unique biotic and abiotic factors unique to higher altitudes is essential for understanding the habitat distribution of certain pine trees.

Impact of Introduced Species

Species introduced by humans can outcompete native species for resources, threatening local ecosystems.

Climate's Role in Biome Distribution

Average climate factors, including temperature and precipitation, are essential to anticipate biome distribution while also considering variations in climate patterns.### Colonization and Biome Characteristics
Colonizing animal species vary based on their adaptation to different environments.
Factors influencing colonization include prevailing temperature, rainfall, mineral nutrients, and soil structure.

Evolutionary Concepts

Parallel evolution leads to similar traits in unrelated species across different continents.
Convergent evolution describes the independent evolution of similar traits in different species due to similar environmental pressures.

Biome Interactions with Fire

Chaparral and savanna both depend on periodic burning for ecosystem maintenance.
Fire suppression can alter species compositions and dynamics, potentially leading to decreased diversity and ecological imbalance.
Frequent fires are beneficial for many plant species, which have adapted to such conditions.
Some communities, like grasslands, have been affected by the suppression of natural fires, preventing them from reaching a climax stage.

Response to Photoperiods

Organisms in temperate forests exhibit adaptations to respond to varying light durations throughout the year, unlike those in tropical forests.

Growing Seasons in Biomes

Coniferous forests typically have the shortest growing seasons compared to other biomes such as savannas and tropical rain forests.

Tundra Limitations

Tundra biomes lack trees primarily due to permafrost, which prevents deep root systems necessary for tree growth.

Ecological Studies

Ecologists utilize species transplants to investigate dispersal limitations affecting species distribution.

Climographs and Climate Understanding

Climographs indicate specific climatic conditions; for example, a consistent climate suggests an equatorial (tropical) climatic zone based on high monthly temperature averages.

Lake Zones

Very shallow lakes may lack aphotic zones, affecting the types of organisms that can inhabit them.

Oligotrophic vs. Eutrophic Lakes

Eutrophic lakes are nutrient-rich, supporting higher levels of biological productivity compared to oligotrophic lakes.

Terrestrial Biome Characteristics

Vegetation in terrestrial biomes often displays vertical layering, which contributes to biodiversity.
Tropical forests experience nearly constant day length and temperature throughout the year.

Oceanic Influence on Biosphere

Oceans play a critical role in oxygen production, carbon dioxide absorption, and climate moderation for terrestrial ecosystems.

Dispersal and Subsequent Colonization

Dispersal is a crucial process in the life cycles of many organisms, allowing species to colonize new areas, especially after disturbances.

Analogous Biological Transitions

Climbing mountains reveals biological community transitions akin to biomes located at varying latitudes.

Biodiversity and Vertical Stratification

The tropical rain forest hosts the greatest degree of avian species diversity due to its extensive vertical strata.

Earth's Rotation Implications

A reversal in Earth's rotation would primarily lead to winds blowing from west to east along the equator.

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