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Questions and Answers
How do seed-eating animals affect the distribution and abundance of the trees?
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?
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?
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?
Which of the following might be an investigation of microclimate?
Which of the following choices includes all of the others in creating global terrestrial climates?
Which of the following choices includes all of the others in creating global terrestrial climates?
Why is the climate drier on the leeward side of mountain ranges that are subjected to prevailing winds?
Why is the climate drier on the leeward side of mountain ranges that are subjected to prevailing winds?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Which statement describes how climate might change if Earth was 75% land and 25% water?
Which statement describes how climate might change if Earth was 75% land and 25% water?
Which of the following abiotic factors has the greatest influence on the metabolic rates of plants and animals?
Which of the following abiotic factors has the greatest influence on the metabolic rates of plants and animals?
In mountainous areas of western North America, north-facing slopes would be expected to
In mountainous areas of western North America, north-facing slopes would be expected to
Deserts typically occur in a band at 20 degrees north and south latitude because
Deserts typically occur in a band at 20 degrees north and south latitude because
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?
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?
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
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 main reason polar regions are cooler than the equator is that
The main reason polar regions are cooler than the equator is that
Which of the following environmental features might influence microclimates?
Which of the following environmental features might influence microclimates?
The success with which plants extend their range northward following glacial retreat is best determined by
The success with which plants extend their range northward following glacial retreat is best determined by
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
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
Generalized global air circulation and precipitation patterns are caused by
Generalized global air circulation and precipitation patterns are caused by
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?
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?
If global warming continues at its present rate, which biomes will likely take the place of the coniferous forest (taiga)?
If global warming continues at its present rate, which biomes will likely take the place of the coniferous forest (taiga)?
Which of the following are important biotic factors that can affect the structure and organization of biological communities?
Which of the following are important biotic factors that can affect the structure and organization of biological communities?
Which of the following can be said about light in aquatic environments?
Which of the following can be said about light in aquatic environments?
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?
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?
Which of the following investigations would shed the most light on the distribution of organisms in temperate regions that are faced with climate change?
Which of the following investigations would shed the most light on the distribution of organisms in temperate regions that are faced with climate change?
Which series is correctly layered from top to bottom in a tropical rain forest?
Which series is correctly layered from top to bottom in a tropical rain forest?
What is the limiting factor for the growth of trees in the tundra?
What is the limiting factor for the growth of trees in the tundra?
Generally speaking, deserts are located in places where air masses are usually
Generally speaking, deserts are located in places where air masses are usually
Turnover of water in temperate lakes during the spring and fall is made possible by which of the following?
Turnover of water in temperate lakes during the spring and fall is made possible by which of the following?
In temperate lakes, the surface water is replenished with nutrients during turnovers that occur in the
In temperate lakes, the surface water is replenished with nutrients during turnovers that occur in the
Which of the following is responsible for the differences in summer and winter temperature stratification of deep temperate zone lakes?
Which of the following is responsible for the differences in summer and winter temperature stratification of deep temperate zone lakes?
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?
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?
Which marine zone would have the lowest rates of primary productivity (photosynthesis)?
Which marine zone would have the lowest rates of primary productivity (photosynthesis)?
If you are interested in observing a relatively simple community structure in a clear water lake, you would do well to choose diving into
If you are interested in observing a relatively simple community structure in a clear water lake, you would do well to choose diving into
Which of the following statements about the ocean pelagic biome is true?
Which of the following statements about the ocean pelagic biome is true?
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?
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?
Which of these factors is indicated in the relationship between soil nitrate and phosphate levels and wildflower abundance?
Which of these factors is indicated in the relationship between soil nitrate and phosphate levels and wildflower abundance?
What should an ecologist do to understand why a certain species of pine tree grows only in specific high elevation locations?
What should an ecologist do to understand why a certain species of pine tree grows only in specific high elevation locations?
What is true about species introduced by humans to new geographic locations?
What is true about species introduced by humans to new geographic locations?
Which statement best describes the effect of climate on biome distribution?
Which statement best describes the effect of climate on biome distribution?
Which factor is most dependent on all others in the development of terrestrial biomes?
Which factor is most dependent on all others in the development of terrestrial biomes?
Two plant species in the same biome but on different continents may appear similar due to:
Two plant species in the same biome but on different continents may appear similar due to:
In which terrestrial biome pair are both parts dependent upon periodic burning?
In which terrestrial biome pair are both parts dependent upon periodic burning?
What is a consequence of human fire suppression in ecosystems?
What is a consequence of human fire suppression in ecosystems?
Which statement best describes the interaction between fire and ecosystems?
Which statement best describes the interaction between fire and ecosystems?
In which community would organisms most likely have adaptations enabling them to respond to different photoperiods?
In which community would organisms most likely have adaptations enabling them to respond to different photoperiods?
The growing season is shortest in which of the following biomes?
The growing season is shortest in which of the following biomes?
Why are trees not usually found in the tundra biome?
Why are trees not usually found in the tundra biome?
What method do ecologists use to study species transplants?
What method do ecologists use to study species transplants?
Which climograph shows the climate for location 1?
Which climograph shows the climate for location 1?
Which climograph shows the climate for location 2?
Which climograph shows the climate for location 2?
Which climograph shows the climate for location 3?
Which climograph shows the climate for location 3?
Which climograph shows the climate for location 4?
Which climograph shows the climate for location 4?
Which climograph shows the climate for location 5?
Which climograph shows the climate for location 5?
Which statement best substantiates why location 3 is considered to have an equatorial (tropical) climate?
Which statement best substantiates why location 3 is considered to have an equatorial (tropical) climate?
Which zone has a condition of constant temperature?
Which zone has a condition of constant temperature?
Which zone produces the most global oxygen gas?
Which zone produces the most global oxygen gas?
Which zone is comprised largely of detritus-feeding organisms?
Which zone is comprised largely of detritus-feeding organisms?
Which zone has the lowest biomass per unit of area?
Which zone has the lowest biomass per unit of area?
Which zone experiences the most abiotic change over a 24-hour period?
Which zone experiences the most abiotic change over a 24-hour period?
How would an ecologist likely explain the expansion of the cattle egret?
How would an ecologist likely explain the expansion of the cattle egret?
What principle does the observation about factors limiting distribution of organisms best illustrate?
What principle does the observation about factors limiting distribution of organisms best illustrate?
What might be the adaptive significance of forests growing in unusual ways in marginal habitats?
What might be the adaptive significance of forests growing in unusual ways in marginal habitats?
Which area of study focuses on the exchange of energy, organisms, and materials between ecosystems?
Which area of study focuses on the exchange of energy, organisms, and materials between ecosystems?
Which lake zone would be absent in a very shallow lake?
Which lake zone would be absent in a very shallow lake?
What is true regarding oligotrophic lakes and eutrophic lakes?
What is true regarding oligotrophic lakes and eutrophic lakes?
Which biome is correctly paired with its climate description?
Which biome is correctly paired with its climate description?
Which characteristics are typical of most terrestrial biomes?
Which characteristics are typical of most terrestrial biomes?
How do oceans affect the biosphere?
How do oceans affect the biosphere?
Which statement about dispersal is false?
Which statement about dispersal is false?
When climbing a mountain, the transitions in biological communities are analogous to changes:
When climbing a mountain, the transitions in biological communities are analogous to changes:
In which biome would you find the greatest number of bird species, assuming it is determined mainly by the number of vertical strata?
In which biome would you find the greatest number of bird species, assuming it is determined mainly by the number of vertical strata?
If the direction of Earth's rotation reversed, what would be the most predictable effect?
If the direction of Earth's rotation reversed, what would be the most predictable effect?
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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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