BIO 1200 Ecological issues and society

Which of the following is characteristic of most terrestrial biomes? a) vegetation demonstrating vertical layering b) cold winter months c) clear boundaries between adjacent biomes d) annual average rainfall in excess of 250 cm e) a distribution predicted almost entirely by rock and soil patterns

a) vegetation demonstrating vertical layering

Global warming, as demonstrated by observations such as melting of glaciers, increasing CO2 levels, and increasing average ambient temperatures, has already had many effects on living organisms. Which of the following might best offer a solution to this problem? 1. do nothing; nature will attain its own balance 2. continue to measure these and other parameters of the problem 3. limit the burning of fossil fuels and regulate our loss of forested areas 4. recycle as much as possibe 5. increase the abilities of animals to migrate to more suitable habitats

3. Limit the burning of fossil fuels and regulate our loss of forested areas

Why is it important that an experiment include a control group? 1. The control group is the group that the researcher is in control of, the group in which the researcher predetermines the results. 2. A control group assures that an experiment will be repeatable. 3. Without a control group, there is no basis for knowing if a particular result is due to the variable being tested. 4. A control group is required for the development of an "If then" statement. 5. The control group provides a reserve of experimental subjects.

3. Without a control group, there is no basis for knowing if a particular result is due to the variable being tested.

Summers are dry and very warm, and winters are wild and bring more precipitation n the tropical climate zone true or false

That is False; the tropical zone is warm the whole year round and rains a lot.

In order for speciation to occur, what must be true? a) At least one gene, affecting at least one phenotypic trait, must change. b) The number of chromosomes in the gene pool must change. c) Large numbers of genes that affect a single phenotypic trait must change. d) Large numbers of genes that affect numerous phenotypic traits must change. e) Changes to centromere location or chromosome size must occur within the gene pool.

a) At least one gene, affecting at least one phenotypic trait, must change.

Which of the following is true with respect to oligotrophic lakes and eutrophic lakes? a) Oligotrophic lakes are more subject to oxygen depletion. b) Eutrophic lakes are richer in nutrients. c) Rates of photosynthesis are lower in eutrophic lakes. d) Sediments in oligotrophic lakes contain larger amounts of decomposable organic matter. e) Eutrophic lake water contains lower concentrations of nutrients.

b) Eutrophic lakes are richer in nutrients.

What would be the effect on climate in the temperature latitudes if Earth were to slow its rate of rotation from a 24-hour period of rotation to a 48-hour period of rotation? a) Seasons would be longer and more distinct (colder winters and warmer summers). b) The climate would stay the same. The only change would be longer days and nights. c) There would be a smaller range between daytime high and nighttime low temperatures. d) Winter seasons in both the northern and southern hemispheres would have more abundant and frequent precipitation events. e) Large scale weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes would no longer be a part of regional climates.

b) The climate would stay the same. The only change would be longer days and nights.

Which of the following is responsible for the differences in summer and winter temperature stratification of deep temperate zone lakes? a) Winter ice sinks in the summer. b) Water is densest at 4°C. c) Oxygen is most abundant in deeper waters. d) Stratification always follows the fall and spring turnovers. e) Stratification is caused by a thermocline.

b) Water is densest at 4°C.

All the organisms on your campus make up a) a population. b) a community. c) an ecosystem. d) a taxonomic domain. e) an experimental group.

b) a community

If you are interested in observing a relatively simple community structure in a clear water lake, you would do well to choose diving into a) a nutrient-rich lake. b) an oligotrophic lake. c) a lake with consistently warm temperatures. d) a eutrophic lake. e) a relatively shallow lake.

b) an oligotrophic lake.

Which of the following is an example of qualitative data? a) The temperature decreased from 20°C to 15°C. b) The six pairs of robins hatched an average of three chicks. c) The fish swam in a zigzag motion. d) The plant's height is 25 centimeters (cm). e) The contents of the stomach are mixed every 20 seconds.

c) the fish swam in a zigzag motion

Which of the following are important biotic factors that can affect the structure and organization of biological communities? a) precipitation, wind b) light intensity, seasonality c) temperature, water d) nutrient availability, soil pH e) predation, competition

e) predation, competition

A controlled experiment is one in which 1. there are at least two groups, one differing from the other by two or more variables 2. the experiment proceeds at a slow pace to guarantee that the scientist can carefully observe all reactions and process all experimental data 3. there are at least two groups, one of which does not receive the experimental treatment 4. there is one group for which the scientist controls all variables 5. the experiment is repeated many times to ensure that the results are accurate

3. there are at least two groups, one of which does not receive the experimental treatment

Use this description to answer the following question .In areas of permafrost, stands of black spruce are frequently observed in the landscape, while other tree species are noticeably absent. Often these stands are referred to as "drunken forests" because many of the black spruce are displaced from their normal vertical alignment. What might be the adaptive significance of these unusual forests growing the way they do in this marginal habitat? a) Taproot formation is impossible, so trees developed shallow root beds. b) Needles are adapted to withstand cold arctic temperatures. c) Trees tip so that they do not compete with each other for sunlight. d) Branches are adapted to absorb more CO2 with this displaced alignment. e) Trees are tilted so snow prevents them from breaking or tipping over.

a) Taproot formation is impossible, so trees developed shallow root beds.

Which of the following statements best distinguishes hypotheses from theories in science? a) Theories are hypotheses that have been proved as correct by experimentation. b) Hypotheses usually refer to different experiments, theories only to one experiment. c) Hypotheses and theories are essentially the same thing. d) Theories are proved true; hypotheses are always false.. e) Theories are guesses; hypotheses are correct answers.

a) Theories are hypotheses that have been proved as correct by experimentation.

Which of the following can be said about light in aquatic environments? a) Water selectively reflects and absorbs certain wavelengths of light. b) Most photosynthetic organisms avoid the surface where the light is too intense. c) Longer wavelengths penetrate to greater depths. d) Light penetration seldom limits the distribution of photosynthetic species. e) Photosynthetic organisms that live in deep water probably use red light.

a) Water selectively reflects and absorbs certain wavelengths of light.

Species introduced by humans to new geographic locations a) can outcompete and displace native species for biotic and abiotic resources. b) always spread because they encounter none of their natural predators. c) increase the diversity and therefore the stability of the ecosystem. d) are usually successful in colonizing the area. e) are always considered pests by ecologists.

a) can outcompete and displace native species for biotic and abiotic resources.

Deserts typically occur in a band at 20 degrees north and south latitude because a) descending air masses tend to be cool and dry. b) ascending air tends to be moist. c) these locations get the most intense solar radiation of any location on Earth. d) trade winds have a little moisture. e) moisture-laden air is heavier than dry air and is not carried to these latitudes.

a) descending air masses tend to be cool and dry.

Which of the following choices includes all of the others in creating global terrestrial climates? a) differential heating of Earth's surface b) evaporation of water from ocean surfaces c) global wind patterns d) Earth's rotation on its axis e) ocean currents

a) differential heating of earth's surface

Which of the following best describes the logic of scientific inquiry? a) If my hypothesis is correct, I can expect certain test results. b) If my experiments are set up right, they will lead to a testable hypothesis. c) If I generate a testable hypothesis, tests and observations will support it. d) If my prediction is correct, it will lead to a testable hypothesis. e) If my observations are accurate, they will support my hypothesis.

a) if my hypothesis is correct, i can expect certain test results

A certain species of pine tree survives only in scattered locations at elevations above 2,800 m in the western United States. To understand why this tree grows only in these specific places, an ecologist should a) investigate the various biotic and abiotic factors that are unique to high altitude. b) analyze the soils found in the vicinity of these trees, looking for unique chemicals that may support their growth. c) collect data on temperature, wind, and precipitation at several of these locations for a year. d) study the anatomy and physiology of this species. e) conclude that lower elevations are limiting to the survival of this species.

a) investigate the various biotic and abiotic factors that are unique to high altitude.

Generalized global air circulation and precipitation patterns are caused by a) 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. b) the revolution of Earth around the sun. c) polar, cool, moist high-pressure air masses from the poles that move along the surface, releasing precipitation along the way to the equator where they are heated and dried. d) air masses that are dried and heated over continental areas that rise, cool aloft, and descend over oceanic areas followed by a return flow of moist air from ocean to land, delivering high amounts of precipitation to coastal areas. e) mountain ranges that deflect air masses containing variable amounts of moisture.

a) 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.

The application of scientific knowledge for some specific purpose is known as a) scientific method. b) deductive science. c) technology. d)inductive science. e) pure science

a) scientific method

The method of scientific inquiry that describes natural structures and processes as accurately as possible through careful observation and the analysis of data is known as a) scientific method b) hypothetical method c) qualitative science d) quantitative science

a) scientific method

Turnover of water in temperate lakes during the spring and fall is made possible by which of the following? a) the changes in the density of water as seasonal temperatures change b) currents generated by nektonic animals c) cold, more dense water layered at the bottom d) a distinct thermocline between less dense warm water and cold, dense water e) warm, less dense water layered at the top

a) the changes in the density of water as seasonal temperatures change

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 a) the elimination of seasonal variation. b) a decrease in temperature at the equator. c) the elimination of tides. d) an increase in the length of a year. e) an increase in the length of night.

a) the elimination of seasonal variation.

Males of different species of the fruit fly Drosophila that live in the same parts of the Hawaiian Islands have different elaborate courtship rituals. These rituals involve fighting other males and making stylized movements that attract females. What type of reproductive isolation does this represent? a) temporal isolation b) behavioral isolation c) gametic isolation d) habitat isolation e) postzygotic barriers

b) behavioral isolation

Two plant species live in the same biome but on different continents. Although the two species are not at all closely related, they may appear quite similar as a result of a) gene flow. b) convergent evolution. c) allopatric speciation. d) parallel evolution. e) introgression.

b) convergent evolution

Which of the following levels of ecological organization is arranged in the correct sequence from most to least inclusive? a) individual, community, population, ecosystem b) ecosystem, community, population, individual c) community, ecosystem, individual, population d) individual, population, community, ecosystem e) population, ecosystem, individual, community

b) ecosystem, community, population, individual

The largest unit within which gene flow can readily occur is a a) genus. b) species. c) phylum. d) hybrid. e) population.

b) species.

The origin of a new plant species by hybridization, coupled with accidents during nuclear division, is an example of a) autopolyploidy. b) sympatric speciation. c) allopatric speciation. d) habitat selection.

b) sympatric speciation.

In the development of terrestrial biomes, which factor is most dependent on all the others? a) mineral nutrient availability b) the species of colonizing animals c) prevailing rainfall d) soil structure e) prevailing temperature

b) the species of colonizing animals

The success with which plants extend their range northward following glacial retreat is best determined by a) their tolerance to shade. b) their seed dispersal rate. c) their growth rate. d) whether there is simultaneous migration of herbivores. e) their size.

b) their seed dispersal rate.

Which of the following biomes is correctly paired with the description of its climate? a) tundra-long summers, mild winters b) tropical forests-nearly constant day length and temperature c) temperate broadleaf forest-relatively short growing season, mild winters d) savanna-low temperature, precipitation uniform during the year e) temperate grasslands-relatively warm winters, most rainfall in summer

b) tropical forests-nearly constant day length and temperature

Among known plant species, which of these have been the two most commonly occurring phenomena that have led to the origin of new species? 1. allopatric speciation 2. sympatric speciation 3. sexual selection 4. polyploidy a) 2 and 3 b) 1 and 3 c) 2 and 4 d) 1 and 4

c) 2 and 4

Plant species A has a diploid number of 12. Plant species B has a diploid number of 16. A new species, C, arises as an allopolyploid from A and B. The diploid number for species C would probably be a) 14. b) 16. c) 28. d) 56. e) 12.

c) 28.

Which of the following statements best describes the interaction between fire and ecosystems? a) Fire is unnatural in ecosystems and should be prevented. b) Chaparral communities have evolved to the extent that they rarely burn. c) Many kinds of plants and plant communities have adapted to frequent fires. d) the suppression of forest fires by man has prevented certain communities, such as grasslands, from reaching their climax stage. e) The likelihood of a wildfire occurring in a given ecosystem is highly predictable over the short term.

c) Many kinds of plants and plant communities have adapted to frequent fires.

Which of the following statements about the ocean pelagic biome is true? a) The most abundant animals are vertebrate fishes. b) The ocean is a vast, deep storehouse that always provides sustenance; it is the next "frontier" for feeding humanity. c) Pelagic ocean photosynthetic activity is disproportionately low in relation to the size of the biome. d) Because it is so immense, the pelagic ocean biome is globally uniform. e) Globally, more photosynthesis occurs in the ocean neritic biome than in the pelagic biome.

c) Pelagic ocean photosynthetic activity is disproportionately low in relation to the size of the biome.

Which marine zone would have the lowest rates of primary productivity (photosynthesis)? a) neritic b) continental shelf c) abyssal d) pelagic e) intertidal

c) abyssal

A hybrid zone is properly defined as a) a zone that includes the intermediate portion of a cline. b) an area where members of two closely related species intermingle, but experience no gene flow. c) an area where mating occurs between members of two closely related species, producing viable offspring. d) an area where two closely related species' ranges overlap. e) a zone that features a gradual change in species composition where two neighboring ecosystems border each other.

c) an area where mating occurs between members of two closely related species, producing viable offspring.

The growing season would generally be shortest in which of the following biomes? a) temperate grassland b) temperate broadleaf forest c) coniferous forest d) savanna e) tropical rain forest

c) coniferous forest

Dog breeders maintain the purity of breeds by keeping dogs of different breeds apart when they are fertile. This kind of isolation is most similar to which of the following reproductive isolating mechanisms? a) hybrid breakdown b) mechanical isolation c) habitat isolation d) reduced hybrid fertility e) gametic isolation

c) habitat isolation

Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) and one-seeded juniper (J. monosperma) have overlapping ranges. If pollen grains (which contain sperm cells) from one species are unable to germinate and make pollen tubes on female ovules (which contain egg cells) of the other species, then which of these terms is applicable? a) hybrid breakdown b) behavioral isolation c) mechanical isolation d) reduced hybrid viability

c) mechanical isolation

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? a) sunlight intensity b) precipitation c) ocean currents d) salinity e) day length

c) ocean currents

Trees are not usually found in the tundra biome because of a) acidic soils. b) extreme winter temperatures. c) permafrost. d) insufficient annual precipitation. e) overbrowsing by musk ox and caribou.

c) permafrost

A localized group of organisms that belong to the same species is called a a) ecosystem b) community c)population d) family e) biosystem

c) population

Theoretically, the production of sterile mules by interbreeding between female horses (mares) and male donkeys (jacks) should a) cause convergent evolution. b) weaken the intrinsic reproductive barriers between horses and donkeys. c) strengthen postzygotic barriers between horses and donkeys. d) eventually result in the formation of a single species from the two parental species. e) result in the extinction of one of the two parental species.

c) strengthen postzygotic barriers between horses and donkeys.

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? a) The lake would be uniformly cold during the winter and summer. b) The pH of the lake would become increasingly alkaline. c)Lakes would suffer a nutrient depletion in surface layers. d) An algal bloom of algae would result every spring. e) The lake would fail to freeze over in winter.

c)Lakes would suffer a nutrient depletion in surface layers.

Which of the following examples of an ecological effect leading to an evolutionary effect is most correct? a) Fish that swim the fastest in running water catch the most prey and more easily escape predation. b) When seeds are not plentiful, trees produce more seeds. c) A few organisms of a larger population survive a drought and then these survivors emigrate to less arid environments. d) 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. e) The insects that spend the most time exposed to sunlight have the most mutations.

d) 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.

Which statement describes how climate might change if Earth was 75% land and 25% water? a) Summers would be longer and winters shorter at midlatitude locations. b) More terrestrial microclimates would be created because of daily fluctuations in climate. c) Terrestrial ecosystems would likely experience more precipitation. d) Earth's daytime temperatures would be higher and nighttime temperatures lower. e) Earth would experience an unprecedented global warming.

d) Earth's daytime temperatures would be higher and nighttime temperatures lower.

Which of the following investigations would shed the most light on the distribution of organisms in temperate regions that are faced with climate change? a) Compare and contrast the flora and fauna of warm/cold/dry/wet climates to shed light on how they evolved to be suited to their present-day environment. b) Remove, to the mineral soil, all of the organisms from an experimental plot and monitor the colonization of the area over time in terms of both species diversity and abundance. c) Quantify the impact of man's activities on present-day populations of threatened and endangered species to assess the rate of extirpation and extinction. d) 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. e) There is no scientific investigation that can help make predictions on the future distribution of organisms.

d) 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

Why is the climate drier on the leeward side of mountain ranges that are subjected to prevailing winds? a) Air masses pushed by the prevailing winds are stopped by mountain ranges and the moisture is used up in the stagnant air masses on the leeward side. b) Deserts usually are found on the leeward side of mountain ranges. c) More organisms live on the sheltered, leeward side of mountain ranges where their utilization of water lowers the amount available when compared to the windward side. d) 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. e) The sun illuminates the leeward side of mountain ranges at a more direct angle, converting to heat energy, which evaporates most of the water present.

d) 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.

Why is a scientific topic best discussed by people of varying points of view, a variety of subdisciplines, and diverse cultures? a) Scientists can explain to others that they need to work in isolation to utilize the scientific method more productively. b) Scientists need to exchange their ideas with other disciplines and cultures so that all groups are in consensus with the course of future research. c) This is another way of making science more reproducible. d) Robust and critical discussion between diverse groups improves scientific thinking. e) They can rectify each other's approach to make it truly scientific.

d) Robust and critical discussion between diverse groups improves scientific thinking.

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? a) These air masses remain essentially unchanged in moisture content and temperature as they pass over these mountain ranges. b) The cool, dry Pacific air heats up and picks up moisture from evaporation of the snowcapped peaks of the mountain range, releasing this moisture as precipitation when the air cools while descending on the leeward side of the range. c) The cool, moist Pacific air heats up as it rises, releasing its precipitation as it passes the tops of the mountains, and this warm, now dry air cools as it descends on the leeward side of the range. d) 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. e) These air masses are blocked by the mountain ranges, producing high annual amounts of precipitation on the windward sides of these mountain ranges.

d) 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.

In temperate lakes, the surfacee) water is replenished with nutrients during turnovers that occur in the a) spring and summer. b) summer and winter. c) summer and autumn. d) autumn and spring. e) autumn and winter.

d) autumn and spring.

Which series is correctly layered from top to bottom in a tropical rain forest? a) canopy, emergent layer, under story, shrub/immature layer, ground layer b) ground layer, shrub/immature layer, under story, canopy, emergent layer c) canopy, under story, shrub/immature layer, emergent layer, ground layer d) emergent layer, canopy, under story, shrub/immature layer, ground layer e) emergent layer, under story, canopy, ground layer, shrub/immature layer

d) emergent layer, canopy, under story, shrub/immature layer, ground layer

In which community would organisms most likely have adaptations enabling them to respond to different photoperiods? a) abyssal b) tropical forest c) savanna d) temperate forest e) coral reef

d) temperate forest

Which of the following abiotic factors has the greatest influence on the metabolic rates of plants and animals? a) wind b) water c) rocks and soil d) temperature e) disturbances

d) temperature

Two species of frogs belonging to the same genus occasionally mate, but the offspring fail to develop and hatch. What is the mechanism for keeping the two frog species separate? a) the postzygotic barrier called hybrid breakdown b) the prezygotic barrier called hybrid sterility c) gametic isolation d) the postzygotic barrier called hybrid inviability

d) the postzygotic barrier called hybrid inviability

Which statement about dispersal is false? a) Colonization of devastated areas after floods or volcanic eruptions depends on dispersal. b) Dispersal is a common component of the life cycles of plants and animals. c) Seeds are important dispersal stages in the life cycles of most flowering plants. d) The ability to disperse can expand the geographic distribution of a species. e) Dispersal occurs only on an evolutionary time scale.

e) Dispersal occurs only on an evolutionary time scale.

Use this description to answer the following question. Experts in white-tailed deer ecology generally agree that population sizes of deer that live in temperate climates are limited by winter snow. The deer congregate in "yarding" areas under evergreen trees because venturing out to feed in winter is energetically too expensive when snowfall depths accumulate to above 40 cm. Deer often stay yarded until the spring thaw. Snow depth over 40 inches for more than 60 days results in high mortality due to starvation. This observation best illustrates which of the following principles about factors that limit distribution of organisms? a) Organisms will face extinction unless they adapt to conditions or evolve new mechanisms for survival. b) Temporary extremes in weather conditions usually result in high mortality in the deer population. c) Daily accumulations in snow depth gradually add up to cause increased deer mortality. d) Abiotic factors, such as weather extremes, ultimately limit distribution. e) Environmental factors are limiting not only in amount but also in longevity.

e) Environmental factors are limiting not only in amount but also in longevity.

Which of the following factors would not contribute to allopatric speciation? a) A population becomes geographically isolated from the parent population. b) Different mutations begin to distinguish the gene pools of the separated populations. c) The isolated population is exposed to different selection pressures than the ancestral population. d) The separated population is small, and genetic drift occurs. e) Gene flow between the two populations is extensive.

e) Gene flow between the two populations is extensive.

Fire suppression by humans a) is necessary for the protection of threatened and endangered forest species. b) will always result in an increase in species diversity in a given biome. c) is a management goal of conservation biologists to maintain the healthy condition of forest communities. d) will result ultimately in sustainable production of increased amounts of forest products for human use. e) can change the species composition within biological communities.

e) can change the species composition within biological communities.

In which of the following terrestrial biome pairs are both parts dependent upon periodic burning? a) desert and savanna b) tundra and coniferous forest c) tropical forest and temperate broadleaf forest d) grassland and tundra e) chaparral and savanna

e) chaparral and savanna

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? a) pelagic b) coral reef c) intertidal d) estuary e) deep-sea ven

e) deep-sea ven

Generally speaking, deserts are located in places where air masses are usually a) expanding. b) tropical. c) rising. d) humid. e) descending.

e) descending.

Studying species transplants is a way that ecologists a) determine the abundance of a species in a specified area. b) determine the distribution of a species in a specified area. c) consolidate a landscape region into a single ecosystem. d) develop mathematical models for distribution and abundance of organisms. e) determine if dispersal is a key factor in limiting distribution of organisms.

e) determine if dispersal is a key factor in limiting distribution of organisms.

As climate changes because of global warming, species' ranges in the northern hemisphere may move northward, using effective reproductive adaptations to disperse their seeds. The trees that are most likely to avoid extinction in such an environment are those that a) have thin seed coats. b) produce well-provisioned seeds. c) have seeds that become viable only after a forest fire. d) disperse many seeds in close proximity to the parent tree. e) have seeds that are easily dispersed by wind or animals.

e) have seeds that are easily dispersed by wind or animals.

When climbing a mountain, we can observe transitions in biological communities that are analogous to the changes a) across the United States from east to west. b) at different depths in the ocean. c) in an ecosystem as it evolves over time. d) in a community through different seasons. e) in biomes at different latitudes.

e) in biomes at different latitudes.

Which of the following areas of study focuses on the exchange of energy, organisms, and materials between ecosystems? a)Organismal ecology b) community ecology c)population ecology d) ecosystem ecology e)landscape ecology

e) landscape ecology

What is the limiting factor for the growth of trees in the tundra? a) low precipitation b) insufficient minerals in bedrock c) pH of soils d) cold temperatures e) permafrost

e) permafrost

The oceans affect the biosphere in all of the following ways except a) removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. b) moderating the climate of terrestrial biomes. c) producing a substantial amount of the biosphere's oxygen. d) being the source of most of Earth's rainfall. e) regulating the pH of freshwater biomes and terrestrial groundwater.

e) regulating the pH of freshwater biomes and terrestrial groundwater.

The main reason polar regions are cooler than the equator is that a) the polar atmosphere is thinner and contains fewer greenhouse gases. b) the poles are permanently tilted away from the sun. c) the poles are farther from the sun. d) there is more ice at the poles. e) sunlight strikes the poles at a lower angle.

e) sunlight strikes the poles at a lower angle.

Which of the following might be an investigation of microclimate? a) the effect of different nitrogen applications on corn productivity b) the seasonal population fluctuation of nurse sharks in coral reef communities c) the effect of ambient temperature on the onset of caribou migration d) competitive interactions between various species of songbirds during spring migration e) the effect of sunlight intensity on species composition in a decaying rat carcass

e) the effect of sunlight intensity on species composition in a decaying rat carcass