APES MIDTERM

In the food web shown above, which of the following trophic levels is not shown? a. Producers b. Decomposers c. Primary consumers d. Secondary consumers it won't let me upload a pic of the foodweb sry:(

b. Decomposers

A home uses ten 100-watt lightbulbs for five hours per day. Approximately how many kilowatt-hours of electrical energy are consumed in one year by using the lightbulbs? a. 1,825 b. 10,500 c. 365 d. 5,000

a. 1,825

Burning one gallon of gasoline in a car releases approximately 20 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere. One person drives 60,000 miles in a car that averages 30 miles per gallon (mpg), while another person drives 60,000 miles in a car that averages 20 mpg. Over the course of the 60,000 miles, how many fewer pounds of CO2 are released by the 30 mpg car than by the 20 mpg car? a. 20,000 b. 80,000 c. 2,000 d. 8,000

a. 20,000

Which soil layer in the soil profile above provides nutrients and limits and protects from water evaporation? a. A b. B c. C d. D

a. A

At 3:42 A.M. on July 28, 1976, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the city of Tangshan, China. Tangshan, located about 68 miles east of Beijing, sits on the border between the Amurian and Eurasian plates. In the earthquake, 85% of the city's infrastructure, including almost all of its railroad and highway bridges, along with the majority of the city's coal mines were destroyed, effectively cutting the city off from the outside world. Which of the following statements best explains how the earthquake occurred? a. As a transform fault boundary, the Amurian and Eurasian plates slid past each other, slipping and releasing vast amounts of energy as an earthquake. b. As a subduction zone, the Amurian plate was forced under the Eurasian plate, this friction caused the Eurasian plate to shatter. c. As a divergent plate boundary, the motion of the Amurian and the Eurasian plates separating trigged an earthquake. d. As a convergent plate boundary, the earthquake occurred as the Amurian and the Eurasian plates crashed into one another, forcing both plates upwards.

a. As a transform fault boundary, the Amurian and Eurasian plates slid past each other, slipping and releasing vast amounts of energy as an earthquake.

What is the relationship between altitude and temperature in the troposphere? a. As altitude increases, temperature decreases. b. As altitude increases, temperature increases. c. As altitude increases, temperature stays the same. d. As altitude increases, temperature fluctuates up and down.

a. As altitude increases, temperature decreases.

A student obtains the following data regarding the composition of a soil sample. Using the soil texture pyramid above, identify the type of soil. ComponentSandSiltClayPercentage25%20%55% a. Clay b. Sandy clay loam c. Silty loam d. Sandy clay

a. Clay

Identify the following interaction. Remora fish, which are harmless, attach to a tiger shark as the shark travels across the reef. a. Commensalism b. Parasitism c. Competition d. Predation

a. Commensalism

Which ecosystem service would suffer the most from the opening of a mineral mine along a the recreation area of a small mountain range? a. Cultural b. Supporting c. Provisioning d. Regulating

a. Cultural

Which of the following is the primary environmental problem associated with the use of nuclear power to generate electricity? a. Disposal of radioactive waste b. Production of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide c. Depletion of the ozone layer d. Radon leaking into buildings

a. Disposal of radioactive waste

Which of the following is likely true of a wetland but not a coral reef? a. Filters contaminants from polluted fresh water b. Has extremely high level of biodiversity c. Damaged by sedimentation and rising water temperatures d. Located primarily in the tropics and subtropics

a. Filters contaminants from polluted fresh water

Using the world map above, which statement accurately describes the distribution of sunlight for the regions labeled? a. Florida receives more sunlight than Canada because it is closer to the equator and experiences the direct rays of the sun. b. Canada receives more sunlight than Florida because it is nearer to the North Pole and tilted more towards the sun. c. Canada has a greater number of longitudinal lines through it than Florida, which causes greater temperature differences. d. Florida is surrounded by lesser volume of water than Canada, which increases temperature variations throughout the year.

a. Florida receives more sunlight than Canada because it is closer to the equator and experiences the direct rays of the sun.

Which of the following best describes why geothermal energy plants serve as a viable alternative energy source? a. Geothermal energy plants use the heat from Earth's interior to create steam that is used to generate electricity and then can be pumped back into the ground b. Geothermal energy plants use the heat from Earth's interior to directly heat buildings and houses and give off no greenhouse gasses c. Geothermal energy plants can be built for use in any location where surface drilling is possible and construction of geothermal plants increases land stability d. Geothermal energy plants do not give off hazardous air pollutants into the atmosphere and require very little water

a. Geothermal energy plants use the heat from Earth's interior to create steam that is used to generate electricity and then can be pumped back into the ground

Which of the following is NOT a drawback of nuclear energy? a. High air pollution from normal operation b. Plants and waste storage facilities seen as terrorist targets c. Highly dangerous waste products d. Potential for catastrophic plant accident

a. High air pollution from normal operation

Elements that cycle in the environment and that also have a gaseous phase at some point in their cycle include which of the following? I. Carbon II. Phosphorus III. Nitrogen a. I and III only b. I only c. I and II only d. III only

a. I and III only

According to the data plotted in the graph above, which of the following is true about the increase in world fossil fuel consumption between 1965 and 1980? a. Increases in oil and coal consumption outpaced the increase in natural gas consumption. b. The increase in natural gas consumption outpaced the increases in oil and coal consumption. c. The increase in coal consumption outpaced the increases in oil and natural gas consumption. d. Increases in oil, coal, and natural gas consumption occurred at about the same rate.

a. Increases in oil and coal consumption outpaced the increase in natural gas consumption.

Lichens tend to grow on the base and trunks of trees. However, lichens are extremely sensitive to air quality, pollutants, and the presence of heavy metals. Ecologists studying the differences in lichen growth in urban and rural areas can directly infer the air quality in various communities. Based on this informaiton, lichens can best be classified as which type of species? a. Indicator species b. Endangered species c. Keystone species d. Specialist species

a. Indicator species

The diagram below represents a convection cell. The arrows indicate the direction of air flow: The letters represent particular latitudes. At which latitude would you expect to find the driest average conditions? a. Latitude D b. Latitude E c. Latitude B d. Latitude C

a. Latitude D

The shaded area in New York State, Pennsylvania, and Ohio in the northeast United States is referred to as a snowbelt. On average, this region receives much more snowfall than surrounding areas. Which of the following best explains why the shaded area receives more snowfall than the other parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio? a. Moisture picked up from the warmer water in the Great Lakes is deposited as snow downwind. b. Moisture-laden storms from the Gulf of Mexico release precipitation here because of the cool temperatures in the region. c. Air pollutants from power plants and industrial emissions in the Midwest increase snowfall rates. d. Sea spray from the Atlantic Ocean is carried westward by prevailing winds.

a. Moisture picked up from the warmer water in the Great Lakes is deposited as snow downwind.

Some automobiles in the United States are fueled by natural gas. What is the primary environmental advantage of natural gas relative to gasoline as a transportation fuel? a. Natural gas combustion emits fewer pollutants than petroleum and other fossil fuels. b. When natural gas is burned in an automobile engine, the only emission product is water vapor. c. There is an extensive retail distribution network for natural gas so that natural gas is available at most gas stations. d. Natural gas is a renewable resource that is usually produced from corn and other agricultural products.

a. Natural gas combustion emits fewer pollutants than petroleum and other fossil fuels.

The largest carbon pool/reservoir is found in a. Oceans b. Plants c. Atmosphere d. Fossil fuels

a. Oceans

In the marine food web shown above, which of the following is a producer? a. Phytoplankton b. Octopus c. Seagull d. Zooplankton

a. Phytoplankton

All of the following are factors that can lead to an increase in soil erosion except: a. Planting a cover crop during the fall and winter months replenishes nutrients and provides habitats for microorganisms. b. Compaction, the process of compressing soil by the hooves of grazing livestock, eliminates pores that hold water and air. c. Tiling, the process of turning soil for agriculture, disrupts the topsoil. d. Repeatedly growing the same crops in the same area year after year removes key nutrients over time.

a. Planting a cover crop during the fall and winter months replenishes nutrients and provides habitats for microorganisms.

Which of the following is a distinct advantage of using solar power over geothermal energy for large-scale electricity production? a. Potential availability of the source b. Low infrastructure requirements c. Predictability d. Relative amount of pollution produced

a. Potential availability of the source

Which of the following is most likely to reduce the United States' contribution to the increase in concentration of atmospheric CO2? a. Switching from cars and trucks to rail for mass transit and freight movement b. Requiring all farming practices to be organic c. Switching fuel use for residential heating from oil to coal d. Stopping logging in United States forests

a. Switching from cars and trucks to rail for mass transit and freight movement

A species of tree has a flexible body structure that allows it to support heavy weights without snapping, and each of its needles is covered by a cuticle to prevent moisture loss. In which of the following biomes would this tree be most likely to thrive? a. Taiga b. Desert c. Temperate grassland d. Tropical rainforest

a. Taiga

Question 20 Using the figure below. In which biome would you expect to find in an area with an average temperature of 10°C and 100 cm of precipitation annually? a. Temperate seasonal forest b. Temperate grassland c. Boreal forest d. Woodland/shrubland

a. Temperate seasonal forest

Which of the follwoing is the biggest challenge to the use of solar energy? a. The intermittency of the energy source b. Capturing the sun's energy c. The cost of manufacturing d. Public acceptance

a. The intermittency of the energy source

All of the following are characteristics or impacts of genetic drift except a. The loss of alleles forces individuals to better adapt to natural disruptions b. Harmful alleles can become fixed in a population c. Alleles can become suddenly over- or underrepresented d. Alleles can fluctuate randomly due to chance events

a. The loss of alleles forces individuals to better adapt to natural disruptions

Which of the following can be used to assess the biological diversity of an area? a. The number and type of habitats in an area b. Number of individuals under fifteen years old and number of individuals over sixty-five years old c. Ratio of r-strategists to K-strategists and life expectancy of K-strategists d. Population size of each species and area occupied by each population

a. The number and type of habitats in an area

The figure below describes two food chains in the Pacific Northwest. The relative abundances of sea otters, sea urchins, and kelp are reported before and after the introduction of orcas to the community in the early 1990s. According to the data provided in the figure and the trophic cascade model, this community is managed by which of the following? a. Top-down control b. Interspecific control c. Bottom-up control d. Biomass control

a. Top-down control

This biome, located across much of northern Canada and Russia is cold and treeless, with low-growing vegetation and impermeable permafrost. a. Tundra b. Polar ice cap c. Chaparral d. Taiga

a. Tundra

Students want to determine the impact of soil erosion from the development of new housing. They plan to measure the density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of a river that flows through their town. The town is built in a heavily forested area, but a large area of trees along the river was recently clear-cut to allow for the construction of a new housing development, which has caused exposed soil to wash into the river. The river flows north to south through the town and is still forested both up- and downstream of the town. Which of the following explains the variable that would be the best for students to measure to determine the direct impact of soil erosion caused by the construction project on the river? a. Turbidity, because a decrease in water clarity would indicate an increase in soil erosion. b. The pH level, because an increase in pH would indicate an increase in soil erosion. c. Nutrient levels, because a decrease in nitrogen and phosphorus would indicate an increase in soil erosion. d. Water temperature, because a decrease in shading in the area would indicate an increase in soil erosion.

a. Turbidity, because a decrease in water clarity would indicate an increase in soil erosion.

The half-life of radon gas is approximately four days. Which of the following is the fraction of the original amount of radon remaining after four weeks after the introduction of radon? a. 1/32 b. 1/128 c. 1/16 d. 1/8

b. 1/128

Poaceae in temperate grasslands convert solar energy into 121,000 kilocalories of plant tissue. Which of the following values best represents the amount of energy lost as heat between the Poaceae and grasshoppers, a primary consumer? a. 10,890 kcal b. 108,900 kcal c. 12,100 kcal d. 1,120 kcal

b. 108,900 kcal

What is most likely the amount of energy available at a trophic level of tertiary consumers if the amount of energy available to secondary consumers in that food web is 200 kilocalories? a. 2 kcal b. 20 kcal c. 2000 kcal d. 200 kcal

b. 20 kcal

Students want to determine the impact of soil erosion from the development of new housing. They plan to measure the density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of a river that flows through their town. The town is built in a heavily forested area, but a large area of trees along the river was recently clear-cut to allow for the construction of a new housing development, which has caused exposed soil to wash into the river. The river flows north to south through the town and is still forested both up- and downstream of the town. Which of the following would be the best control sample for the study? a. A sample of water collected just downstream of the southern forest b. A sample of water collected just downstream of the northern forest c. A sample of water collected just downstream of the housing development d. A sample of distilled water

b. A sample of water collected just downstream of the northern forest

Which location would likely have the highest level of biodiversity? a. A Kansas cornfield that is planted only once every three to four years b. A thriving coral reef in a marine environment c. A polluted river that is now closed to motorized boats and is being cleaned up d. A tropical rainforest that has been burned down to create highways and farmland

b. A thriving coral reef in a marine environment

From January to April 2016, the Philippines were struck by record droughts. In total, 62% of the country was affected by drought and dry conditions. This included approximately 102,000 farmers and 194,000 hectares of agricultural lands, some of which had no chance of recovery. Which of the following environmental conditions best explains the root cause of this weather phenomenon? a. A strengthening of the Coriolis effect b. A weakening and reversal of the Tradewinds c. A decrease in upwelling d. A strengthening of the Tradewinds

b. A weakening and reversal of the Tradewinds

Which soil layer in the soil profile above is composed of mostly humus and is where the majority of biological activity occurs? a. A b. B c. C d. D

b. B

Which of the following is true of carbon as it cycles in nature? a. Carbon dioxide is released during photosynthesis. b. Carbon sinks include forests and oceans. c. Carbon compounds rarely exist in the gaseous phase. d. The carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere is reduced by cutting trees.

b. Carbon sinks include forests and oceans.

Which of the following best explains how environmental stressors, such as wildfires, can affect biodiversity in an ecosystem? a. Smaller populations are less likely to go extinct than larger populations, so the species diversity will remain constant. b. Ecosystems with more species diversity are more likely to recover after a disturbance than ecosystems with low species diversity. c. After an environmental stress, a genetic bottleneck may occur, which will increase genetic diversity. d. Habitat diversity will increase the available niches if the landscape becomes more uniform after a disturbance.

b. Ecosystems with more species diversity are more likely to recover after a disturbance than ecosystems with low species diversity.

Which of the following is a characteristic of nonrenewable energy but not renewable energy sources? a. Can lead to negative environmental impacts b. Exists in a fixed amount c. Is able to be transformed into another energy form d. Can be replenished near the rate of consumption

b. Exists in a fixed amount

Which of the following statements is true of aquatic biomes? a. Freshwater and marine biomes are evenly distributed on Earth. b. Freshwater biomes are a vital source of drinking water. c. Marine biomes include streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. d. Freshwater biomes supply a greater portion of Earth's oxygen than marine biomes

b. Freshwater biomes are a vital source of drinking water.

All of the following are accurate chacaracteristics of small islands except a. Smaller carrying capacity b. Higher number of available niches c. Higher competition d. Species that are more prone to extinction

b. Higher number of available niches

Which of the following describes a symbiotic relationship? a. Mountain lions feed on white-tailed deer. b. Intestinal bacteria inhabit the gut of humans. c. Marsupial animals carry their young in a pouch. d. Striped bass and bluefish eat the same variety of mackerel.

b. Intestinal bacteria inhabit the gut of humans.

Which of the following is a nonrenewable energy source? a. Solar b. Nuclear c. Biomass d. Geothermal

b. Nuclear

Which of the following best describes the process of electricity generation at a nuclear power plant? a. Nuclear power is generated when photons are converted to a direct current using a semiconducting material such as silicon. An inverter is used to convert the direct-current electricity into an alternating current. b. Nuclear power is generated through fission, which releases a large amount of heat. The heat is used to generate steam, which turns a turbine that powers a generator. c. Nuclear power is generated from the combustion of mined uranium, which provides enough heat to power a generator. The generator turns a turbine to create electricity. d. Nuclear power is generated from the thermal energy of Earth, which is a result of radioactive decay. The water underground is turned to steam, which turns a turbine to produce electricity.

b. Nuclear power is generated through fission, which releases a large amount of heat. The heat is used to generate steam, which turns a turbine that powers a generator.

The graphs below show the energy output of one kilowatt of photovoltaic (PV) capacity of different PV panel systems over a day (graph on the left) and the annual energy production (graph on the right) of the same systems. Dual-axis tracking means that the PV panels are constantly moving to always face the Sun directly. If the PV panels are tilted in a fixed position, the direction of tilt is indicated. Flat PV panels are not tilted in any direction. Which of the following statements is best supported by the data shown in the graph? a. PV panels that cannot track the Sun and are in a fixed position tilted to the south produce the least electricity daily and annually. b. PV panels that can track the Sun and are constantly moving to always directly face the Sun produce the most electricity daily and annually. c. Of the PV panels that cannot track the Sun, those in a fixed position tilted to the west produce more electricity daily and annually than do those in a fixed position tilted to the south. d. PV panels that cannot track the Sun and are in a fixed position tilted to the east produce the most electricity daily and annually.

b. PV panels that can track the Sun and are constantly moving to always directly face the Sun produce the most electricity daily and annually.

Mt. Rainier, an active volcano, is the tallest peak in the lower 48 United States with an elevation of 14,411′. The town of Eatonville, WA lies in the Eastern foothills of Mt. Rainier. To the western side of the mountain, lies the Yakima Reservation, the lands of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Based on this information, predict the typical weather for Eatonville and the Yakima Reservation. a. Rainy conditions in both Eatonville and the Yakima Reservation b. Rainy conditions in Eatonville and dry conditions in the Yakima Reservation c. Dry conditions in Eatonville and rainy conditions in the Yakima Reservation d. Dry conditions in both Eatonville and the Yakima Reservation

b. Rainy conditions in Eatonville and dry conditions in the Yakima Reservation

At which stage of the hydrologic cycle are conditions most likely to contribute to the development of an algal bloom? a. Transpiration b. Runoff c. Precipitation d. Inflitration

b. Runoff

In the coniferous forests of Oregon, eight species of woodpeckers coexist. Four species select their nesting sites based on tree diameter. The fifth species nests only in fir trees that have been dead for at least 10 years. The sixith species also nests in fir trees, but only in live or recently dead trees. Two remaining species nest in pine trees, but each selects trees of different sizes. This pattern is an example of: a. Competitive exclusion b. Spatial resource partitioning c. Temporal resource partitioning d. Morphological resource partitioning

b. Spatial resource partitioning

Which species grows best in full-sunlight and is well adapted for primary succession? a. Dogwood b. Sweet gum c. White oak d. Hickory there is supposed to be a graph but it won't load. sry

b. Sweet gum

The axis of Earth in relation to the Sun is tilted at a 23.5 degree slant, as illustrated in the diagram below. Which of the following areas receives the most intense solar radiation at the time of year shown in the diagram, and why? a. The Tropic of Cancer, because solar radiation spreads out over a wider area at this latitude. b. The Tropic of Capricorn, because this latitude is nearly horizontal to incoming solar radiation. c. The Antarctic Circle, because it is closest to the Sun. d. The equator, because it is the hottest region and therefore receives the most intense solar radiation.

b. The Tropic of Capricorn, because this latitude is nearly horizontal to incoming solar radiation.

Students want to determine the impact of soil erosion from the development of new housing. They plan to measure the density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of a river that flows through their town. The town is built in a heavily forested area, but a large area of trees along the river was recently clear-cut to allow for the construction of a new housing development, which has caused exposed soil to wash into the river. The river flows north to south through the town and is still forested both up- and downstream of the town. Which of the following is the dependent variable in the study? a. The flow rate of the river from north to south b. The density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of the river c. A tract of land in a heavily forested area outside of town d. The tract of land that was clear-cut for the housing development

b. The density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of the river

For many generations, the flowers in a meadow have been pollinated by a particular species of honeybee. One year, a new species of honeybee moves into the meadow. This new species pollinates the same flowers as the old species. Which description best predicts what would happen if a new species of honeybee moves into a meadow that was already occupied by a particular honeybee that pollinated the meadow? a. Each species of honeybee will alternate pollinating the meadow and sharing the niche. b. The honeybees cannot occupy the same niche and, therefore, one species will find a new ecosystem with a niche it can occupy. c. The established species must move away and allow the new species to pollinate the meadow. d. The meadow would be pollinated by both species of honeybee and both species of honeybee would thrive.

b. The honeybees cannot occupy the same niche and, therefore, one species will find a new ecosystem with a niche it can occupy.

The Theory of Island Biogeography predicts species richness based on multiple factors. Which of the following factors has the greatest impact on and island's species richness? a. The age of the island b. The size of the island c. The climate of the island d. The distance of the island from the mainland

b. The size of the island

Which of the following accurately describes the movement of winds in a Hadley Cell? a. The sun heats air at 60° N/S which results in low pressure and air rises. As air rises, it cools, condenses, and spreads out towards the poles and 30° N/S at which point it begins to sink resulting in a high pressure zone. This air then flows back towards 60° N/S b. The sun heats air at the equator which results in low pressure and air rises. As air rises, it cools, condenses, and spreads out towards 30° N/S at which point it begins to sink resulting in a high pressure zone. This air then flows back towards the equator. c. The sun heats air at 30° N/S which results in low pressure and air rises. As air rises, it cools, condenses, and spreads out towards the equator at which point it begins to sink resulting in a high pressure zone. This air then flows back towards 30° N/S. d. The sun heats air at the equator which results in high pressure and air sinks. As air sinks, it condenses and spreads out towards 30° N/S. This air forces the displacement of air upwards at 30° N/S resulting in a low pressure zone. This air then rises and flows back towards the equator.

b. The sun heats air at the equator which results in low pressure and air rises. As air rises, it cools, condenses, and spreads out towards 30° N/S at which point it begins to sink resulting in a high pressure zone. This air then flows back towards the equator.

During an El Niño event, warm surface water moves from the western equatorial Pacific Ocean to the eastern equatorial region. Which of the following best describes how the warm water will affect upwelling off the coast of equatorial South America? a. The warm surface water will increase upwelling because of the different in salinity between the warm surface water and the cold deep water.. b. The warm surface water will decrease upwelling because of the density difference between the warm surface water and the cold deep water. c. The warm surface water will not change upwelling because the region is at the equator and always has warm water. d. The warm surface water will decrease upwelling because the cooler temperatures on land in the region will prevent upwelling.

b. The warm surface water will decrease upwelling because of the density difference between the warm surface water and the cold deep water.

Lichens are an example of a pioneer species. Which of the following best describes the role of a pioneer species such as lichen? a. To breakdown burned rocks after a forest fire b. To rebuild soil after a wildfire c. To purify air after a volcanic eruption d. To decompose downed trees after a tornado

b. To rebuild soil after a wildfire

Nondepletable energy resources include all of the following except a. hydroelectric b. biomass c. wind d. solar

b. biomass

Most deserts on Earth are located near the 30° north and 30° south latitudes because humidity is lower at 30°. The best explanation for the lower humidity is that a. trade winds transfer moisture away from 30° latitude b. warm air rises at the equator, cools, and sinks at 30° latitude c. cool air rises at 30° latitude, warms, and sinks at the equator d. warm air rises at 90° latitude, cools, and sinks at 30°

b. warm air rises at the equator, cools, and sinks at 30° latitude

If a terrestrial ecosystem has a gross primary production of 4,500 kcal/m2/yr and a cellular respiration rate of 2,500 kcal/m2/yr, what is the net primary production for this ecosystem? a. 7,000 kcal/m2/yr b. 250 kcal/m2/yr c. 2,000 kcal/m2/yr d. 200 kcal/m2/yr

c. 2,000 kcal/m2/yr

Which of the following is a disadvantage of biomass energy? a. Waste products are used. b. Sources are local. c. Ash is formed by combustion. d. Greenhouse gases are reduced.

c. Ash is formed by combustion.

The diagram below shows 100 ml of water being poured through a soil sample. After the water has passed through the soil, 98 ml of water is measured in the collection tray below the sample. Of the following, which is the most likely composition of the soil sample? a. Clay: 50%; Silt: 40%; Sand: 10% b. Clay: 80%; Silt: 10%; Sand: 10% c. Clay: 10%; Silt: 10%; Sand: 80% d. Clay: 30%; Silt: 45%; Sand: 25%

c. Clay: 10%; Silt: 10%; Sand: 80%

Which of the following would most likely be a result of switching from geothermal energy to biomass energy as the primary energy source for a home? a. Amount of trash would increase in landfills b. Deforestation would give way to land for crops c. Combustion increases greenhouse gases d. Fossil fuel consumption would be eliminated

c. Combustion increases greenhouse gases

Which letter correctly identifies the part of the hydrologic cycle that is most directly affected by impervious building materials, such as concrete and asphalt? a. A b. B c. D d. C

c. D

The state of California experiences periodic occurrences of higher than average precipitation. This causes flooding due to heavy rainfall. Which weather phenomenon most likely causes this and why? a. El Niño, because of strengthening of trade winds b. La Niña, because of weakening of trade winds c. El Niño, because of weakening of trade winds d. La Niña, because of strengthening of trade winds

c. El Niño, because of weakening of trade winds

An Illinois timber company proposes to clear-cut 250 hectares of oak-elm deciduous forest. The company has said that the forest will regrow naturally, and 75 years after the clear-cutting the company plans to harvest again, cutting all the oaks and elms that have at least a 40-centimeter diameter. A local citizens' group claims that this is not a realistic plan. Which of the following, if true, best supports the claim of the citizens' group? a. Harvesting oak and elm will remove all soil in the first year after clear-cutting; lichens and mosses will have to establish soil at the beginning of secondary succession. b. Populations of large carnivores in the forest will decline after clear-cutting occurs; deer hunting will suffer as a result. c. Elm and oak are late-successional species; pioneer species will dominate for many decades before the oaks and elms are reestablished. d. Many new exotic species will move into the forest leading to extinction of generalist species.

c. Elm and oak are late-successional species; pioneer species will dominate for many decades before the oaks and elms are reestablished.

Question 18 Which of the following is a process that indirectly removes carbon from Earth's atmosphere? a. Photodissociation by ultraviolet light b. Respiration by photosynthetic bacteria c. Formation of carbonate deposits d. Outgassing by volcanoes

c. Formation of carbonate deposits

In which of the following scenarios do erosion and deposition both occur? Water evaporating from land leaves behind salty residue. A hurricane washes large sections of a coastline out to sea. Grassland gradually turns to desert during a prolonged drought. a. I only b. III only c. II and III only d. II only

d. II only

Which of the following best describes a disadvantage of geothermal energy production? a. Geothermal energy is weather dependent and can be generated only at certain times of the year. b. Geothermal energy generation costs remain stable when gas and oil prices increase. c. Geothermal energy implementation in homes and businesses has a high upfront cost, and electricity is needed to operate pumps. d. Geothermal energy production is a significant source of noise pollution.

c. Geothermal energy implementation in homes and businesses has a high upfront cost, and electricity is needed to operate pumps.

Which of the following is a true statement about passive solar heating? a. It is not efficient because it cannot produce high-quality energy. b. It is effective only during the summer months. c. It is based in part on the principle of the greenhouse effect. d. It involves the use of separating charges to turn a turbine.

c. It is based in part on the principle of the greenhouse effect.

How would the Coriolis Effect alter movement of an air mass flowing from a higher to a lower latitude in the Northern Hemisphere? a. It would deflect the path of the air mass to a lower altitude. b. It would deflect the path of the air mass to the east. c. It would deflect the path of the air mass to the west. d. It would deflect the path of the air mass to a higher altitude.

c. It would deflect the path of the air mass to the west.

A species is most likely to go extinct in a changing environment if it has a. A broad range of tolerance b. Recent evolutionary adaptations c. Low genetic diversity d. A large fundamental niche

c. Low genetic diversity

Which of the following best illustrates an abiotic component of the environment affecting a biotic component of the environment? a. A thick planting of ground cover reduces soil erosion on a hillside. b. Plants release oxygen into the atmosphere during photosynthesis. c. Low phosphorus content in soil limits the growth of vegetation. d. Coral reefs modify the direction of an ocean current.

c. Low phosphorus content in soil limits the growth of vegetation.

Which of the following is not an adaptation that allows late-succesion species to thrive and establish a climax community? a. Large seeds and few offspring which allows these species to invest more resources in reproductive success b. Shade tolerance which allows these species to outcompete those which require full sunlight c. Mutualistic relationships with bacteria that allow these species to survive in low-nutrient soils d. Deep and complex root systems that allow these species to capture significant amounts of water

c. Mutualistic relationships with bacteria that allow these species to survive in low-nutrient soils

Denitrifying bacteria play an important role in the nitrogen cycle. A reduction in dentifriying bacteria would most likely have an immediate impact on the production of which of the following? a. Nitrates b. Ammonium c. N2 gas d. Nitrites

c. N2 gas

The movements of tectonic plates in two locations are described below: Location A: Tectonic plates sliding in opposite directions past each otherLocation B: Tectonic plates move apart under the ocean Which statement is most likely correct? a. Mountains may form in both locations. b. There is no chance of earthquakes in the two locations. c. New land may form in Location B but not in Location A. d. Volcanic eruptions may occur in Location A but not in Location B.

c. New land may form in Location B but not in Location A.

Which gas is most abundant in the atmosphere? a. Oxygen b. Carbon dioxide c. Nitrogen d. Argon

c. Nitrogen

78% of the atmosphere is nitrogen. Yet, N2 gas in the atmosphere cannot be directly assimilated in plants. What steps must occur before plants are able to incorporate nitrogen into proteins? a. Denitrification and ammonification b. Nitrogen fixation and assimilation c. Nitrogen fixation and nitrification d. Ammonification and assimilation

c. Nitrogen fixation and nitrification

Ringtail possums eat a wide variety of both introduced and native leaves of plants, flowers, and fruits. Which of the following best identifies this species? a. Ringtail possums are omnivores b. Ringtail possums are specialists c. Ringtail possums are generalists d. Ringtail possums are keystone species

c. Ringtail possums are generalists

Which of the following would be categorized as a supporting ecosystem service of forests? a. Lumber and landscaping materials b. Recreation and scenic areas for tourism c. Soil formation and water infiltration d. Mushroom and plant harvests

c. Soil formation and water infiltration

Which of the following would be categorized as a regulating ecosystem service of forests? a. Lumber and landscaping materials b. Recreation and scenic areas for tourism c. Soil stabilization and air purification d. Mushroom and plant harvests

c. Soil stabilization and air purification

Which of the following is an advantage of biomass energy? a. Particulate matter is created. b. Technology is expensive. c. Sources are local. d. Ash is a byproduct.

c. Sources are local.

The table below depicts characteristics of five amphibian species Which individual species listed in the table would have low ecological tolerance to temperature change? a. Species B b. Species A c. Species C d. Species E

c. Species C

The Effect of Temperature on Drosophila Melanogaster survival. *Graph won't load* a. The Drosophila can tolerate any temperature less than 20°C b. The Drosophila can tolerate any temperature above 0°C c. The Drosophila can tolerate temperatures between 5°C and 25°C d. The Drosophila can tolerate temperatures between 10°C and 30°C

c. The Drosophila can tolerate temperatures between 5°C and 25°C

A medium sized population of elk, during their seasonal migration across the tundras of Canada, got caught in an avalanche during a heavy snowstorm. Which of the following effects will best predict the future of this population's genetic diversity? a. The pioneer effect b. The survivor effect c. The bottleneck effect d. The founder effect

c. The bottleneck effect

The theory of natural selection is built upon all of the following assumptions, except: a. Individuals cannot evolve b. Individuals exist in a struggle for survival c. Individuals in a population possess inheritable differences d. Individuals with favorable traits will reproduce less

d. Individuals with favorable traits will reproduce less

In a fish species, the number of eggs that hatch and survive for one year varies depending on the number of eggs that were produced. As the number of eggs produced increases past a threshold number, the survival rate of the offspring decreases. Which of the following statements best explains why only a limited number of offspring can survive in a fish population? a. Resource partitioning allows similar species to coexist in the same ecological community. b. The number of fish surviving after one year is proportional to the number of eggs produced. c. The chance of survival decreases when there is intraspecific competition for resources among surviving yearlings. d. More yearling fish survive beyond one year when there is an abundance of prey species present.

c. The chance of survival decreases when there is intraspecific competition for resources among surviving yearlings.

Construction of a solar power plant is proposed for a desert area near a school. A student has hypothesized that the shade cast by the solar panels will increase the mortality of creosote bush, a native desert plant in the area. Before construction begins, what experimental data should the student collect in order to eventually test the hypothesis? a. The changes in monthly precipitation (in mm/yr) at a similar desert location where creosote bush grows b. The rate of wind-caused soil erosion (in kg/yr) near solar panels at a similar desert location where creosote bush grows c. The direct sunlight received by creosote bush in the desert area (in kWh/m2) during a 12-month period d. The rate of increase in atmospheric CO 2 worldwide (in ppm) that occurs in the 12-month period prior to the start of construction

c. The direct sunlight received by creosote bush in the desert area (in kWh/m2) during a 12-month period

A previously unoccupied remote island off the coast of Northern Maine was recently inhabited by a group of puffins. Ecologists, who had tagged one of the puffins a few years before it apprently left the mainland, arrived to study the island's emerging population. There, they noted that the average beak size of the island population was significantly higher than the average beak size of the mainland colony. If beak size is largely determined by genetics, what evolutionary process is at work? a. The bottleneck effect b. The pioneer effect c. The founder effect d. Microevolution

c. The founder effect

Which of the following is not true about the sun's energy heating the Earth? a. The sun's rays hit the earth at different angles depending on the latitude. b. The polar regions reflect more sunlight than tropical regions c. The sun's rays are more strongly reflected in the lower latitude regions d. The sun's rays are concentrated over a smaller surface area at the equator than they are at the higher latitudes

c. The sun's rays are more strongly reflected in the lower latitude regions

Which of the following factors is fundamentally responsible for seasons on Earth? a. The periodic changes in solar energy radiation. b. The latitudinal variation in temperature and precipitation. c. The tilt of Earth's axis of rotation. d. The varying distance of Earth from the Sun.

c. The tilt of Earth's axis of rotation.

When ozone, a gas that normally protects from UV damage, is found in this layer, it is instead classified as a respiratory irritant and can damage human lung tissue. a. Thermosphere b. Mesosphere c. Troposphere d. Stratosphere

c. Troposphere

The island biogeography model explains a. the effect of the mainland on species diversity of an island b. the amount of water that surrounds an island c. factors affecting the number of different species in isolated areas d. geographical features of an island

c. factors affecting the number of different species in isolated areas

Small populations of animals, such as those typically found on islands, are prone to extinction because a. they are usually generalist species b. they contain a high degree of genetic variability c. they are more vulnerable to unpredictable events d. they tend to have more predators

c. they are more vulnerable to unpredictable events

Which combination of factors will result in an island community with the lowest ecological tolerance? a. Upwelling of colder ocean water, increased sunlight b. Increased colonization, decreased extinction rate c. Decreased human population, increased agricultural expansion d. Introduction of invasive species, increased deforestation

d. Introduction of invasive species, increased deforestation

Four islands, A, B, C, and D differ only in distance from the mainland, area, and species diversity. Which island would be predicted to have the highest species diversity? Island Distance from Mainland (km) A: 150 B: 150 C: 100 D: 175 Area (hectares) A: 2 x 10^3 B: 2 x 10^3 C: 2 x 10^6 D:2 x 10^5 a. Island A b. Island D c. Island B d. Island C

d. Island C

The table shows the amount of radioactive element remaining in a sample over a period of time: Radioactive Decay RateAmount of Radioactive Sample (g)Time (yr)45.0031.81122.52215.93311.344 What is the half-life of the element in years? a. 11 b. 44 c. 33 d. 22

d. 22

The graph below which shows the monthly average CO2 concentration, in parts per million, as measured at Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. According to the graph, the increase in CO2 concentration, in parts per million, between 1970 and 1990 is closest to a. 5 ppm b. 340 ppm c. 50 ppm d. 30 ppm

d. 30 ppm

A typical coal burning power plant uses 4,500 tons of coal per day. Each pound of coal produces 5,000 BTUs of electrical energy. How many BTUs are produced each day from this plant? a. 11.5 x 10^3 BTUs b. 4.5 x 10^8 BTUs c. 0.25 x 10^6 BTUs d. 4.5 x 10^10 BTUs

d. 4.5 x 10^10 BTUs

You are washing a sink full of dishes by hand. Washing the dishes by hand requires 20 gallons of water heated to 110°F. The initial water temperature out of the tap is 50°F. Other Information: 1 gallon of water = 8 pounds of water 1 BTU = the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1°F 1 kilowatt-hour = 3,400 BTU's Calculate the energy (in BTU's) used to heat the water for washing the load of dishes by hand. a. 7200 BTUs b. 8900 BTUs c. 6200 BTUs d. 9600 BTUs

d. 9600 BTUs

The figure below shows a marine food web. According to the trophic cascade model, which of the following would most likely be a result of removing sperm whales from the ecosystem? a. An increase in elephant seals and a decrease in squid. b. A decrease in baleen whales and a increase in krill. c. A decrease in squid and an increase in zooplankton. d. An increase in squid and a decrease in fish it wont let me put in a pic of the graph:(

d. An increase in squid and a decrease in fish

Which of the following describes an environmental problem that can result from the combustion of fossil fuels to generate electricity? a. Combustion reactions using fossil fuels require more energy than they produce and are therefore very inefficient. b. A chemical reaction occurs between the fossil fuel and oxygen to produce energy for the generation of electricity. c. The combustion of fossil fuels can heat water to convert the water into steam to turn turbines that are connected to electrical generators. d. Carbon dioxide is a product of the combustion fossil fuels, and it can lead to global climate change when released into the atmosphere.

d. Carbon dioxide is a product of the combustion fossil fuels, and it can lead to global climate change when released into the atmosphere.

Using the data table above, which of the following is most likely explanation for Peru's low anchovy catch in 1998? a. Due to La Niña, there were unusually strong trade winds b. Due to ENSO, there was an increase in the number of hurricanes. c. Due to La Niña, there an increase in the population of anchovy predators. d. Due to ENSO, there was reduced ocean upwelling along the coast.

d. Due to ENSO, there was reduced ocean upwelling along the coast.

During an El Niño-Southern Oscillation event, which of the following best describes conditions in the eastern part of the tropical Pacific Ocean (e.g., near Peru and Ecuador)? a. Low sea surface temperature, low rainfall b. Low sea surface temperature, high rainfall c. High sea surface temperature, low rainfall d. High sea surface temperature, high rainfall

d. High sea surface temperature, high rainfall

Which is not an environmental cost of water impoundment systems used in hydroelectric power plants? a. Nutrient-rich sediments are prevented from entering the water downstream from dams b. Habitats upstream of the dam are flooded c. Methane emissions occur after flooding an area in order to build a dam d. Hydroelectric power generation creates significant CO2 emissions

d. Hydroelectric power generation creates significant CO2 emissions

A shark eats a penguin that has recently been feeding on some krill. The penguin has 100 joules worth of energy, but the shark ultimately gains only about 10 joules. Where does the rest of the energy go? a. It reverts back to the krill that the penguin ate. b. It was used by the penguin as it tried to get away from the shark. c. It is destroyed and cannot be recovered. d. It is used for cellular functions or transformed to heat energy.

d. It is used for cellular functions or transformed to heat energy.

In a desert community, the relative abundance and distribution of the wood-rat (Neotoma mexicana) is limited by competition with the kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami). Which of the following correctly identifies the space the wood-rat occupies in this community? a. Its geographic range b. Its fundamental niche c. Its commensalist niche d. Its realized niche

d. Its realized niche

Which is the following is the main difference between primary and secondary succession? a. Primary succession occurs in the year before secondary succession b. Secondary succession ends in a climax community and primary succession ends in a pioneer community c. Secondary succession begins on rocky areas and primary succession begins with intact soil d. Primary succession occurs on barren, rocky areas and secondary succession does not

d. Primary succession occurs on barren, rocky areas and secondary succession does not

Which of the following explains why some energy sources are renewable? a. Renewable energy sources exist in a fixed amount and cannot be easily replaced. b. Renewable energy sources use advanced technologies and have been discovered in recent years, making them newer energy sources. c. Renewable energy sources include natural gas and other fossil fuels because they are made from the remains of ancient organisms. d. Renewable energy sources can be replenished naturally, at or near the rate of consumption.

d. Renewable energy sources can be replenished naturally, at or near the rate of consumption.

For 8 days in October of 2012, intense rainfall from Hurricane Sandy flooded communities up and down the Eastern seaboard. after the floods, much of the land was still intact. As these communities began to recover, which form of succession occurred? a. Intermediate succession b. Pioneering succession c. Primary succession d. Secondary succession

d. Secondary succession

Ozone, which is normally found in this layer, is a beneficial gas that protects organisms from harmful UV rays. a. Exosphere b. Mesosphere c. Troposphere d. Stratosphere

d. Stratosphere

Two small ponds are sampled in early September. The sample from Pond 1 yields 1 small catfish, 6 brown trout, 12 smallmouth bass, and 25 cattails. The sample from Pond 2 yields 1 small catfish, 1 brown trout, 25 smallmouth bass, and 26 cattails. Which of the following can best be estimated from the two pond samples? a. The difference in stability between the two pond ecosystems b. The difference in species richness between the two ponds c. The difference in productivity between the two ponds d. The difference in species evenness between the two ponds

d. The difference in species evenness between the two ponds

Very Large Dead Zone Forecast for the Gulf of Mexico Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are forecasting this summer's Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone or "dead zone"—an area of low to no oxygen that can kill fish and other marine life—to be approximately 7,829 square miles, or roughly the size of Massachusetts. The annual prediction is based on United States Geological Survey river flow and nutrient data. The 2019 forecast is close to the record size of 8,776 square miles set in 2017 and larger than the five-year average measured size of 5,770 square miles. The annually recurring Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone is primarily caused by excess nutrient pollution from human activities, such as urbanization and agriculture, occurring throughout the Mississippi River watershed. Once the excess nutrients reach the gulf, they stimulate an overgrowth of algae, which eventually die, then sink and decompose in the water. The resulting low oxygen levels near the bottom are insufficient to support most marine life and have long-term impacts on living marine resources that are unable to leave the area. A major factor contributing to the large dead zone this year is the high amount of spring rainfall in many parts of he Mississippi River watershed, which led to record high river flows and much larger nutrient loading to the Gulf of Mexico. This past May, discharge in the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers was about 67 percent above the long-term average between 1980 and 2018. The latest National Climate Assessment predicts an increase in the frequency of very heavy precipitation events in the Midwest, Great Plains, and Southeast regions, which would impact nutrient input to the northern Gulf of Mexico and the size of the hypoxic zone." News release adapted from the United States Geological Survey Which of the following best identifies the author's claim? a. The increased size of the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico is forecasted to benefit the fishing industry in the United States. b. The large hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico is directly linked to climate change in the Mississippi River watershed. c. Many marine species are migrating away from the Gulf of Mexico as a result of increased nutrient pollution from increased rainfall events. d. The increased rainfall events in the United States are decreasing the tolerance of fish and other marine species in the Gulf of Mexico because of a decreased concentration of oxygen.

d. The increased rainfall events in the United States are decreasing the tolerance of fish and other marine species in the Gulf of Mexico because of a decreased concentration of oxygen.

The table below shows measurements of the beak size of a sample of ten ground finches on each of two islands in the Galápagos archipelago. The two islands are about ten kilometers apart, and all the birds are the same species. Given that beak size is genetically determined, which of the following hypotheses is the most likely explanation for the differences in data between the islands? a. Beak size exerts selective pressure on prey size b. Egg mortality differs on the islands c. Birds on Daphne Island live longer than birds on Santa Cruz Island d. The types of food found on the two islands exert selective pressure on beak size

d. The types of food found on the two islands exert selective pressure on beak size

What are two advantages of using wind turbines to generate electricity? a. Turbines can be located anywhere and produce CO2 emissions when generating. b. Turbines produce no CO2 emissions and a constant supply of electricity. c. Turbines can be located anywhere and produce a constant supply of electricity. d. Turbines are quick to build and produce no emissions.

d. Turbines are quick to build and produce no emissions.

Which of the following is the most practical solution to maximizing energy production at wind farms while minimizing the risk to wildlife? a. Turn on turbines only when winds are below 5 mph . b. Turn on turbines only at night when most birds and bats are not flying. c. Limit the height of turbines to 10 meters and the width of the blades to 5 meters. d. Turn off turbines during periods of maximum migration.

d. Turn off turbines during periods of maximum migration.

All of the following are biotic factors to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem except a. Elk b. Wolves c. Aspen trees d. Yellowstone River

d. Yellowstone River