Enviro MC Semester 1

If a city of population 10,000 experiences 100 births, 40 deaths, 10 immigrants, and 30 emigrants in the course of a year, what is its net annual percentage growth rate? A 0.4% B 0.8% C 1.0% D 4.0% E 8.0%

0.4%

If a country has a crude birth rate of 24 per 1,000 and a crude death rate of 8 per 1,000, the natural annual percent increase of its population is A 0.6% B 1.6% C 3% D 16% E 32%

1.6%

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following energy efficiencies, expressed percentages. (A) 100% (B) 95% (C) 30% (D) 15% (E) 1% The maximum efficiency possible in an energy-conversion process that is not limited by the second law of thermodynamics A 100% B 95% C 30% D 15% E 1%

100%

If the population of a country grows at a rate of approximately 5 percent per year, the number of years required for the population to double is closest to A 5 years B 10 years C 15 years D 25 years E 35 years

15 years

A temperate grassland biome has a gross primary productivity of 3,480kilocalories/meter2/year and a net primary productivity of 2,000kilocalories/meter2/year. Which of the following is the approximate number of kilocalories/meter2/year available to herbivores in that biome? A 200kilocalories/meter2/year B 1,480kilocalories/meter2/year C 2,000kilocalories/meter2/year D 5,480kilocalories/meter2/year

200kilocalories/meter2/year

The country of Sudan has an estimated annual growth rate of 2 percent. At this rate of growth, approximately how many years will it take for the population of Sudan to double? A 30 years B 35 years C 50 years D 80 years E 140 years

35 years

If the population of a country is growing at a rate of 1.75 percent per year, the population will double in approximately how many years? A 30 years B 40 years C 50 years D 70 years E 140 years

40 years

A country currently has a population of 100 million and an annual growth rate of 3.5 percent. If the growth rate remains constant, what will be the population of this country in 40 years? A 150 million B 200 million C 300 million D 400 million E 800 million

400 million

Which of the following would be most helpful to determine the soil texture of a sample? A A pH meter and conductivity meter B A soil core kit and a seismograph C A density gradient tube and a soil triangle D A quadrat and a transect line

A density gradient tube and a soil triangle

Which of the following best shows the process of evolution? A A lizard's color becomes brown as it sits on a log. B A bear goes into hibernation. C A plant loses its leaves in a drought. D A population of mosquitoes develops resistance to a pesticide. E A population of foxes increases as more prey become

A population of mosquitoes develops resistance to a pesticide.

Highly specialized species tend to evolve on islands because of the environmental conditions and resource availability. Based on the theory of island biogeography, which of the following would most likely experience the greatest decline of specialist species if an invasive species emigrated from the mainland? A A small island a far distance from the mainland B A small island in close proximity to the mainland C A large island a far distance from the mainland D A large island in close proximity to the mainland

A small island in close proximity to the mainland

Which of the following regions of the ocean is LEAST likely to contain photosynthetic organisms? A Intertidal zone B Zone of coastal upwelling C Pelagic zone D Euphotic zone E Abyssal zone

Abyssal zone

By the year 2050, world population is expected to approach 10 billion. If the current population trends continue, which region of the world will most likely experience the majority of the growth? A North and Central America B Central and South America C Eastern and Western Europe D Africa and Asia E Australia and New Zealand

Africa and Asia

The demographic transition model describes population change over time as a country becomes more developed. Age-structure diagrams describe how populations are distributed across age ranges. Which of the following age-structure diagrams best displays the age ranges in a country that is in stage 2 of the demographic transition? A A stationary age-structure diagram B An inverted pyramid age-structure diagram C A constrictive age-structure diagram D An expansive pyramid age-structure diagram

An expansive pyramid age-structure diagram

The Chesapeake Bay is a watershed that is located in six states and the District of Columbia. Which of the following can cause an increase in water pollution in the watershed? A An increase in the number of grasses, trees, and shrubs near a watershed B An increase in the natural systems near a watershed C An increase in stormwater runoff in urban areas D A decrease in the number of impervious surfaces near the watershed

An increase in stormwater runoff in urban areas

Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service that would provide protection from a hurricane storm surge? A A lock and dam system B An intact coastal wetland C An energy-producing tidal barrage system D An offshore, deep-water fish farm

An intact coastal wetland

Based on the theory of island biogeography, which of the following islands would most likely have the highest number of species living on it? A An island 30 hectares in size that is 30 kilometers off the coast of the mainland B An island 30 hectares in size that is 10 kilometers off the coast of the mainland C An island 10 hectares in size that is 30 kilometers off the coast of the mainland D An island 10 hectares in size that is 10 kilometers off the coast of the mainland

An island 30 hectares in size that is 10 kilometers off the coast of the mainland

An island off the coast of Africa contains a larger percentage of specialist species than generalist species. Which of the following describes the most immediate effect if an invasive generalist species is introduced to the island? A As predation increases, the population size of the invasive generalist species will decrease. B As competition for resources increases, the population size of the island's specialist species will decrease. C As resources are partitioned, the population sizes of both the generalist species and the specialist species will increase. D As niches overlap, the invasive generalist species will be outcompeted by the island's specialist species.

As competition for resources increases, the population size of the island's specialist species will decrease.

Based on current trends and patterns, which of the following statements best predicts how the human population will change over the next 50 years? A As the amount of available food and drinking water increases, the population size will also increase. B As the population density increases, there will be an increase in disease transmission, leading to increased mortality. C A decrease in the number and magnitude of earthquakes and tsunamis will decrease the amount of land available for agriculture, leading to decreased fecundity. D As educational and economic opportunities increase for women in less developed countries, both the total fertility rate and the population size will increase.

As the population density increases, there will be an increase in disease transmission, leading to increased mortality.

A field is abandoned, and an invasive plant that can live in nutrient-poor soil moves into the field. If the land is later cleared of this invasive species and it is discovered that the soil has an abundance of nitrogen compounds, what conclusion can best be made? A The plants used up all of the phosphorus and potassium and left the nitrogen behind. B Primary succession always produces an abundance of nitrogen. C Bacteria in soil and in root nodules converted free nitrogen into nitrogen compounds. D The plants were able to produce nitrogen in their leaves. E More rock was weathered and broken down to release nitrogen compounds.

Bacteria in soil and in root nodules converted free nitrogen into nitrogen compounds.

Which of the following world regions contain the greatest area of rain forest? A Canada and the United States B Eastern and Western Europe C Russia and China D Australia and New Zealand E Brazil and Indonesia

Brazil and Indonesia

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following questions(s) refer to the following elements. (A) Carbon (B) Sodium (C) Sulfur (D) Phosphorus (E) Potassium Marine sediments that form limestone are a major sink for this element.

Carbon

Which of the following is true of carbon as it cycles in nature? A Carbon dioxide is released during photosynthesis. B Carbon compounds rarely exist in the gaseous state. C Carbon sinks include forests and oceans. D The carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere is reduced by cutting trees. E Carbon is concentrated in igneous rocks.

Carbon sinks include forests and oceans.

How does the burning of fossil fuels contribute to the net increase in atmospheric carbon? A Photosynthesis is reduced by virtue of increased smoke and haze. B Carbon released by the burning is not in a form that can be readily absorbed by plants, leaving residual carbon in the atmosphere. C Carbon that has been sequestered underground is added to the carbon cycling between the atmosphere and the biosphere. D Carbon released by the burning is more easily absorbed in the atmosphere than that produced by natural means. E Carbon released by the burning increases plant growth, producing more carbon for the atmosphere.

Carbon that has been sequestered underground is added to the carbon cycling between the atmosphere and the biosphere.

This rate of reaction can be measured in the dark by determining the amount of oxygen gas consumed in a period of time. A Primary productivity B Gross primary productivity C Net primary productivity D Cellular respiration

Cellular respiration

Which of the following is the correct order of soil particles in order of increasing size? A Clay—sand—silt B Clay—silt—sand C Sand—clay—silt D Sand—silt—clay E Silt—clay—sand

Clay—silt—sand

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following possible relationships between organisms in an ecosystem. (A) Commensalism (B) Parasitism (C) Mutualism (D) Predation (E) Competition Exemplified by starlings displacing bluebirds from nesting sites A Commensalism B Parasitism C Mutualism D Predation E Competition

Competition

This biome is found in shallow waters off the coastline and is Earth's most biologically diverse marine biome. A Coral reefs B Freshwater wetlands C Open ocean D Rivers

Coral reefs

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following processes. (A) Photosynthesis (B) Eutrophication (C) Denitrification (D) Decomposition (E) Transpiration The process by which a soil nutrient is reduced and released to the atmosphere as a gas A Photosynthesis B Eutrophication C Denitrification D Decomposition E Transpiration

Denitrification

Which of the following is an example of a carbon sink? A Deposition of organic matter on the deep ocean floor B Clearing of trees in the Amazon forest C Combustion of fossil fuels in power plants D Decomposition of food waste by bacteria E Nutrient uptake by the roots of grasses in a suburban lawn

Deposition of organic matter on the deep ocean floor

This biome contains plants that are adapted to prevent water loss due to the low average rainfall and high temperatures year-round. A Savanna B Boreal forest C Tropical rain forest D Desert

Desert

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

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 process that indirectly removes carbon from Earth's atmosphere? A Formation of carbonate deposits B Outgassing by volcanoes C Respiration by mammals D Respiration by anaerobic bacteria E Photodissociation by ultraviolet light

Formation of carbonate deposits

This biome contains a nutrient-rich environment created by falling leaves and trapped organic materials from the large trees, and it provides the ecosystem service of filtering pollutants from water. A Coral reefs B Freshwater wetlands C Open ocean D Rivers

Freshwater wetlands

A variety of plants and animals inhabit a forest ecosystem. Which statement correctly explains why certain organisms would be more likely to survive than others if a forest fire burned the area? A Specialist species are more likely to survive because they can thrive in a narrow range of environmental conditions and they have a limited diet. B Specialist species are more likely to survive because they can thrive in a large range of environmental conditions and can make use of a variety of different resources. C Generalist species are more likely to survive because they can thrive in a narrow range of environmental conditions and they have a limited diet. D Generalist species are more likely to survive because they can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and can make use of a variety of different resources.

Generalist species are more likely to survive because they can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and can make use of a variety of different resources.

Which of the following best describes a difference between generalist species and specialist species? A Generalists use a large range of resources, while specialists have a limited range of resources they use to survive. B Generalists can thrive in a narrow range of environmental conditions, while specialists thrive in a variety of environmental conditions. C Generalists are often herbivores, while specialists are often omnivores. D Generalists are more prone to extinction than specialists are.

Generalists use a large range of resources, while specialists have a limited range of resources they use to survive.

A scientist is studying a biome that experiences large seasonal fluctuations in both temperature and precipitation patterns. Which of the following would best characterize the organisms that inhabit the biome? A Habitat specialists would be most abundant, because they have broad niches. B Generalists would be most abundant, because the resources available would be constantly changing. C Generalists that feed only on animals would be more abundant in the summer months, while generalists that feed only on plants would be more abundant in the winter months. D Specialists that live in trees would be more abundant in the summer months, whereas specialists that live in caves would be more abundant in the winter months.

Generalists would be most abundant, because the resources available would be constantly changing.

Which of the following can be used to assess the biological diversity of an area? A Population size of each species and area occupied by each population B Minimum population area and minimum viable population size C Ratio of r-strategists to K-strategists and life expectancy of K-strategists D Number of individuals under fifteen years old and number of individuals over sixty-five years old E Genetic variation within each species and number of species present

Genetic variation within each species and number of species present

The total rate of photosynthesis in a given area. A Primary productivity B Gross primary productivity C Net primary productivity D Cellular respiration

Gross primary productivity

Which of the following best describes gross primary productivity in an ecosystem? A Gross primary productivity is the total amount of energy captured by producers plus the energy used by consumers over time. B Gross primary productivity is the total amount of energy captured by producers minus the energy that producers respire over time. C Gross primary productivity is the total amount of energy lost as heat during energy transfer between trophic levels. D Gross primary productivity is the total amount of solar energy captured by producers through photosynthesis over time.

Gross primary productivity is the total amount of solar energy captured by producers through photosynthesis over time.

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the qualities of water samples. Acidity Turbidity Hardness Dissolved oxygen Salinity Measured by the amount of Ca2 and Mg2

Hardness

Which of the following density-independent factors can affect the size of a human population? A Disease B Availability of food C Heat waves D Access to clean water

Heat waves

Living organisms must acquire energy from their environment. Examples of adaptations that help organisms acquire this energy include which of the following? I. The dark, heat-absorbing coloration of a reptile. II. The fangs and claws of a lion III. The light coloration of a peppered moth A I only B II only C I and II only D II and III only E I, II, and III

I and II only

Energy is transferred along food chains from one stage to the next. Which statement best explains how the energy is transferred? A If a primary consumer stores 100kcal of energy, then a secondary consumer that feeds on the primary consumer will also have 100kcal of energy available. B If a primary producer stores 10,000kcal of energy, then a tertiary consumer will have 10kcal of energy available. C If a primary producer stores 100,000kcal of energy, then a secondary consumer will have 10,000kcal of energy available. D If a secondary consumer stores 500kcal of energy, then a tertiary consumer that feeds on the secondary consumer will have 5,000kcal of energy available.

If a primary producer stores 10,000kcal of energy, then a tertiary consumer will have 10kcal of energy available.

During a La Niña event, what environmental changes would the tropical Pacific Ocean and its surrounding landmasses most likely experience? A Increased rainfall in the eastern Pacific Ocean leading to flooding and landslides off the coast of South America B An area of high pressure forming over landmasses and increasing the chance of typhoons C Cooler ocean water in the western Pacific Ocean leading to an increased chance of wildfires D Increased upwelling off the coast of South America resulting in increased productivity of fisheries

Increased upwelling off the coast of South America resulting in increased productivity of fisheries

Which of the following statements best describes why birth and death rates are changing in a country that is in Phase 2 of the demographic transition? A Individuals have better sanitation and access to clean drinking water. B Individuals have increased availability of birth control and have smaller family sizes. C The population has a high infant mortality rate because of the lack of health care. D The population size stops increasing and may decline if birth rates are lower than death rates.

Individuals have better sanitation and access to clean drinking water.

Which of the following biomes is best characterized as an area that forms the narrow band along the coast that experiences a range of environmental conditions (including daily changes in sunlight, temperature, and water) ? A Open ocean B Lakes C Coral reefs D Intertidal zones

Intertidal zones

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

Intestinal bacteria inhabit the gut of humans.

Peru's commercial anchovy industry would most likely be harmed during an El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the decline in anchovy during an El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event? A Acidic ocean waters kill off larval anchovies. B Less nutrient-rich water reaches surface waters, disrupting the food web. C Ocean currents move toxic contaminants from the sediments into the water column. D An increase in phosphate-based nutrients leads to an algal bloom, which would decrease available oxygen for animals like shrimp.

Less nutrient-rich water reaches surface waters, disrupting the food web.

Which of the following is the zone of a pond or lake in which rooted, emergent plants such as cattails and rushes are located? A Benthic B Limnetic C Littoral D Profundal E Riparian

Littoral

In reef ecosystems, corals often have microalgae living inside them. The algae supply the corals with nutrients, and the coral give shelter to the algae. Which of the following interactions best describes the relationship between the corals and the algae? A Competition B Predation C Mutualism D Parasitism

Mutualism

The energy available to consumers determined by subtracting the energy used by plants from the total energy transformed by the process of photosynthesis. A Primary productivity B Gross primary productivity C Net primary productivity D Cellular respiratio

Net primary productivity

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following processes. (A) Nitrification (B) Denitrification (C) Assimilation (D) Ammonification (E) Nitrogen fixation Ammonia is converted to nitrite, then to nitrate. A Nitrification B Denitrification C Assimilation D Ammonification E Nitrogen fixation

Nitrification

Photosynthesis is the major source of which of the following gases in Earth's atmosphere? A CO2 B H2O (water vapor) C O2 D H2 E N2

O2

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following processes. (A) Photosynthesis (B) Eutrophication (C) Denitrification (D) Decomposition (E) Transpiration The process in which glucose is synthesized by plants

Photosynthesis

Which of the following trophic levels represents a primary producer in an aquatic food chain? A Phytoplankton B Herbivorous zooplankton C Carnivorous zooplankton D Baleen whale

Phytoplankton

The Mississippi watershed is the largest in North America, draining all or part of thirty-two states in the United States and two Canadian provinces. A new apartment complex is being built on a steep slope near the source of the Mississippi River outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Which of the following measures should be taken to best reduce erosion at the construction site to protect the Mississippi watershed? A Add a paved surface at the top of the slope. B Remove trees and shrubs from the slope and the riverbank. C Move all of the topsoil from the site to the riverbank. D Plant grass and shrubs on the slope.

Plant grass and shrubs on the slope.

Which of the following ecosystem services is categorized as regulating? A Wood fuel, medicine, and potable water B Pollination, decomposition, and water purification C Recreation, education, and aesthetics D Photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, and creation of soils

Pollination, decomposition, and water purification

Which of the following best describes the flow of energy in most terrestrial and near-surface marine ecosystems? A Decomposers break down dead or decaying organisms to release energy and nutrients to be used by producers. B Chemoautotrophs use inorganic energy sources, such as hydrogen sulfide, to create organic compounds from carbon dioxide. C Apex predators feed on other organisms, which releases heat that can be used by producers and primary consumers. D Producers use energy from the sun to make organic matter, such as sugars, from carbon dioxide and water and are then consumed by organisms higher in the food chain.

Producers use energy from the sun to make organic matter, such as sugars, from carbon dioxide and water and are then consumed by organisms higher in the food chain.

Which of the following would be categorized as a cultural ecosystem service of forests? A Recreation and scenic areas for tourism B Timber and landscape materials C Mushroom and plant harvests D Soil stabilization and air purification

Recreation and scenic areas for tourism

A developer wants to develop a large tract of land near a watershed, which will require the removal of several large trees. Which of the following statements best describes the impact that the development would have on the watershed? A Removing large trees would decrease the amount of runoff in the watershed. B Removing large trees would cause an increase in temperature and keep the surrounding water and soil warmer. C Removing large trees would decrease the rate of erosion in a watershed. D Removing large trees would increase the retention of water within the watershed.

Removing large trees would increase the retention of water within the watershed.

Five different species of warblers, seed-eating birds, live in the same species of conifer trees. All of the birds migrate to coniferous forests during the summer, and different species reside in different areas in the same tree. They feed on the seeds of the conifer trees, but the different species do not mate with each other. Which of the following best explains why the different warbler species can all have habitats in the same conifer trees? A Not all the warblers are residents in the forest at the same time of the year because of different migration patterns. B Physiological differences in beak structure allow the warblers to consume different species of seeds through symbiotic relationships. C Resource partitioning of the seeds reduces competition, and the five different species can live in the same tree. D Niche overlap occurs between the five different species, and living in the same tree increases competition for seeds.

Resource partitioning of the seeds reduces competition, and the five different species can live in the same tree.

This freshwater biome is characterized by fast-flowing water that can originate from underground springs or runoff, which carries sediment and organic material. A Coral reefs B Freshwater wetlands C Open ocean D Rivers

Rivers

Which of the following is the best example of a keystone species? A Sea otter B Sea urchin C Spotted owl D Snail darter E Condor

Sea otter

The great grasslands of the world have which of the following primary characteristics in common? A They are restricted in occurrence to the region between 30° north latitude and 30° south latitude. B Due to high humidity, fires are uncommon and rarely affect large areas. C They are typically created by overgrazing by livestock. D Seasonal cycles of temperature and precipitation produce abundant vegetative growth. E High winds blow seeds of trees away such that only grasses exist.

Seasonal cycles of temperature and precipitation produce abundant vegetative growth.

If mean global temperature keeps on increasing as predicted by contemporary scientists, which of the following is most likely? A There will be fewer insects pests and disease-carrying organisms. B Specialist species living in fragile ecosystems will risk extinction. C There will be an increase in sulfate concentrations in wetlands. D There will be an increase in the reproductive rate of mammals. E The geographical range of many plants will move toward the equator.

Specialist species living in fragile ecosystems will risk extinction.

Which of the following best describes why understanding a watershed and its boundaries is important in designing housing developments along a river? A The water contained in a watershed is more likely to become polluted if the soil has high permeability, so it is important to locate all point sources to reduce contamination. B Watersheds provide habitats for hundreds of marine species, so it is important to protect their feeding and nesting sites when designing housing for humans. C Watersheds provide space for cultivating land to produce food and other products, so it is important to avoid locating a housing development on the most fertile land. D Surface water and stormwater runoff will drain downstream within the watershed boundaries, so it is important to under

Surface water and stormwater runoff will drain downstream within the watershed boundaries, so it is important to understand the flow of water through the watershed.

A country is currently in the second stage of the demographic transition. Currently the country has a birth rate of 37.9 births per 1,000 individuals and a death rate of 13.4 deaths per 1,000 individuals. Which of the following changes would indicate that the country is moving from the second stage into the third stage of the demographic transition? A The birth rate declines to 25.3 births per 1,000 individuals. B The birth rate declines to 13.1 births per 1,000 individuals. C The birth rate rises to 43.1 births per 1,000 individuals. D The death rate rises to 37.9 deaths per 1,000 individuals.

The birth rate declines to 25.3 births per 1,000 individuals

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.

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

Which of the following economic consequences to a provisioning ecosystem service will most likely result from increased global warming? A The collapse of local fisheries, because of the damage to coral reefs from ocean acidification B Loss of revenue from the oil industry, because of increased oil spills from offshore oil wells C Widespread crop failure, because of increased acid precipitation in agricultural areas D Increased cost for water filtration, because of loss of coastal wetlands

The collapse of local fisheries, because of the damage to coral reefs from ocean acidification

Which of the following describes the most likely change to terrestrial biomes resulting from warmer average global temperatures? A The global distribution of midlatitude biomes, such as grasslands and temperate rain forests, would increase. B Deciduous trees found in temperate seasonal forests would flower later in the year. C The latitude range of tropical rain forests would narrow closer to the equator. D High-latitude biomes, such as the tundra, would experience a decrease in net primary productivity.

The global distribution of midlatitude biomes, such as grasslands and temperate rain forests, would increase.

Which of the following should be included in a watershed map to best determine the non-point source of a pollutant, such as fertilizer, found in a river? A The total volume of groundwater in the aquifer B The total area and the average yearly precipitation of the watershed C The land use upstream of the river and water quality indicators in streams that run downstream into the river D The total volume of surface water of the river and the land use downstream of the river

The land use upstream of the river and water quality indicators in streams that run downstream into the river

Losses of usable energy between successive trophic levels in an ecosystem are best accounted for by which of the following? A The first law of thermodynamics B The second law of thermodynamics C The law of conservation of matter D The process of ecological succession E Limiting factors in the ecosystem

The second law of thermodynamics

Six white-tailed deer and six sika deer were enclosed in a pasture for observation during an eight-year study in central Texas. White-tailed deer are a native species to central Texas, while sika deer are a nonnative species to central Texas. White-tailed deer feed on flowering plants and the tips of trees and shrubs but do not eat grass. Sika deer feed on flowering plants, the tips of trees and shrubs, and grass. All other grazing animals were kept out of the pasture during the study. The number of sika deer more than doubled after the eight years, while the population of white-tailed deer decreased by 50 percent. Which of the following statements best supports the results from the study? A The sika deer are generalists, while the white-tailed deer are specialists. B The sika deer out competed the white-tailed deer in consuming flowering plants and shrubs. C Parasites infected the sika deer population but did not infect the white-tailed deer population. D Change in the location

The sika deer out competed the white-tailed deer in consuming flowering plants and shrubs.

Which of the following is a characteristic of tropical rain forests? A They rarely receive more than 100 centimeters of rain per year. B Their soils typically have a high pH. C Their soils are relatively poor in nutrients. D They do not exhibit a great deal of species diversity. E They generally occur in the rain shadows of mountain ranges.

Their soils are relatively poor in nutrients.

Which of the following terrestrial biomes has the highest net primary productivity? A Desert B Tropical rain forest C Taiga D Savanna

Tropical Rain Forest

Which of the following terrestrial biomes has the highest primary productivity per unit area? A Desert B Tropical rain forest C Boreal forest D Savanna

Tropical rain forest

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following regions of Earth's atmosphere. (A) Thermosphere (B) Exosphere (C) Troposphere (D) Mesosphere (E) Stratosphere Most oxygen is found in this layer of the atmosphere. A Thermosphere B Exosphere C Troposphere D Mesosphere E Stratosphere

Troposphere

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the qualities of water samples. Acidity Turbidity Hardness Dissolved oxygen Salinity Caused by suspended particulates

Turbidity

Which of the following best describes an example of resource partitioning in an ecosystem? A Two different bird species feed from the same oak tree; one eats acorns, and the other eats insects in the bark. B A tick uses a white-tailed deer as its host, consuming the deer's blood as food. C Two individuals from the same population of barn owls hunt for the same species of mouse during the night. D A mason bee pollinates a variety of flowers in a botanical garden.

Two different bird species feed from the same oak tree; one eats acorns, and the other eats insects in the bark.

A student group is involved in a restoration study of a nearby disturbed area. They decide to collect six soil samples and analyze them for carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). Two of the samples are found to be very high in C and N, but the other four samples are low in both. The students also notice that the color of the two soil samples that are high in C and N is very dark. Which of the following is the most likely explanation of the data? A Two of the samples were collected from an A horizon, and the others were collected from a B horizon. B Two of the samples had more sand and gravel than the other four. C Four of the samples were collected from an area that had been restored previously and now has thick vegetation. D Four of the samples were collected from an area that had been mulched. E Four of the sample sites had been treated recently with a chemical fertilizer.

Two of the samples were collected from an A horizon, and the others were collected from a B horizon.

Which of the following best describes a terrestrial ecosystem that will have the highest net primary productivity? A Warm temperatures, high rainfall, and consistent sunlight B Hot temperatures, low rainfall, and consistent sunlight C Cold temperatures, high rainfall, and inconsistent sunlight D Warm temperatures, low rainfall, and inconsistent sunlight

Warm temperatures, high rainfall, and consistent sunlight

Brown pelicans are fish-eating birds. As a result of an El Niño event, the population of brown pelicans in southern California declines. Which of the following best explains the relationship between the El Niño event and the population decline? A Warmer ocean temperatures can cause fish to move to colder water farther from pelican nest sites. B Lower sea surface heights can result in pelican nest sites being isolated too far from their food supply in the ocean. C The female reproductive tract of birds does not function at the lower water temperatures of El Niño. D Male pelicans get disoriented due to the lack of moisture and fail to return to the nest with food. E Predatory seal populations increase dramatically due to decreased rainfall.

Warmer ocean temperatures can cause fish to move to colder water farther from pelican nest sites.

During an El Niño event, farmers in the southwestern United Stated often benefit from which of the following climatic changes? A Longer and cooler summers that increase crop yield B Wetter and warmer weather that increases soil moisture C Cooler and drier conditions that help cold-weather crops D Warmer and drier weather that reduces soil erosion and flooding

Wetter and warmer weather that increases soil moisture

Traveling southward from the Arctic regions of Canada to the tropics of Panama, one passes through several biomes - tundra, coniferous forest, temperate deciduous forest, and tropical rain forest. This pattern of change in vegetation is primarily the result of A primary and secondary succession B the invasion of exotic species C an increase in mean annual temperature and a decrease in mean annual precipitation D an increase in both mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation E an increase in the total annual hours of sunlight

an increase in both mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation

All of the following are negative externalities EXCEPT A illnesses related to living near a manufacturing facility B noise associated with living near a major airport C air pollution caused by refinery emissions D bees pollinating vegetables in addition to creating honey E damage to crops from automobile exhaust

bees pollinating vegetables in addition to creating honey

The consumption of mosquitoes by bats and the control of flooding provided by tropical forests in mountainous areas of Central America are examples of A adaptive radiation B ecosystem services C evolution by natural selection D ecological equilibrium E positive feedback loops

ecosystem services

In Mediterranean climate regions like portions of California, a wetter-than-normal winter often leads to greater severity of fires the following summer. This seeming paradox occurs because increased rain leads to A greater accumulation of chapparal biomass B higher pollination rates of annual flowers C greater recreational use of parklands D greater erosion and damage of access roads E decreased summer rainfall

greater accumulation of chapparal biomass

In North America, native pollinators often increase the quantity and quality of crops of native plants that are insect pollinated more effectively than European honeybees do. The most likely reason for the phenomenon is that native pollinators A are unaffected by commercial pesticides B are uniformly smaller than European honeybees C have no known native predators D have coevolved with native plant species E mature quickly without undergoing metamorphosis

have coevolved with native plant species

Although the fertility rate for women in the United States has declined in recent years to a value below replacement level, the United States population is still increasing because of A lower average age at first marriage B lower infant death rates C increased longevity D improved health care E immigration

immigration

The major biological source of dissolved oxygen in the ocean comes from A decomposition of organic sediments on the ocean floor B metabolic processes of coral in reefs C oxidation of sulfur by bacteria in ocean vent communities D photosynthesis by phytoplankton E respiration by zooplankton

photosynthesis by phytoplankton

The rule of 70 can be used to determine a population's doubling time. Doubling time is a measure of the A population growth rate B environmental impact of each individual in a population C length of time an individual born in a population is expected to live D average age of the first reproductive event per 1,000 women in a country

population growth rate

Members of an r-selected species characteristically A grow slowly B produce few offspring C reach sexual maturity quickly D have long life spans E are very protective

reach sexual maturity quickly

Phytoplankton are most abundant in the upper few hundred feet of most bodies of water because A they can most readily hide from predators there B sunlight does not penetrate to great depths in water C as primary producers, they must be accessible to many other organisms D they are benthic organisms E they feed on zooplankton, which are found only in the top layers of water

sunlight does not penetrate to great depths in water

Small populations of animals, such as those typically found on islands, are prone to extinction because A they contain a high degree of genetic variability B they tend to have more predators C their habitats are more stable D they are more vulnerable to unpredictable events E they are usually generalist species

they are more vulnerable to unpredictable events

The process in the hydrologic cycle in which water vapor is released from leaves into the atmosphere is called A infiltration B transpiration C sublimation D reflection E percolation

transpiration