215 Final chapter questions

Explain how climate change might lead to a decrease in one population's carrying capacity and an increase in the carrying capacity of a different population. A Plant species that are drought-resistant would decline in warm temperatures whereas other species would thrive in number in such a climate. B Plant species that are pest-resistant would thrive in warm temperatures whereas other species would decline in number in such a climate. C Plant species that are drought-resistant would decline in cold temperatures whereas other species would thrive in number in such a climate. D Plant species that are drought-resistant would thrive in warm temperatures whereas other species would decline in number in such a climate.

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What type of pyramid is considered the most representative of ecosystem structure? A biomass B energy C number of organisms D number of species

A biomass

Pheromones are used in communication between some organisms. What is a pheromone? A A pheromone is a type of chemical compound. B A pheromone is a type of display. C A pheromone is a type of language. D A pheromone is a type of song.

A A pheromone is a type of chemical compound.

Predict and explain the effects of human population on biodiversity many years in the future. A Biodiversity will decline as human population increases because of habitat loss, increased pollution, and climate change. B Biodiversity will decline as human population increases because of enhanced food supplies, medical advances, and development of renewable energy sources. C Biodiversity will increase as human population increases because of habitat loss, increased pollution, and climate change. D Biodiversity will increase as human population increases because of enhanced food supplies, medical advances, and development of renewable energy sources.

A Biodiversity will decline as human population increases because of habitat loss, increased pollution, and climate change....maybe

Compare and contrast food chains and food webs. What are the strengths of each concept in describing ecosystems? A Both food chain and food web follow a single path as energy is transferred in an ecosystem. Food chains are easier to follow and experiment with but less accurate whereas food webs are more holistic and complex. B Both food web and food chain describe energy transfer dynamics in an ecosystem. Food chains are non-linear systems which are easier to follow and experiment with whereas food webs are linear, holistic and can be directly used as input for simulation models. C Both food chain and food web follow a single path as energy is transferred in an ecosystem. Food chains are linear systems, easier to follow and used directly as input for simulation models, whereas food webs are non-linear, accurate, holistic and flexible for analytical modeling. D Both food web and food chain describe energy transfer dynamics in an ecosystem. Food chains are linear systems, easier to follow and experiment with whereas food webs are non-linear, accurate and holistic and can be directly used as input for simulation models.

A Both food chain and food web follow a single path as energy is transferred in an ecosystem. Food chains are easier to follow and experiment with but less accurate whereas food webs are more holistic and complex.

Describe how a researcher would best collect data in order to calculate mortality rates within a population. A For various age groups, count the number of individuals that died and the number that survived within a defined time period. B For various age groups, count the number of individuals that were born and the number that died within a defined time period. C For each sex, count the number of individuals that were born and the number that survived within a defined time period. D For each sex, count the number of individuals that died and the number that were born within a defined time period.

A For various age groups, count the number of individuals that died and the number that survived within a defined time period.

Contrast classical conditioning and operant conditioning. A In operant conditioning, the animal learns to associate a voluntary behavior with its consequences, whereas in classical conditioning, the animal learns to associate a non-voluntary behavior with an unusual stimulus. B In operant conditioning, the animal does not learn a new behavior in response to a stimulus, whereas in classical conditioning, the animal learns to associate a non-voluntary behavior with an unusual stimulus. C In operant conditioning, the animal learns to associate a voluntary behavior with its consequences, whereas in classical conditioning, the animal does not learn a new behavior in response to a stimulus. D In operant conditioning, the animal learns to associate a non-voluntary behavior with an unusual stimulus, whereas in classical conditioning, the animal learns to associate a voluntary behavior with its consequences.

A In operant conditioning, the animal learns to associate a voluntary behavior with its consequences, whereas in classical conditioning, the animal learns to associate a non-voluntary behavior with an unusual stimulus....maybe

If the major food source of seals declines due to pollution or overfishing, how would the seal population be affected? A The carrying capacity of seals would decrease, as would the seal population. B The carrying capacity of seals would decrease, but the seal population would remain the same. C The number of seal deaths would increase but the number of births would also increase, so the population size would remain the same. D The carrying capacity of seals would remain the same, but the population of seals would decrease.

A The carrying capacity of seals would decrease, as would the seal population.

Compare grazing and detrital food webs. Why would they both be present in the same ecosystem? A The primary producers of detrital food webs are decomposers whereas those of grazing food webs are non-photosynthetic. Both primary producers support different components of the ecosystem. B The primary producers of detrital food webs are photosynthetic whereas those of grazing food webs are decomposers. Both primary producers support different components of the ecosystem. C The primary producers of detrital food webs are decomposers whereas those of grazing food webs are photosynthetic. Both primary producers support different components of the ecosystem. D The primary producers of detrital food webs are chemoautotrophs whereas those of grazing food webs are photosynthetic. Both primary producers support different components of the ecosystem.

A The primary producers of detrital food webs are decomposers whereas those of grazing food webs are non-photosynthetic. Both primary producers support different components of the ecosystem.

What term describes the use of mathematical equations in the modeling of linear aspects of ecosystems? A analytical modeling B simulation modeling C conceptual modeling D microcosm modeling

A analytical modeling

What survivorship pattern can be used to describe humans? A by a type I survivorship curve B by a type II survivorship curve C by a type III survivorship curve D by a type IV survivorship curve

A by a type I survivorship curve

Which of the following is associated with long-term parental care? A few offspring B many offspring C semelparity D fecundity

A few offspring

Species with limited resources usually exhibit a(n) ____ growth curve. A logistic B logical C experimental D exponential

A logistic

What is the primary factor that limits the length of food chains in ecosystems? A low energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels B too much net primary productivity C excess assimilation D low gross primary productivity

A low energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels

A scientist wants to analyze how deer grazing alters plant species composition in a forest and sections off a portion of the forest for observation and analysis. What type of system is the scientist using? A mesocosm B simulation C microcosm D duplication

A mesocosm

A component of snake venom kills the prey by preventing blood from clotting. Which of the following is the most likely medical application for the active component? A promoting scab formation B speeding healing of wounds C relaxing muscle pain D a blood thinner

A promoting scab formation

Species that have many offspring at one time are usually _______. A r-selected B K-selected C both r- and K-selected D not selected

A r-selected

If you wanted to measure gross primary productivity in a terrestrial ecosystem, what would you measure? A rate of energy incorporation by plants B energy available after a plant incorporates energy for its own biological functions C amount of energy from plants entering the trophic level of deer D total mass of plants and animals in an area at a given point in time

A rate of energy incorporation by plants...maybe

Which of the following is a mechanism by which phosphorus is released into the environment? A rock weathering B decomposition of organic molecules C volcanic activity D geothermal vent activity

A rock weathering

Where are coral reefs found? A shallow ocean water B deep ocean water C deep ocean surfaces D shallow freshwater

A shallow ocean water

What is a re-created ecosystem in a laboratory environment known as? A mesocosm B simulation C microcosm D duplication

C microcosm

Identify the statement that best describes a pioneer species. A A pioneer species is a species that is transported out of its native habitat into a non-native habitat, where there are few or no natural predators to keep the population in check. B A pioneer species is a species that maintains the community structure in an ecosystem, and whose loss causes the ecosystem to fail. C A pioneer species is a species that has the greatest influence over the ecosystem usually by bringing most of the energy into the system. D A pioneer species is a species that can colonize landscapes that are devoid of soil and begin the process of succession.

B A pioneer species is a species that maintains the community structure in an ecosystem, and whose loss causes the ecosystem to fail....maybe

Define carrying capacity of a population and explain whether it changes or remains fixed for a population. A Carrying capacity is the amount of land needed to support a population, and it is fixed for each population. B Carrying capacity is the amount of water and food resources required to support a population and it is fixed for each population. C Carrying capacity is the maximum size of a population that can survive using the available resources and it can vary up or down. D Carrying capacity is the time needed for a population to reach its maximum size and it can vary up or down.

B Carrying capacity is the amount of water and food resources required to support a population and it is fixed for each population.

How does the amount of food that endotherms and ectotherms consume compare with their net production efficiency (NPE)? A The amount of food eaten by an animal does not affect its net production efficiency (NPE). B Endotherms use more energy compared to ectotherms due to energy loss by respiration and heat. C Both endotherms and ectotherms use the same energy from food. D Ectotherms use more energy compared to endotherms due to energy loss by respiration and heat.

B Endotherms use more energy compared to ectotherms due to energy loss by respiration and heat.

What is innate behavior? A Innate behavior results from practice and conditioning. B Innate behavior occurs spontaneously without any learning component. C Innate behavior results from thought processes. D innate behavior results from interactions within a social group.

B Innate behavior occurs spontaneously without any learning component.

Loss of wetlands has a great impact both on the biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem. Wetlands provide rich habitats and act as a filter for pollution. Some loss of wetland is due to silt and invasive species clogging water flow.To restore these wetlands, it is often enough to _____. A Open new waterways. B Restore the water supply. C Re-introduce endangered animals. D Introduce water adapted plants.

B Restore the water supply.

Suppose a pesticide used by farmers wipes out the insect population that feeds a population of bats. Predict the effects of this change on the bat population. A The carrying capacity of the population will increase. B The carrying capacity of the population will decrease. C The carrying capacity of the population will not change. D The carrying capacity of the population cannot be predicted.

B The carrying capacity of the population will decrease

A secondary plant compound might be used for which of the following? A a new crop variety B a new drug C a soil nutrient D a new species

B a new drug

What forms of life are found in areas where sunlight is unavailable and use inorganic molecules as an energy source? A photoautotrophs B chemoautotrophs C primary consumers D secondary consumers

B chemoautotrophs

A forest fire is an example of ____ regulation. A density-dependent B density-independent C r-selected D K-selected

B density-independent

The greatest proportion of young individuals can be found in ___. A economically developed countries B economically underdeveloped countries C countries with zero population growth D countries in Europe

B economically underdeveloped countries

What type of ecosystem is the rarest on Earth, among both terrestrial and aquatic exosystems? A ocean B freshwater C grasslands D tundra

B freshwater

The sacrifice of the life of an individual so that the genes of relatives may be passed on is called ____. A operant conditioning B kin selection C kinesis D imprinting

B kin selection

The following statements compare r-selected and K-selected species. Identify the statement that makes an accurate comparison. A r-selected and K-selected species both have limitations in the amount of energy they can invest in reproduction, so they both use similar strategies. B r-selected and K-selected species both have limitations in the amount of energy they can invest in reproduction, but they use completely different strategies. C r-selected and K-selected species use similar reproductive strategies but r-selected species require less energy to reproduce than K-selected species. D r-selected and K-selected species use different reproductive strategies because r-selected species require less energy to reproduce than K-selected species.

B r-selected and K-selected species both have limitations in the amount of energy they can invest in reproduction, but they use completely different strategies.

What term is given for freshwater that flows from rain or melting ice in the hydrologic cycle? A residence time B surface runoff C evaporation D sublimation

B surface runoff

Which type of dispersal pattern is characterized by even spacing between individuals in the population? A random B uniform C sparse D clumped

B uniform

Exotic predator species are especially threatening to what kind of ecosystem? A deserts B marine ecosystems C islands D tropical forests

C islands

Why do scientists more commonly analyze net primary productivity compared with gross primary productivity? A Net primary productivity incorporates features like production at present and next trophic levels, whereas gross primary productivity does not. B Net primary productivity is the rate at which photosynthetic primary producers incorporate energy from the sun. C As net primary productivity is the energy content available to the organisms of the next trophic level. D As respiration and heat loss uses energy of the primary producer, therefore, net primary productivity is what is actually available to primary consumers.

C As net primary productivity is the energy content available to the organisms of the next trophic level.

Describe the symbiotic relationship of mutualism. A Only one species benefits and the other derives no benefit or harm from the relationship. B One species benefits and the other is harmed by the relationship. C Both species benefit from the relationship. D Neither species benefits nor is either species harmed.

C Both species benefit from the relationship.

The term polyandry comes from the Greek words for 'many' and 'man.' Based on these word origins, describe a polyandrous mating system. A One male mates with many females. B One female mates with one male. C One female mates with many males. D Many females mate with one male.

C One female mates with many males.

Construct a sentence that describes the symbiotic relationships of mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. A Symbiotic relationships always benefit both species involved. B Symbiotic relationships never harm either of the species involved. C Symbiotic relationships always benefit at least one of the species involved. D Symbiotic relationships always harm at least one of the species involved.

C Symbiotic relationships always benefit at least one of the species involved.

If an ecosystem is considered to be highly resilient, what can be inferred about that ecosystem? A The ecosystem is in a steady state. B The ecosystem has the ability to remain in equilibrium despite disturbance. C The ecosystem recovers quickly from disturbance. D The ecosystem is exposed to disturbances.

C The ecosystem recovers quickly from disturbance.

Why does grouping terrestrial organisms into biomes obscure diversity? A Biomes groups terrestrial organisms only on the basis of similar habitat conditions. B Organisms belonging to a similar biome have dissimilarities in their makeup. C There is variation within different types of biomes that biome categorization does not capture. D Terrestrial biomes are defined based only on the growth form of the dominant vegetation.

C There is variation within different types of biomes that biome categorization does not capture.

Explain how two different species can coexist in the same habitat according to the competitive exclusion principle. A Two species can coexist in the same habitat as long as they do not share the same trophic level. B Two species can coexist in the same habitat as long as they do not share the same mates. C Two species can coexist in the same habitat as long as they do not share the same resources. D Two species can coexist in the same habitat as long as they do not share the same life span.

C Two species can coexist in the same habitat as long as they do not share the same resources.

Which of the following conditions is inversely related with fecundity? A number of offspring B energy budget of parent C amount of parental care D age of parent

C amount of parental care

Give an example of exponential population growth. A salamanders adapting to fungal infections B polar bears living in a warming habitat C bacteria growing in enriched medium in a lab D feral cats being trapped and neutered in a suburb

C bacteria growing in enriched medium in a lab

Humans have altered environmental factors that have allowed the human population to grow exponentially. State an example of such a factor. A interspecific competition B age structure C carrying capacity D reproductive strategies

C carrying capacity

If a scientist constructs a flow chart to depict the interactions among species in an estuary, what kind of model is she creating? A analytical model B stimulation model C conceptual model D microcosm model

C conceptual model

What is produced by eutrophication via excess nitrogen where a hydrologic reservoir lacks normal flora and fauna? A fixation B acid rain C dead zones D nitrification

C dead zones

Urban designers included wetlands and lagoons connected to a water treatment plant to a new subdivision of homes. The designers would have most likely applied which principle of conservation to their plans? A ecosystem service B biodiversity preservation C habitat restoration D chemical diversity

C habitat restoration

What is the process whereby nitrogen is brought into organic molecules called? A nitrification B denitrification C nitrogen fixation D nitrogen cycling

C nitrogen fixation

An ecologist is planning to measure both the size and density of a population. Identify the experimental method that can best provide these data. A mark and recapture B mark and release C quadrat D life table

C quadrat

Different species have different survival curves. A Type III survival curve would most likely be observed for _____. A whales B seals C salmon D polar bears

C salmon

What is a potential consequence of excess phosphorus and nitrogen in an ecosystem? A This could result in increased global temperatures. B Subduction can be promoted. C These elements might be fixed in excess. D A dead zone could be produced from depleted oxygen.

D A dead zone could be produced from depleted oxygen.

Explain the correlation between age structure and the level of economic development observed in many countries. A There is no correlation between the characteristics of age structures and the level of economic development. B Countries that are more economically developed tend to have fewer middle-aged individuals and more young individuals than undeveloped countries. C A larger ratio of very young individuals to very old individuals characterizes the age structures of countries with the highest economic development. D Age structures of economically undeveloped countries show greater proportions of children and fewer proportions of elderly people.

D Age structures of economically undeveloped countries show greater proportions of children and fewer proportions of elderly people.

Which of the following statements can be made about the mark and recapture method of counting population numbers? A Using quadrats for counting individuals in a population increases the accuracy of the mark and recapture method. B The greater the number of individuals captured during the first round of mark and recapture, the greater is the overall population size. C The mark and recapture method is useful for mammals and birds, but of little use for other organisms. D An underestimate of population size would tend to be observed in cases of studies involving animals that learn to seek out bait.

D An underestimate of population size would tend to be observed in cases of studies involving animals that learn to seek out bait.

Construct a statement to describe the type of signal used by birds to communicate the presence of a predator to other birds. A Birds release chemical compounds into the air that other birds rapidly recognize as signals of the presence of a predator. B Birds flash visual signals such as wing flapping to communicate warnings to other birds whenever a predator is present. C Birds physically touch other birds using tactile signals when they observe a predator entering their location. D Birds make aural signals such as calls that other birds can hear and learn about a predator that has been observed in the area.

D Birds make aural signals such as calls that other birds can hear and learn about a predator that has been observed in the area.

Humans have altered their own carrying capacity. Explain how humans have changed their carrying capacity and the consequences of this change. A By limiting their own carrying capacity, humans have enabled their population to grow rapidly. B By decreasing their own carrying capacity, humans have enabled their population to grow slowly. C By stabilizing their own carrying capacity, humans have enabled their population to grow steadily. D By increasing their own carrying capacity, humans have enabled their population to grow exponentially.

D By increasing their own carrying capacity, humans have enabled their population to grow exponentially.

The ability of rats to learn how to run a maze is an example of cognitive learning. Describe what happens during cognitive learning. A Cognitive learning is a type of learning that occurs early in an animal's development when it learns to bond to an object or animal. B Cognitive learning occurs when an animal learns to associate a stimulus with a behavior not normally associated with that stimulus. C Cognitive learning occurs when an animal learns a behavior in response to a positive stimulus or negative stimulus. D Cognitive learning is the most complex type of learning that involves multiple types of brain processes to carry out.

D Cognitive learning is the most complex type of learning that involves multiple types of brain processes to carry out....maybe

What is the difference between innate and learned behaviors? A Innate behaviors can change based on previous experiences, whereas learned behaviors remain the same throughout an organism's life. B Innate behaviors are controlled by genes, whereas genes play no role in learned behaviors. C Innate behaviors allow an organism to adapt to new situations by applying previous experiences, whereas learned behaviors allow an organism to respond quickly. D Innate behaviors are involuntary responses to stimuli, whereas learned behaviors change based on an organism's experiences.

D Innate behaviors are involuntary responses to stimuli, whereas learned behaviors change based on an organism's experiences.

What was the name of the first international agreement on climate change? A Red List B Montreal Protocol C International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) D Kyoto Protocol

D Kyoto Protocol

Name one natural and one human-related type of disturbance. Why are they of concern to conservationists? A Lightening is a type of natural disturbance whereas pollution is a human related disturbance. Both are of concern to conservationists because they affect the entire ecosystem. B Fire is a type of natural disturbances whereas agriculture is a human related disturbance. Both types are of concern to conservationists because ecosystems cannot bounce back from a disturbance. C Pollution is a type of natural disturbance whereas lightening is a human related disturbance. Both are of concern to conservationists because they alter ecosystems. D Lightening is a type of natural disturbance whereas pollution is a human related disturbance. Both are of concern to conservationists because they alter ecosystems.

D Lightening is a type of natural disturbance whereas pollution is a human related disturbance. Both are of concern to conservationists because they alter ecosystems.

In a region in Texas, biologists observed that two highly venomous snakes with similar markings deter owl predators. Upon closer inspection, the snakes were determined to belong to different genera and species. How would these biologists describe the mimicry in this case? A Batesian mimicry, because it involves nontoxic species that resembles a toxic species. B Emsleyan/Mertensian mimicry because an extremely toxic species resembles a less toxic species. C Batesian mimicry because it involves an extremely toxic species that resembles a less toxic species. D Mullerian mimicry because it involves different species that both produce toxins and display similar warning coloration.

D Mullerian mimicry because it involves different species that both produce toxins and display similar warning coloration.

Explain what would happen if the competitive exclusion principle were violated. A One species will prey on another species and drive it to extinction. B One species will adapt to another species invading its habitat. C One species will block another species' access to a critical resource. D One species will contend with another species for the same resources.

D One species will contend with another species for the same resources....maybe

Describe phototaxis. A Phototaxis is the directed movement of an organism in response to gravity. B Phototaxis is the long-range movement of an organism in response to a change in season. C Phototaxis is the movement of an organism in search of food. D Phototaxis is the directed movement of an organism in response to light.

D Phototaxis is the directed movement of an organism in response to light.

Describe an advantage of a monogamous relationship. A Having a lot of males around to provide assistance with protecting and feeding offspring ensures that offspring have the best chance of surviving. B When very few males are available in a population, this mating system makes sure that each male has a mating partner. C In populations where very few females are available, this mating system ensures that no eggs are wasted. D The constant presence of one male throughout the offspring rearing process makes it more likely that offspring will survive and be healthier.

D The constant presence of one male throughout the offspring rearing process makes it more likely that offspring will survive and be healthier....maybe

Explain what happens to a forest community after a forest fire. A The same community is quickly re-established just as it existed before the disturbance. B Another mature community with different species grows quickly in place of the original community. C Groups of species grow and then are replaced by other groups through a sequential series of changes as the community matures over time. D The landscape remains barren for many years until trees grow large enough to provide the shade needed for smaller plants to grow.

D The landscape remains barren for many years until trees grow large enough to provide the shade needed for smaller plants to grow....maybe

Which explanation best defines density-dependent growth regulation? A a factor that affects population density but not population size B a factor that affects population size but not population density C a factor that affects population size regardless of population density D a factor that affects population size in ways related to population density

D a factor that affects population size in ways related to population density...maybe

What most strongly influences how much carbon is present in a given location? A number of bacteria B runoff C eutrophication D atmosphere and water exchange

D atmosphere and water exchange

Which environmental characteristic is likely to increase if the human population continues growing unchecked? A wilderness areas B fresh water supplies C fossil fuel reserves D atmospheric carbon dioxide

D atmospheric carbon dioxide

What is the weight of living organisms in an ecosystem at a particular point in time known as? A energy B productivity C entropy D biomass

D biomass

If a population moves to a new environment rich in resources, what type of growth curve will it exhibit? A logistic B logical C experimental D exponential

D exponential

Identify the best method to show the life expectancy of an individual within a population. A mark and recapture B mark and release C quadrat D life table

D life table

Frogs are animals with high fecundity. Based on this information, frogs should also have which of the following characteristics? A high energy budget B extensive energy storage for offspring C small numbers of offspring D little or no parental care

D little or no parental care...maybe

What are usually the primary producers in an ocean grazing food web? A plants B animals C fungi D phytoplankton

D phytoplankton

What form of sulfur is found in the atmosphere and how does it leave the atmosphere? A hydrogen sulfide, which leaves the atmosphere as weak sulfur dioxide rain B sulfur dioxide, which leaves the atmosphere as weak sulfur dioxide rain C hydrogen sulfide, which leaves the atmosphere as weak sulfuric acid rain D sulfur dioxide, which leaves the atmosphere as weak sulfuric acid rain

D sulfur dioxide, which leaves the atmosphere as weak sulfuric acid rain

What law of chemistry determines how much energy can be transferred when it is converted from one form to another? A the first law of thermodynamics B the second law of thermodynamics C the conservation of matter D the conservation of energy

D the conservation of energy