Environmental Science: Unit 2
Succession Biomass: (Look at Tab 8) Based on the graph, which of the following years postdisturbance did sweetgum experience the greatest biomass? A. 50 B. 100 C. 150 D. 200
A. 50 The peak of sweetgum biomass (150 Mg ha-1) occurred 50 years after the disturbance.
Salmon Smell Article: (Look at Tab 5) Which of the following best identifies the author's claim? A. Acidic water affects the salmon's ability to sense danger from attacking predators by their sense of smell B. Salmon can only tolerate certain water temperatures before all of their senses are severely damaged C. Acidic water prevents salmon from maturing and therefore from being able to reproduce and replenish declining salmon populations D. Acidic water is causing a rise in the population of predators as a result of the salmon's increased ability to smell predators
A. Acidic water affects the salmon's ability to sense danger from attacking predators by their sense of smell Ocean acidification, which is caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, is affecting the salmon's ability to detect smells and avoid predation.
Island Species Population: 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
A. An island 30 hectares in size that is 30 kilometers off the coast of the mainland According to the theory of island biogeography, as the size of an island increases, the number of species living on it should increase. Also, as an island's distance from the mainland increases, the number of species living on it should decrease. This option provides the combination of great size and closest distance to the mainland compared to the other options.
Population Bottleneck: (Look at Tab 1) Based on the information, which ecosystem most likely experienced a recent population bottleneck? A. Ecosystem A, because its low genetic diversity could have resulted from an event that reduced the variation in the gene pool B. Ecosystem B, because its high species diversity could have resulted from increased competition among its members C. Ecosystem C, because its low habitat diversity indicates an increase in available niches D. Ecosystem D, because its low species diversity indicates that it also has low species evenness
A. Ecosystem A A population bottleneck occurs when a significant decrease in the population size reduces genetic variation within a population.
Reef Fish in Warming Oceans Article: (Look at Tab 4) Which of the following best identifies the author's claim? A. Observed adjustments in the ecological tolerance of a species of reef fish is a result of epigenetic changes B. Climate change is damaging coral reefs as a result of warming ocean waters, which affect reef fish survival C. Transferring specific gene sequences of the spiny chromis damselfish to other fish species will help populations acclimate to warming ocean temperatures D. Continued acclimation of fish populations through epigenetics to warmer oceans will eventually replace the process of natural selection
A. Observed adjustments in the ecological tolerance of a species of reef fish is a result of epigenetic changes Evidence from the article supports that the author views changes in DNA expression as a driving force behind the reef fish's recent and efficient acclimation to warming waters.
Provisioning Ecosystem Service: 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 soil 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
A. The collapse of local fisheries, because of the damage to coral reefs from ocean acidification Many fish depend on coral reefs for habitat, and the carbon dioxide that largely causes anthropogenic global warming also causes ocean acidification, which does damage coral reefs.
Succession Species Richness: (Look at Tab 8) Based on the graph, which of the following years postdisturbance had the greatest species richness? A. 25 B. 100 C. 175 D. 250
B. 100 One hundred years after disturbance all 8 species had measurable biomass in the ecosystem, the maximum number of species in the graph.
Ecosystem Services Storm Protection: 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
B. An Intact Coastal Wetland An intact coastal wetland or marsh would offer natural protection from a storm surge categorized under regulating ecosystem service.
Invasive Island Species: 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
B. As competition for resources increases, the population size of the island's specialist species will decrease The invasive generalist species would most likely outcompete the island's species for food and other resources, as these are extremely limited on islands and specialists can thrive in a narrow range of conditions.
Fastest Recovery: (Look at Tab 1) Based on the information, which ecosystem would most likely recover the fastest from a natural disruption? A. Ecosystem A B. Ecosystem B C. Ecosystem C D. Ecosystem D
B. Ecosystem B Ecosystems with more genetic diversity and larger number of different species are more likely to recover from natural disruptions.
Beak Sizes of Gl Finches: (Look at Tab 9) Which statement is best supported by the data in the graph? A. Finches were better able to find mates, and the population size increased in 1977 because of abundance of grasses B. Finches with larger beaks were more likely to survive in 1980 because they were able to feed primarily on seeds and nuts during the drought C. The average beak size in 1981 increased to 9.8 mm because finches had access to unlimited resources D. The finch population declined from 1983 to 1984 due to a decrease in habitat
B. Finches with larger beaks were more likely to survive in 1980 because they were able to feed primarily on seeds and nuts during the drought The average beak size increased in 1980 due to drought conditions, which favored the large-beak finches (who could feed on seeds and nuts.)
Regulating Ecosystem Services: 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
B. Pollination, decomposition, and water purification Regulating services are benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes.
Change in Frequency: (Look at Tab 6 and Picture 1)
C. (Picture 1) As pollution decreased, the tress will have lighter bark again, making them more suitable for the light-colored moths. Light-colored moths will survive and reproduce better than dark-colored moths, and their relative percentage in the population will increase.
Gharial Crocodile Article: (Look at Tab 3) Which of the following best identifies the author's claim? A. The 2008 die-off of the gharials was caused by extensive overfishing of the Chambal River would have caused the 2008 die-off B. The gharials have a wide ecological tolerance range, so it is unlikely that changes to the water chemistry of the Chambal River would have caused the 2008 die-off C. Anthropogenic disruptions to Earth's resources can have sudden and severe negative consequences to the health of native species, specifically those whose populations are already threatened D. In light of the 2008 die-off of the gharials, Indian government officials need to enact stricter laws to prevent the illegal dumping of drugs and other pollutants into the Chambal River
C. Anthropogenic disruptions to Earth's resources can have sudden and severe negative consequences to the health of native species, specifically those whose populations are already threatened The author claims that the possible pollution of the Chambal River, which is only location of a stable population of gharials worldwide, was most likely caused by the illegal disposal of prescription drugs in 2008.
Intermediate Succession: (Look at Tab 8) Based on the graph, which of the following tree species would be the predominant species found during the intermediate stage of succession? A. Red maple B. Sweetgum C. Tulip poplar D. White oak
C. Tulip poplar The biomass of the tulip poplar trees peaks at about 125 years, which is the intermediate stage of succession for this ecosystem.
CO2 Concentration 200000 Years Ago: (Look at Tab 6) Which of the following best describes the pattern in the atmospheric CO2 concentration data over the past 200,000 years? A. The concentration of CO2 fluctuated between 150 ppm and 250 ppm B. The concentration of CO2 fluctuated between 150 ppm and 250 ppm until recently, when the concentration rose exponentially C. The concentration of Co2 remained constant at first from 200,000 years ago until 50,000 years ago, and then began a steady decline D. The concentration of CO2 rose exponentially to 400 ppm and leveled off at carrying capacity
B. The concentration of CO2 fluctuated between 150 ppm and 250 ppm until recently, when the concentration rose exponentially The graph shows the concentration of CO2 changing between 150 ppm and until recently, when the concentration rose significantly from 250 ppm to 400 ppm
Atmospheric Trends 800000 Years: (Look at Tab 6) Which of the following best describes the trends in atmospheric CO2 concentration and Antarctic temperature over the past 800,000 years? A. Atmospheric Co2 concentration has remained about the same, and Antarctic temperature has varied widely over the past 800,000 years B. Both atmospheric CO2 concentration and Antarctic temperature are directly correlated over the past 800,000 years C. Atmospheric CO2 concentration and Antarctic temperature are directly correlated over the past 800,000 years D. Atmospheric CO2 concentration and Antarctic temperature are inversely correlated over the past 800,000 years
C. Atmospheric CO2 concentration and Antarctic temperature are directly correlated over the past 800,000 years The curves move in tandem over the past 800,000 years (i.e., as atmospheric CO2, concentration increases, Antarctic temperature decreases)
Islands-Easter and Madagascar: (Look at Tab 2) A. The native species on Easter Island are more likely to survive because the island is further from the mainland B. The native species on Easter Island are more likely to survive because the island is so small that there will be limited space for an invasive species to colonize C. The native species on Madagascar are more likely to survive because the island is larger and provides a greater diversity of habitats and resources D. The native species on Madagascar are more likely to survive because the temperature in the Indian Ocean is warmer than that of the Pacific Ocean
C. The native species on Madagascar are more likely to survive because the island is larger and provides a greater diversity of habitats and resources The land with greater area supports more habitats and resources, reducing competition and increasing survival.
Temperature Change 440000 Years Ago: (Look at Tab 6) Which of the following best describes the change in Antarctic temperature from about 440,000 years ago to about 340,000 years ago? A. The temperature increases by about 10"C B. The temperature decreases by about 8"C C. The temperature increases by about 12"C and then decreases by about 12"C D. The temperature decreases by about 10"C and then increases by about 12"C
C. The temperature increases by about 12"C and then decreases by about 12"C This does describe the temperature curve between 440,000 and 340,000 years ago. The approximate Antarctic temperature about 440,000 years ago is about 10°C below the baseline. The approximate Antarctic temperature about 400,000 years ago is about 2°C above the baseline. The approximate Antarctic temperature about 340,000 years ago is about 10°C below the baseline. Therefore, starting about 440,000 years ago, the temperature increases about 12°C by 400,000 years ago and then decreases about 12°C Celsius by 340,000 years ago.
Change in Population: (Look at Tab 6) Based on the data in the graph, which of the following best describes the change in the population of moths as a result of industrialization? A. The percentage of dark-colored moths increased in the population and the percentage of light-colored moths decreased in the population B. The percentage of dark-colored moths decreased in the population and the percentage of light-colored moths increased in the population C. The percentage of dark-colored moths decreased in the population after 1850 and the percentage of light-colored moths remained constant throughout the time period D. The percentage of both the dark-colored moths and the light-colored moths remained constant throughout the time period
A. The percentage of dark-colored moths increased in the population and the percentage of light-colored moths decreased in the population The percentage of dark-colored moths increased from less than 10% to almost 100% during the time period in the graph and the light-colored moths decreased from over 90% in 1800 to under 10% in 1950.
Ecosystem Biodiversity: (Look at Tab 1) Based on the information, which of the following best describes Ecosystem C? A. Its low species diversity indicates that Ecosystem C most likely has species with very low population sizes B. its high genetic diversity indicates that Ecosystem C most likely has species that evolve quickly C. Its high genetic diversity indicates that Ecosystem C is most likely the result of the founder effect and a subpopulation originating from Ecosystem A D. Its low habitat diversity indicates that Ecosystem C most likely has a low number of specialist species and few species that utilize large territories
D. Its low habitat diversity indicates that Ecosystem C most likely has a low number of specialist species and few species that utilize large territories Having a limited number of different habitats would inhabit the survival of different types of specialist species and those that control large territories.
