PB 360 Final Exam Study Guide

Marine species of sharks and rays have a unique way of raising the osmotic potential of their blood to that of the surrounding seawater. What is this mechanism? A) retention of urea in the bloodstream B) retention of sodium chloride in the bloodstream C) retention of small carbohydrate molecules in their bloodstream D) all of the above

A) retention of urea in the bloodstream ...

From the graph on the previous page, we can clearly see the pattern of decreasing density (the result of mortality caused by crowding) and increasing weight of survivors as the season progressed. What is the shape of the line that best fits the data points? A) straight B) curved

A) straight

The distinction between riffles and pools is most appropriate in which of the following aquatic systems? A) streams B) rivers C) lakes D) estuaries E) oceans

A) streams

Who gave the word "ecology" its current broad meaning? A) the German zoologist Ernst Haeckel B) the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus C) the English naturalist Charles Darwin D) the American ecologist Rachel Carson

A) the German zoologist Ernst Haeckel

A crow attacks a red-tailed hawk flying nearby. Which of these two birds is the donor of the attacking behavior? A) the crow B) the red-tailed hawk

A) the crow

In class, we discussed "exceptional habitats" in various parts of North America. These habitats support natural ecosystems different from what one would expect from generalized biome maps. For example, southern Arizona would be expected to support subtropical desert if one were to take at face value the biome map published in our text. However, large mountains in southern Arizona support a variety of forested communities, illustrating the importance of __________ in shaping local ecosystems. A) topography B) soils C) fire D) herbivory E) all of the above

A) topography

Rhizobium bacteria and roots of legumes form mutualistic partnerships that would be classified as __________. A) trophic B) defensive C) dispersive

A) trophic

Coral reefs are to open oceans as __________. A) tropical rain forests are to deserts B) deserts are to tropical rain forests

A) tropical rain forests are to deserts

In the figure above (from Active Learning Exercise #8), we are comparing reaction norms of two populations of the smae species, one normally found in environment A, and the other normally found in Environment B. These two populations are involved in a reciprocal transplant experiment (the arrows indicate transplantation and change in phenotypic expression, if any). In which of the three cases above (A, B, or C) does the outcome of the experiment NOT provide any evidence for a genotype-environment interaction? A. A B. B C. C

A. A **equal slope in opposite directions

Each of the 20 female adults in a small population has a probability of 0.5 of producing a single female offspring each year and a probability of 0.5 of producing no offspring. How many female offspring will be produced this year? A) no offspring, because a female cannot produce 0.5 offspring B) any number of offspring from 0 to 20 C) exactly 10 offspring D) exactly 20 offspring

B) any number of offspring from 0 to 20

The Intertropical Convergence (ITC) is a region of substantial uplift of air heated in contact with the earth's surface. At any given time of year, where is the ITC located? A) at the earth's true equator (0o latitude) B) at the earth's solar equator

B) at the earth's solar equator

Giraffes eat primarily woody vegetation. This makes them which of the following groups of herbivores? A) grazers B) browsers

B) browsers

Which of the following must exist for there to be evolution by natural selection? A) variation among individuals B)inheritance of that variation C) differences in survival and reproductive success, or fitness, related to that variation D) all of the above

D) all of the above

The German age structure pyramids spanning 1910-2025 illustrate a common pattern seen in developing countries. What is this pattern called? A) population collapse B) incipient speciation C) cohort life table D) demographic transition E) Allee effect

D) demographic transition

Of the following fields, all except one focus on the application of ecological understanding to solving problems concerning the environment and its inhabitants. Which is the exception? A) environmental science B) applied ecology C) conservation biology D) ecology

D) ecology

In class, we discussed research being conducted at an experimental watershed at Coweeta, NC. Scientists at Coweeta monitor streamflow to determine fluxes of materials leaving the watershed via this pathway. What level of ecological organization is the focus of their work? A) organism B) population C) community D) ecosystem E) biosphere

D) ecosystem

Kangaroo rats can obtain all the water they need from the seeds they eat. Which of the following contributes the majority of the water they obtain from seeds? A) water absorbed by seeds from the atmosphere B) water that results from oxidation of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates contained in seeds

B) water that results from oxidation of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates contained in seeds

Which of the following systems is comprised of local collections of populations together with their physical and chemical environment? A) organism B) population C) community D) ecosystem E) biosphere

D) ecosystem

Preceding question: Suppose a population contains 95 homozygotes with genotype A1A1 and 5 heterozygotes with genotype A1A2. If each individual in the population has a 50% (1/2) chance of surviving to reproduce, what is the probability that all five of the A1A2 individuals will fail to reproduce? In the preceding question, failure of the A1A2 individuals to reproduce would result in loss of the A2 allele from the population. This change in allelic frequency of A2 in the population (to 0%) as the result of chance events would be called __________, and the A1 allele (now at a frequency of 100%) could be said to be __________. A) a mutation, silent B) a mutation, fixed C) genetic drift, silent D) genetic drift, fixed

D) genetic drift, fixed

Flocking behavior in European goldfinches has costs and benefits. Which of the following would be considered a cost associated with increasing flock size? A) fewer head jerks per minute for individuals B) increased total vigilance rate for the entire flock C) reduced food handling time for individuals D) increased flight time between food plants for individuals

D) increased flight time between food plants for individuals

Which of the following kinds of behavior cannot be favored by natural selection under any circumstance? A) cooperative B) altruistic C) selfish D) spiteful

D) spiteful

In the figure above (reciprocal transplant, active learning excercise #8), in which of the three cases do we find evidence for BOTH genotypic differentiation (G) and variation due to environmental factors (E), also called phenotypic plasticity? A. A B. B C. C D. A, B, and C

D. A, B, and C **all of them

Plants of yarrow, Achillea millefolium, grown from seed collected from various habitats ranging from sea level to more than 3,000 meters in elevation, retained distinctive differences in plant size and other traits when grown in a common garden at sea level, indicating the existence of __________ variation. A) random B) catastrophic C) ecotypic D) assortative

C) ecotypic

Some algae living at shallow depths in the ocean (the alga Ulva is an example) have photosynthetic pigments much like those of terrestrial plants, absorbing strongly in the red and blue parts of the visible spectrum and reflecting in the green part of the spectrum. However, algae living deeper in the ocean (the red alga Porphyra is an example) have specialized pigments that enable them to absorb __________ light. A) violet B) orange C) green D) brown E) red

C) green

What is the most common way in which animals make a living? A) competition B) predation C) parasitism (including parasitoids) D) mutualism E) commensalism

C) parasitism (including parasitoids)

Which of the following increases as one moves poleward from the tropics? A) length of the growing season B) mean annual temperature C) seasonal variation in temperature D) all of the above

C) seasonal variation in temperature

Suppose a population contains 95 homozygotes with genotype A1A1 and 5 heterozygotes with genotype A1A2. If each individual in the population has a 50% (1/2) chance of surviving to reproduce, what is the probability that all five of the A1A2 individuals will fail to reproduce? A) 1/2 B) 1/4 C) 1/8 D) 1/16 E) 1/32

E) 1/32

What did Pearl and Reed estimate to be the value of r0 in their model of United States population growth (refer to figure above)? A) about -0.01 B) 0.0 C) about 0.01 D) about 0.02 E) about 0.03

E) about 0.03

Small populations face the following challenge, which is of concern to conservation biologists. A) risk of stochastic extinction B) genetic drift C) population bottlenecks D) inbreeding E) all of the above

E) all of the above

Which of the following species of East African carnivores has been monitored closely by conservationists after the discovery that this animal has practically no genetic variation? A) lion B) tiger C) bear D) cheetah E) leopard

E) leopard

The distinction between riffles and pools is most appropriate in which of the following aquatic systems? A) rivers B) lakes C) estuaries D) oceans E) streams

E) streams

Please select the correct ranking of three forest biomes from most to least diverse, in terms of number of tree species. A) boreal forest, temperate seasonal forest, tropical rain forest B) temperate seasonal forest, tropical rain forest, boreal forest C) tropical rain forest, boreal forest, temperate seasonal forest D) boreal forest, tropical rain forest, temperate seasonal forest E) tropical rain forest, temperate seasonal forest, boreal forest

E) tropical rain forest, temperate seasonal forest, boreal forest

The average European magpie's (Pica pica) clutch size of seven eggs was manipulated by Swedish ecologist Gören Hogstedt by adding or removing eggs, to make up clutches of five to nine eggs. What was the most productive clutch size (number of chicks fledged)? A) five eggs B) six eggs C) seven eggs D) eight eggs E) nine eggs

C) seven eggs

Where would you NOT go to see extensive and well-developed examples of the boreal forest (taiga) biome? A) Canada and Alaska B) northern Europe C) southern asia D) northern Asia

C) southern asia

During the winter, large flocks of slate‐colored juncos visit a well‐established bird‐feeding station. An experiment is conducted in which two adjacent feeding platforms, each 1 ␣ 1 m in size, are provided with sunflower seeds. Whenever juncos are present, a metering device dispenses seeds at a "low" rate of 5 g/hr to one platform and a "high" rate of 15 g/hr to the other. A flock of 40 juncos arrives and the birds quickly establish an ideal free distribution. How many birds are feeding on the platform supplied at the "low" rate? A) 30 B)20 C)10 D)5 E)0

C)10

Which of the following British biologists first placed the clutch size of birds in an evolutionary context? a. J.P. Grime b. Charles Darwin c. David Lack d. A.G. Tansley e. E.P. Odum

c. David Lack

Which of the following is an important component of life history? a. age at maturity b. parity c. fecundity d. longevity e. all of the above

e. all of the above

Ice skaters get excited when ice begins to form on the surfaces of temperate lakes during winter. At this time, where is the coldest water in the lake? A) At the top, just below the ice. B) At the bottom, just above the benthic zone.

A) At the top, just below the ice.

It has sometimes been said that "night is the winter of the tropics". What is meant by this? A) Differences between night and day temperatures often exceed differences between mean monthly temperatures of winter and summer. B) Most locations in the tropics experience sub-freezing temperatures at night, but never during the day. C) Temperature variation in the tropics is unpredictable.

A) Differences between night and day temperatures often exceed differences between mean monthly temperatures of winter and summer.

In our active learning exercise with the US National Vegetation Classification, which kind of unit did we learn about? A) Ecological System B) Association C) Biome D) Physiognomic Type

A) Ecological System

When a population grows according to the logistic model, at what population size does dN/dt equal zero? A) N = K B) N = K/2 C) N = r0 D) N = ∞

A) N = K

As an ideal free distribution develops, what should be true of the various habitat patches within a landscape? (Hint: focus on realized habitat quality, the actual habitat quality perceived by newcomers comparing various habitat patches already occupied by other individuals of the same species.) A) Realized habitat quality should decline but remain relatively consistent among patches. B) Realized habitat quality should increase but remain relatively consistent among patches. C) Realized habitat quality should decline and vary considerably among patches. D) Realized habitat quality should increase and vary considerably among patches.

A) Realized habitat quality should decline but remain relatively consistent among patches.

Which of the following statements about C4 plants is false? A) The first chemical product of photosynthetic carbon fixation in C4 plants is glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P), a 3-carbon molecule. B) C4 plants physically separate the first step of photosynthetic carbon assimilation (in mesophyll cells) from the other steps of photosynthesis (in bundle sheath cells).

A) The first chemical product of photosynthetic carbon fixation in C4 plants is glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P), a 3-carbon molecule.

One of the challenges of being a land plant with leaves is that stomates must be open in order for the plant to obtain CO2 required for photosynthesis, but water also evaporates from the plant via the same stomatal openings. Why is this situation so problematic for plants of warm, dry environments? A) The tendency of water to exit the leaf far exceeds the tendency of CO2 to enter the leaf, resulting in excessive water loss. B) The tendency of CO2 to enter the leaf far exceeds the tendency of water to exit the leaf, resulting in CO2 overloading.

A) The tendency of water to exit the leaf far exceeds the tendency of CO2 to enter the leaf, resulting in excessive water loss.

What is the policy regarding hour exams in BIO/PB 360 this fall? A) There are four hour exams scheduled. However, only three exams will count toward your final semester grade. We will drop your lowest score of the four. B) There are four hour exams scheduled. All four exams count toward your final semester grade.

A) There are four hour exams scheduled. However, only three exams will count toward your final semester grade. We will drop your lowest score of the four.

When a membrane permeable to water separates water of MORE NEGATIVE potential on one side of the membrane from water of LESS NEGATIVE potential on the other, what will be the tendency of the water molecules? A) There will be a net diffusion of water molecules across the membrane from the side of less negative potential to the side of more negative potential. B) There will be a net diffusion of water molecules across the membrane from the side of more negative potential to the side of less negative potential. C) There will be equal movement of water molecules across the membrane in both directions. D) There will be no movement of water molecules across the membrane.

A) There will be a net diffusion of water molecules across the membrane from the side of less negative potential to the side of more negative potential.

What happened when the tails of male widowbirds were artificially elongated? A) These males were more successful in attracting mates than males with normal tails. B) These males were less successful in attracting mates than males with normal tails. C) These males were about equally successful in attracting mates as males with normal tails.

A) These males were more successful in attracting mates than males with normal tails.

In his article on mosquitoes, "Little Things That Go Buzzzzz in the Night," published in the August 2005 issue of Wildlife in North Carolina, NCSU Professor of Entomology, Dr. Clyde Sorenson, said the following: "...Clearly, from our own intensely personal viewpoint, mosquitoes can't be much good -- they bite and they transmit diseases. Ecologically, though, they do have value. The larvae can be prey for other animals, and some species are important pollinators (male mosquitoes only feed on plant nectar or sap, and females also drink nectar). More difficult to accept, but probably more importantly, mosquitoes vector, or transmit, diseases to many species of animals in addition to us. While it is certainly an unfortunate outcome for the individual animals infected, these diseases are important in regulating wildlife populations, just as predators are. So mosquitoes do have an important role to play in the web of life, although we have a hard time viewing their position positively." How does this quote illustrate the perspective of ecology as a science? A) This quote illustrates how ecologists, as scientists, attempt to be value-neutral, withholding judgment about whether a particular situation or action is good or bad, viewing that situation solely on its ecological merits. B) This quote illustrates how ecologists, as scientists, adopt a human perspective, taking into account human social, religious, moral, economic and other interests, judging any particular situation as good or bad.

A) This quote illustrates how ecologists, as scientists, attempt to be value-neutral, withholding judgment about whether a particular situation or action is good or bad, viewing that situation solely on its ecological merits.

What is the key evolutionary concept underlying the Red Queen hypothesis? A) Through sex and genetic recombination, hosts present a moving target for evolving pathogens. B) Through sex and genetic recombination, hosts prevent evolution of pathogens. C) Through sex and genetic recombination, hosts are able to stop evolving and still maintain high fitness. D) All of the above are true.

A) Through sex and genetic recombination, hosts present a moving target for evolving pathogens.

For any population with a stable age distribution, the proportion of the total population in each age class remains unchanged from one time interval to the next. A) True B) False

A) True

You are a demographer working for the United Nations. You construct age structure pyramids for two neighboring countries, Upper and Lower Demographia. The age structure pyramid for Upper Demographia has a broad base, while that for Lower Demographia has a narrow base. Which of these countries most likely has a growing population? A) Upper Demographia B) Lower Demographia

A) Upper Demographia

Why are the oceans off the western coasts of the continents highly productive? A) Upwelling of water from deeper layers carries nutrients to the surface. B) Sunlight is more intense. C) Water temperatures are higher. D) The lack of herbivores leads to higher production.

A) Upwelling of water from deeper layers carries nutrients to the surface.

Storm-petrels live 30 to 40 years. Thrushes rarely live beyond 3 to 4 years. Even if you knew nothing more about the life histories of these two species, could you make an educated guess about which species has the longer prereproductive period? A) Yes, the longer-lived species (storm-petrel) probably has the longer prereproductive period. B) Yes, the shorter-lived species (thrush) probably has the longer prereproductive period. C) No, information about maximum age is insufficient background for an educated guess. A

A) Yes, the longer-lived species (storm-petrel) probably has the longer prereproductive period.

It may be said that the approach taken by an ecologist to the study of the natural world depends on the level of ecological organization studied. For example, an ecologist who takes the organism approach to the study of ecology (as in our lecture example of the cactus wren) would most likely be interested in: A) adaptations of individual organisms that suit them for life in their environment. B) changes in numbers, resulting from births and deaths, of individuals belonging to a particular species in a particular place. C) the number and relative abundances of various species living in a particular place. D) activities of organisms as well as physical and chemical transformations of energy and materials in the soil, atmosphere, and water. E) transport of energy and materials at the global scale.

A) adaptations of individual organisms that suit them for life in their environment.

High-pressure air masses descending to the earth at approximately 30° north and south of the equator create what conditions at the earth's surface? A) arid climate B) unusually high precip. C) unusually high snowfall D) constant temperature E) all of the above

A) arid climate

High-pressure air masses descending to the earth at approximately 30° north and south of the equator create what conditions at the earth's surface? A) arid climate B) unusually high precipitation C) unusually high snowfall D) constant temperature E) all of the above

A) arid climate

In experiments with the plant Banksia spinulosa, Australian researchers Glenda Vaughton and Susan Carthew showed that individual plants: A) can make distinctions among developing embryos on the basis of their genotypes. B) cannot make distinctions among developing embryos on the basis of their genotypes.

A) can make distinctions among developing embryos on the basis of their genotypes.

Tannins are produced at relatively high levels in leaves of oaks and other plants, whether or not the plants have been browsed by herbivores. This is an example of a(n) __________ defense. A) constitutive B) induced

A) constitutive

In sea gulls living in cold regions, cold blood returning to the body from extremities (legs and feet) flows in a direction opposite that of warm blood entering the extremities from the body. These opposing flows enable the animal to capture some of the heat contained in blood flowing from the body and return that heat to the body. This kind of circulation has a special name. What is it? A) countercurrent circulation B) general conditioning C) inverse processing D) reverse osmosis

A) countercurrent circulation

From the graph on the previous page, we can clearly see the pattern of decreasing density (the result of mortality caused by crowding) and increasing weight of survivors as the season progressed. What kind of mortality did our aspiring farmer observe? A) density-dependent B) density-independent

A) density-dependent ...

The change in frequency of melanistic (dark colored) peppered moths as a result of industrialization in England was an example of: A) directional selection B) disruptive selection C) divergent selection D) stabilizing selection

A) directional selection

The increase in beak size in Darwin's medium ground finch is an example of which of the following kinds of natural selection? A) directional selection B) disruptive selection C) divergent selection D) stabilizing selection

A) directional selection

Part of the fundamental asymmetry of life in species having separate sexes is that __________ typically exercise the greater degree of choice in selection of mates. A) females B) males

A) females

"Bet hedging" (spreading reproduction over both good and bad years) has been proposed as an advantage to which of the following life histories? A) iteroparity B) semelparity C) both A and B D) neither A nor B

A) iteroparity

Population growth rates sometimes increase with increasing population density (in contrast to the expectations of logistic growth), especially at low population densities. We refer to this kind of population response (seen, for example, in certain fish stocks and plant populations) as __________. A) positive density dependence (the Allee effect) B) negative density dependence C) juvenile recruitment D) self-thinning

A) positive density dependence (the Allee effect)

Population growth rates sometimes increase with increasing population density (in contrast to the expectations of logistic growth), especially at relatively low population densities. This phenomenon is seen, for example, in reduced reproductive success (the exception is seed mass) in smaller populations of Primula veris in the figure above. We refer to this kind of population response as __________. A) positive density dependence (the Allee effect) B) negative density dependence C) juvenile recruitment D) self-thinning

A) positive density dependence (the Allee effect)

Your family is planning a holiday trip in late December and early January to the resort city of Cancún, Mexico, located on the Yucatán peninsula at 21o north latitude. Because this trip is during the northern hemisphere winter, your family can count on: A) relatively dry conditions throughout their vacation. B) heavy rains throughout their vacation.

A) relatively dry conditions throughout their vacation.

Marine species of sharks and rays have a unique way of raising the osmotic potential of their blood to that of the surrounding seawater. What is this mechanism? A) retention of urea in the bloodstream B) retention of sodium chloride in the bloodstream C) retention of small carbohydrate molecules in their bloodstream D) all of the above

A) retention of urea in the bloodstream

Kangaroo rats are nocturnal, and black-capped chickadees are diurnal. Which aspect of these animals' ecological relationships is represented by information about activity periods? A) their habitats B) their niches

B) their niches

Ice skaters get excited when ice begins to form on the surfaces of temperate lakes during winter. At this time, where is the coldest water in the lake? A) At the bottom, just above the benthic zone. B) At the top, just below the ice.

B) At the top, just below the ice.

Select from the following list the author who first wrote: As more individuals are produced than can possibly survive, there must in every case be a struggle of existence, either one individual with another of the same species, or with the individuals of distinct species, or with the physical conditions of life. It is the doctrine of Malthus applied with manifold force to the whole animal and vegetable kingdoms; for in this case there can be no artificial increase of food, and no prudential restraint from marriage. Although some species may be now increasing, more or less rapidly, in numbers, all cannot do so, for the world would not hold them. A) Robert Ricklefs B) Charles Darwin C) Thomas Malthus D) Thomas Wentworth

B) Charles Darwin

Who first drew the attention of the scientific community to the regularity of some population cycles? (Hint: this scientist studied records of the Hudson's Bay Company to determine population cycles of snowshoe hare and Canada lynx.) A) Charles Darwin B) Charles Elton C) A. J. Nicholson

B) Charles Elton

The PMB 360 students are all in perfect health, maintaining an internal body temperature of 98.6 oF. The classroom in which they are sitting has an air temperature of 75.0 oF. Which of the following principles is illustrated by the situation just described? A) Ecological systems exist in a dynamic steady state in balance with their physical environment. B) Ecological systems exist in a dynamic steady state out of balance with their physical environment.

B) Ecological systems exist in a dynamic steady state out of balance with their physical environment.

The PMB 360 students are all in perfect health, maintaining an internal body temperature of 98.6 oF. The classroom in which they are sitting has an air temperature of 75.0 oF. Which of the following principles is illustrated by the situation just described? A) Ecological systems exist in a dynamic steady state in balance with their physical environment. B) Ecological systems exist in a dynamic steady state out of balance with their physical environment.

B) Ecological systems exist in a dynamic steady state out of balance with their physical environment.

As illustrated in the research conducted by Price and Wasser on Delphinium nelsoni, (Figure 13.15, above) outbreeding is always desirable, even if matings occur between individuals separated by great distance. A) True B) False

B) False

Because all ecological systems have biological components, they are exempt from the physical constraints that govern other natural systems. A) True B) False

B) False

In the figure above, we see the results of an experiment conducted by Daniel Janzen in Mexico on the mutualistic relationship between Acacia plants and Pseudomyrmex ants. The data presented are for four variables measured on acacia shoots without ants, expressed as percentages of the same variables measured on acacias with ants. How did Janzen ensure that some of his acacia plants lacked ants? A) He chose mature plants to study, and then he applied insecticide to some of these plants to remove the ants. B) He chose mature plants to study, and then he cut all plants to the ground; as the plants resprouted, he prevented ants from starting colonies in some plants. C) He chose mature plants to study, and then he allowed cattle to remove ant colonies on some of the plants. D) He chose mature plants to study, and he was fortunate to discover that some of the plants lacked ant colonies because the ants had succumbed to a disease.

B) He chose mature plants to study, and then he cut all plants to the ground; as the plants resprouted, he prevented ants from starting colonies in some plants.

Why did average beak size increase in individuals of Darwin's medium ground finch (and their progeny) during a period of severe drought in the Galápagos? A) Individuals eating the harder seeds available during the drought developed larger beaks and passed this trait on to their offspring. B) Individuals with larger beaks could eat the harder seeds available during the drought and survived/reproduced better than individuals with smaller beaks. C) Individuals with larger beaks are always at an advantage. D) The observed change in beak size was purely the result of chance.

B) Individuals with larger beaks could eat the harder seeds available during the drought and survived/reproduced better than individuals with smaller beaks.

You are a demographer working for the PRB. You construct age structure pyramids for Germany in 1910 and 2005. You also project the age structure pyramid expected for 2025. Your pyramids are shown above in Fig. 11.7. Over this time interval (1910-2025), does Germany have a stable age distribution? A) Yes B) No

B) No

Which of the following statements about C4 plants is false? A) C4 plants physically separate the first step of photosynthetic carbon assimilation (in mesophyll cells) from the other steps of photosynthesis (in bundle sheath cells). B) The first chemical product of photosynthetic carbon fixation in C4 plants is glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P), a 3-carbon molecule.

B) The first chemical product of photosynthetic carbon fixation in C4 plants is glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P), a 3-carbon molecule.

When a membrane permeable to water separates water of more negative potential on one side of the membrane from water of less negative potential on the other, what will be the tendency of the water molecules? A) There will be a net diffusion of water molecules across the membrane from the side of more negative potential to the side of less negative potential. B) There will be a net diffusion of water molecules across the membrane from the side of less negative potential to the side of more negative potential. C) There will be equal movement of water molecules across the membrane in both directions. D) There will be no movement of water molecules across the membrane.

B) There will be a net diffusion of water molecules across the membrane from the side of less negative potential to the side of more negative potential.

You find a tick firmly attached to your leg after working in the field during the summer. A few days later you wake up with a fever and other flu-like symptoms. Should you consult a health professional? A) No, everyone gets the flu now and then. Don't bother the doctor. B) Yes, these symptoms could be indicative of a tick-borne illness, like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Check with your doctor.

B) Yes, these symptoms could be indicative of a tick-borne illness, like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Check with your doctor.

Which of the following represents adaptation(s) of the kangaroo rat to life in a desert environment? A) gathering water each morning from the dew that forms on leaf surfaces B) spending daytime hours in a relatively cool, comfortable burrow C) migrating north during the summer months D) all of the above

B) spending daytime hours in a relatively cool, comfortable burrow

A seedling of a saguaro cactus benefits from shade against the sun and protection from herbivores afforded by small trees (such as ironwood and palo verde) that serve as nurse plants. When the saguaro is small the relationship between the saguaro and its nurse plants is an example of __________. When the saguaro grows to maturity the relationship between the saguaro and its nurse plants is an example of __________. A) competition, commensalism B) commensalism, competition C) mutualism, parasitism D) parasitism, mutualism

B) commensalism, competition

The kind of mutualism studied by Daniel Janzen between Acacia plants and Pseudomyrmex ants would be classified as __________. A) trophic B) defensive C) dispersive

B) defensive

The increase in beak size in Darwin's medium ground finch (previous question) is an example of which of the following kinds of natural selection? A) stabilizing selection B) directional selection C) disruptive selection D) divergent selection

B) directional selection

The change in frequency of melanistic (dark colored) peppered moths as a result of industrialization in England was an example of: A) stabilizing selection. B) directional selection. C) disruptive selection. D) divergent selection.

B) directional selection.

The African estrildid finch, Pyrenestes ostrinus, has a population in Cameroon with a bimodal distribution of beak size. Birds with small beaks can more readily crack the soft seeds of a particular kind of sedge, while birds with larger beaks can more readily crack the harder seeds of another sedge species. This pattern is thought to be the result of __________ acting on this population. A) directional selection B) disruptive selection C) divergent selection D) stabilizing selection

B) disruptive selection

Many temperate lakes exhibit vertical mixing of surface and deeper waters, called overturn, twice annually. During which seasons does overturn occur? A) winter and spring B) fall and spring C) winter and summer D) fall and summer

B) fall and spring

What is the principal chemical reserve that black-capped chickadees depend on for their energy needs during a long winter night? A) proteins B) fats C) carbohydrates

B) fats

A small population of wolves founded by a single breeding pair on the Scandinavian peninsula in 1983 showed little vitality until 1991, when the population began to grow exponentially. What event in 1991 led to the increased vitality of the population? A) several years of unusually mild winters B) infusion of new genes into the pack by a single immigrant male C) cessation of hunting by humans D) recovery of the Scandinavian caribou herd E) all of the above

B) infusion of new genes into the pack by a single immigrant male

A female African elephant produces a single offspring at a time at intervals of several years, caring for her young for an extended period before reproducing again. The elephant's reproductive life history is referred to as: A) semelparous B) iteroparous C) oddparous D) evenparous E) nonparous

B) iteroparous

In Nicholson's experiments with sheep blowflies (see Figure 12.12, above), stable limit cycles were observed for adults when: A) both larvae and adults were provided unlimited food. B) larvae were provided a limited food supply while adults were provided unlimited food. C) larvae were provided unlimited food while adults were provided a limited food supply. D) both larvae and adults were provided a limited food supply.

B) larvae were provided a limited food supply while adults were provided unlimited food.

In species with separate sexes, which sex can enhance more its evolutionary fitness by mating with many partners of the opposite sex? A) females B) males C) Neither sex has an advantage in this respect.

B) males

Pearl and Reed graphed values of "little r" (estimated for each decade) against population size at the end of each decade, as seen in Figure 11.13 above. Which of the following phenomena did this graph depict? A) positive density dependence (the Allee effect) B) negative density dependence C) juvenile recruitment D) self-thinning

B) negative density dependence

Of the two possible kinds of polygamy, which is by far the more common in animals? A) polyandry (one female forms long-term bonds with more than one male) B) polygyny (one male forms long-term bonds with more than one female)

B) polygyny (one male forms long-term bonds with more than one female)

Bony fish of freshwater habitats are hyper-osmotic, living in a watery medium that has lower salt concentration than their bodies. As a consequence, these animals have to contend with which of the following? A) replacing water lost to the surrounding medium while eliminating excess salts B) retaining salts while eliminating excess water absorbed from the surrounding medium

B) retaining salts while eliminating excess water absorbed from the surrounding medium

Bony fish of freshwater habitats are hyper-osmotic, living in a watery medium that has lower salt concentration than their bodies. As a consequence, these animals have to contend with which of the following? A) replacing water lost to the surrounding medium while eliminating excess salts B) retaining salts while eliminating excess water absorbed from the surrounding medium

B) retaining salts while eliminating excess water absorbed from the surrounding medium...

Antonovics and Bradshaw discovered that plants of sweet vernal grass growing on mine tailings in North Wales exhibited high zinc tolerance, despite the existence nearby of plants with relatively low zinc tolerance. They proposed that __________ for zinc tolerance on the mine tailings was sufficiently high to overcome gene flow from adjacent intolerant plants. A) mutation rate B) selection pressure C) genetic drift D) heterozygosity

B) selection pressure

From the graph on the previous page, we can clearly see the pattern of decreasing density (the result of mortality caused by crowding) and increasing weight of survivors as the season progressed. Because the relationship you've just investigated is frequently observed in plants, the "curve" you plotted has been given a name. What is it? A) survivorship curve B) self-thinning curve

B) self-thinning curve...

What was the intrinsic time delay in Nicholson's experiment with sheep blowflies? A) the time required for eggs to hatch B) the larval development period C) the typical adult life span

B) the larval development period

From the graph on the previous page, we can clearly see the pattern of decreasing density (the result of mortality caused by crowding) and increasing weight of survivors as the season progressed. What is the slope of this line (rise/run, using log units)? A) -1/2 B) -1 C) -3/2 D) -2 E) 0

C) -3/2

China often captures the headlines when human population is under discussion. Currently the world's most populous country, China (in mid-2010, according to the Population Reference Bureau, or PRB) has 1.338 billion people. The PRB finds that, in mid-2010, the Chinese population is experiencing a birth rate of 12 births per thousand persons, and a death rate of 7 deaths per thousand persons. Data of the type presented in the preceding sentence are referred to as crude birth and death rates, and they can be directly converted to the parameters B and D used in the geometric growth model. 1. For the data presented above, what is the corresponding per capita value of B? A) 0.005 C) 0.012 B) 0.007 D) 0.019 2. For the data presented above, what is the corresponding per capita value of D? A) 0.005 B) 0.007 C) 0.012 D) 0.019 3. Now, please calculate the value of λ (geometric population growth rate, or multiplication rate per year) for the Chinese population in mid-2010. A) 0.005 B) 1.005 C) 1.012 D) 0.019 E) 1.019 4. The Chinese population in mid-2010 was estimated by PRB at 1.338 billion. Assuming conditions of geometric growth at the current growth rate (from question 3), predict the size of the Chinese population exactly one year from now, in mid-2011 (rounding off to the same number of decimal places as the mid-2010 estimate): A) 1.338 billion B) 1.345 billion C) 1.354 billion D) 1.363 billion 5. Again assuming conditions of geometric population growth at the current growth rate (from question 3), what would you predict the size of the Chinese population to be in mid-2050, given its size of 1.338 billion in mid-2010 (rounding off to the same number of decimal places as the mid-2010 estimate)? A) 1.221 billion B) 1.338 billion C) 1.633 billion D) 1.717 billion E) 53.520 billion 6. According the PRB, the best estimate of China's human population in mid-2050 is 1.437 billion. Given your estimate of China's population in mid-2050 (previous question), what would you conclude about the current geometric growth rate (the one you estimated in Question 36)? A) The current geometric growth rate will be sustained through mid-2050. B) The current geometric growth rate will increase between mid-2010 and mid-2050. C) The current geometric growth rate will decrease between mid-2010 and mid-2050. 7. The PRB estimates that the human population of India in mid-2010 is 1.189 billion, less than China's mid-2010 population of 1.338 billion. As we've just seen (previous question), the PRB expects China's mid-2050 population to be 1.437 billion. However, the PRB expects India's mid-2050 population to exceed China's, soaring to 1.748 billion! For this to happen, what must be true of the geometric growth rates of these two countries between mid-2010 and mid-2050? A) λIndia = λChina B) λIndia > λChina C) λIndia < λChina 8. Because human populations grow continuously, demographers typically prefer to work with the exponential growth model, which uses "little r" as its key parameter. Please calculate the value of r for the Chinese population in mid-2010 (round to three decimal places). Please use your value of λ from Question 36 to answer this question! A) -5.298 B) 0.005 C) 0.012 D) -3.963 E) 0.019 9. Using your estimate of r for the Chinese population in mid-2010 (previous question), what would be the expected doubling time of the population in years? A) 138 years B) 58 years C) 36 years 10. In the preceding questions, we have worked with both geometric (estimating λ) and exponential (estimating r) population growth models. We've seen in class that there are exact economic analogies to these two models. In particular, which kind of interest rate is most closely related to λ? A) APY (annual percentage yield) B) daily compounding rate

C) 0.012 B) 0.007 B) 1.005 B) 1.345 billion C) 1.633 billion C) The current geometric growth rate will decrease between mid-2010 and mid-2050. B) λIndia > λChina B) 0.005 A) 138 years A) APY (annual percentage yield)

The Atacama-Peruvian Desert lies adjacent to the south Pacific Ocean along the western coast of South America at about 30o south latitude. The Atacama is one of the places receiving the lowest precipitation on earth, and yet it is in close proximity to the ocean. Which of the following is responsible for the desert conditions there? A) The Atacama is located at about 30o S latitude, where dry, descending air masses predominate. B) The Atacama is located adjacent to cold, northward-flowing ocean surface currents that tend to strip moisture from moist air masses that flow toward land from the South Pacific Ocean. C) Both A and B are correct.

C) Both A and B are correct.

Highbush blueberry plants belonging to a particular species grow in a wide range of environments in North Carolina. Plants growing in acidic bogs are slower growing than plants on fertile, better-drained floodplains. In a reciprocal transplant study, plants from a bog were transplanted to a floodplain and plants from a floodplain were transplanted to a bog. The transplants from the bog performed better in the floodplain, but not as well as plants native to the floodplain. The transplants from the floodplain performed more poorly in the bog, about the same as plants native to the bog. What can we conclude from this experiment about the causes of differences in growth rate between the bog and floodplain populations? A) They are genetically determined. B) They reflect phenotypic plasticity. C) Both of the above conclusions are correct.

C) Both of the above conclusions are correct.

The African estrildid finch, Pyrenestes ostrinus, has a population in Cameroon with a bimodal distribution of beak size. Birds with small beaks can more readily crack the soft seeds of a particular kind of sedge, while birds with larger beaks can more readily crack the harder seeds of another sedge species. This pattern is thought to be the result of __________ acting on this population. A) stabilizing selection B) directional selection C) disruptive selection D) divergent selection

C) disruptive selection

Highbush blueberry plants belonging to a particular species grow in a wide range of environments in North Carolina. Plants growing in acidic bogs are slower growing than plants on fertile, better-drained floodplains. In a reciprocal transplant study, plants from a bog were transplanted to a floodplain and plants from a floodplain were transplanted to a bog. The transplants from the bog performed better in the floodplain, but not as well as plants native to the floodplain. The transplants from the floodplain performed more poorly in the bog, about the same as plants native to the bog. What can we conclude from this experiment about the causes of differences in growth rate between the bog and floodplain populations? A) They are genetically determined. B) They reflect phenotypic plasticity. C) Both of the above conclusions are correct.

C) Both of the above conclusions are correct.

In lecture, we explored the Biome Classification, which is useful for coarse-level classification of terrestrial ecosystems on a global scale. In Active Learning Exercise #7, we explored an alternative classification system that has been developed for the United States, available through NatureServe Explorer. What is the name of this classification? A) Convergent Biomes Classification B) Whittaker-Walter Classification C) Ecological Systems Classification D) Linnaean Classification

C) Ecological Systems Classification

In lecture, we explored the Biome Classification, which is useful for coarse-level classification of terrestrial ecosystems on a global scale. In Active Learning Exercise #7, we explored an alternative classification system that has been developed for the United States, available through NatureServe Explorer. What is the name of this classification? A) Convergent Biomes Classification B) Whittaker-Walter Classification C) Ecological Systems Classification D) Linnaean Classification

C) Ecological Systems Classification

Black-capped chickadees utilize torpor (a voluntary drop in body temperature) as an important adaptation to surviving long, cold winter nights. Hummingbirds adopt a similar strategy, even in tropical settings. Why do these tiny birds engage in torpor? A) If they did not engage in torpor, they would not sleep well, and they would be less efficient at foraging the next day. B) If they did not engage in torpor, they would be unable to manufacture enzymes that function better at lower temperatures. C) If they did not engage in torpor, their energy demands would exceed their available energy reserves. D) If they did not engage in torpor, their relatively high body temperature would make them vulnerable to predators, who can detect infrared radiation emitted by warm birds.

C) If they did not engage in torpor, their energy demands would exceed their available energy reserves.

Which of the following NGOs (non-governmental organizations) maintains a web site where we can find information about the US National Vegetation Classification? A) Sierra Club B) National Wildlife Federation C) NatureServe D) World Wildlife Fund

C) NatureServe

Which of the following was an interesting outcome of the reciprocal transplant experiments carried out by Niewiarowski and Roosenberg on fence lizards (see text Figure 6.20)? A) Native lizards and transplants from New Jersey performed equally well in Nebraska. B) Nebraska lizards performed equally well in Nebraska and in New Jersey. C) New Jersey lizards performed about the same in New Jersey and in Nebraska. D) Each of the above was an interesting outcome of this experiment.

C) New Jersey lizards performed about the same in New Jersey and in Nebraska.

You are studying a species of bird that is often monogamous but sometimes exhibits polygyny. You have the choice of studying this species in several different habitats. Which of the following will you choose if you want the highest probability of finding polygyny? A) a habitat in which territory qualities are nearly identical B) a habitat in which territory qualities vary somewhat C) a habitat in which territory qualities are highly variable D) a habitat unsuitable for the formation of territories

C) a habitat in which territory qualities are highly variable

In Figure 12.17 (above), the probability of population extinction through stochastic processes (y-axis) is graphed against population size, with each curve representing a different number of years. In all cases, b = d = 0.5, so r = b - d = 0 and λ = 1. What is the probability of extinction for a population of 10 individuals after 100 years? A) about 0.2 B) about 0.5 C) about 0.8 D) cannot be determined from this graph

C) about 0.8

Traditional ecological knowledge (or TEK, for short) may be summarized by the following, which in many ways also summarizes the "take-home message" of PB 360: A) All things are connected. B) All things are related. C) both of the above

C) both of the above

Which of the following research approaches did H.B.D. Kettlewell use in his classic studies of evolution of coloration in English peppered moths? A) mark-recapture experiments B) predator observation experiments C) both of the above

C) both of the above

Which of the following research approaches did H.B.D. Kettlewell use in his classic studies of evolution of coloration in English peppered moths? A) mark-recapture experiments B) predator observation experiments C) both of the above

C) both of the above

In a study of the butterfly Hesperia comma on patches of calcareous grassland in England (Figure 12.15b, above), the probability of patch occupancy was determined by: A) patch area only. B) patch isolation only. C) both patch area and patch isolation. D) neither patch area nor patch isolation.

C) both patch area and patch isolation.

If C is the cost of a particular behavior for the donor, B is the benefit of the behavior to the recipient, and r is the coefficient of relationship, what does the equation C < Br describe? A) conditions under which a selfish behavior will increase in the population B) conditions under which a selfish behavior will decrease in the population C) conditions under which an altruistic behavior will increase in the population D) conditions under which an altruistic behavior will decrease in the population

C) conditions under which an altruistic behavior will increase in the population

In their study of the US census data from 1790 to 1910, Pearl and Reed decided to apply the logistic model of population growth to model dN/dt (the instantaneous change in population size with respect to time). Which of the following formulae did they choose? A) dN/dt = rN B) N(t) = N(0)e^rt C) dN/dt = r0N(1 - (N/K)) D) N(t) = N(0)λ^t E) N(t+1) = N(t)λ

C) dN/dt = r0N(1 - (N/K))

Studies of many plant populations show that, as plants grow larger and experience crowding, some plants die while the survivors grow larger (as seen in Figure 11.25, above). When average dry weight per plant is plotted against the number of surviving plants (both on log scales) the result is a linear relationship with negative slope, described by the __________. A) -1/4 power law B) -1/2 power law C) -3/4 power law D) -3/2 power law

D) -3/2 power law

In Heinrich Walter's climate diagrams (see text Figure 5.6, above), each 10oC increase in temperature requires a minimum increase of 20 mm of monthly precipitation for there to be sufficient moisture for plant growth (no surplus or deficit). In the diagram above, if the monthly temperature is 10oC, 20 mm of precipitation are required. How much precipitation is required if the monthly temperature is 50oC? A) 40 mm B) 60 mm C) 80 mm D) 100 mm E) 120 mm

D) 100 mm

What did Pearl and Reed estimate to be the carrying capacity of the United States for people (refer to figure above)? A) 50 million B) 100 million C) 150 million D) 200 million E) 250 million

D) 200 million

In a particular population, gene A has only two alleles, A1 and A2. The frequencies of these two alleles are known and designated p and q, respectively. What would the equilibrium frequency of the genotype A1A2 be? A) p^2 B) q^2 C) pq D) 2pq E) p^2 + 2pq + q^2

D) 2pq

How can ecology best help each of us understand the role of humans in nature? A) Ecology provides a reference point of unspoiled nature. B) Ecology provides a set of moral precepts. C) Ecology provides a political agenda. D) Ecology provides a scientific understanding of how natural systems work and how humans function as part of the natural world.

D) Ecology provides a scientific understanding of how natural systems work and how humans function as part of the natural world.

The terrestrial biome concept emphasizes differences in plant form related to variation in environment. Why has the terrestrial biome concept been difficult to apply to aquatic systems? A) Aquatic systems lack plants altogether. B) The environments of aquatic systems vary little from one place to another. C) Aquatic ecologists have been uninterested in plants. D) The producers of many aquatic systems are single-celled algae, with little characteristic large-scale structure.

D) The producers of many aquatic systems are single-celled algae, with little characteristic large-scale structure.

Why is the enzyme RuBP carboxylase-oxidase (Rubisco) so important in photosynthetic assimilation of carbon? A) This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of organic acids into glucose. B) This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of energy contained in light into energy stored in ATP and NADPH. C) This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of glucose into sucrose. D) This enzyme is responsible for the incorporation of carbon (from the atmosphere or water) into an organic compound (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate or G3P) available for Calvin-Benson cycle synthesis of glucose.

D) This enzyme is responsible for the incorporation of carbon (from the atmosphere or water) into an organic compound (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate or G3P) available for Calvin-Benson cycle synthesis of glucose.

Marquis and Whelan conducted research on the role of bird predation in reducing the consumption of plants by insect herbivores. Which of the following features did they incorporate into their experiment? A) controls reproducing all aspects of the experiment except for the variable of interest B) additional controls for assessing experimental effects C) replication to ensure that results were repeatable D) all of the above

D) all of the above

The famous evolutionary biologist J.B.S. Haldane said the following one evening while drinking at a pub: "I would jump into a river and risk my life to save two brothers, but not one. I would jump in to save eight cousins, but not seven." To what important concept was he alluding? a. An altruistic behavior does not begin to make evolutionary sense until the inclusive fitness associated with the behavior (from the donor's perspective) is at least zero. b. his rambling comments were clearly the product of intoxication and had no meaningful evolutionary interpretation.

a. An altruistic behavior does not begin to make evolutionary sense until the inclusive fitness associated with the behavior (from the donor's perspective) is at least zero.

Ecologists now recognize that many populations consist of a number of subpopulations occupying patches of suitable habitat. Such collections of subpopulations may be called a "metapopulation," but only if the following is true? a. the subpopulations must be connected by movements of individuals b. the subpopulations must be strictly isolated from one another (no movement of individuals)

a. the subpopulations must be connected by movements of individuals

In the figure above (text Figure 6.16), which of the three species shows that it is adaptable to a wide range of environmental temperatures? a. Larrea b. Atriplex c. Tidestromia

a. Larrea **similar curves, not very steep, looks like cotton

Where would you place the elephant on the "Slow-Fast Continuum"? a. Slow ("K") b. Fast ("r")

a. Slow ("K")

Much of the effort in the study of life histories has been to understand the fitness consequences of changing the allocation of limited time and resources to competing functions. a. true b. false

a. true

In the figure above (text Figure 6.16), we see graphs of photosynthetic rate as a function of leaf temperature for three plant species acclimated at high (H) and low (L) temperatures. What process was investigated by these experiments? a. acclimatization b. kin selection c. inrreversible developmental responses

a. acclimatization

Imagine two different genotypes of a particular species. Both genotypes have a hermaphroditic phenotype (each plant is functionally male and female). Genotype 1 has an annual phenotype: individuals of this genotype produce offspring (seeds) at the end of the year, then die. Genotype 2 has an immortal phenotype: individuals of this genotype produce offspring (seeds) at the end of each year and live forever. Assume that the only mortality affecting our two hypothetical genotypes is the death of mature annual plants after they reproduce. If each individual of the genotype 1 (annual phenotype) produces 102 seeds, and each individual of genotype 2 (immortal phenotype) produces 100 seeds, which genotype will increase more rapidly in the population? a. genotype 1 (annual pheno) b. genotype 2 (immortal pheno)

a. genotype 1 (annual pheno)

In class (and in our textbook), the African grasshopper, Gastrimargus africanus, is used as an example of irreversible developmental response. Why do we think that these grasshoppers develop different epidermal coloration at different times of year? a. matching coloration helps them avoid detection by would-be predators b. matching coloration minimizes absorption of solar radiation c. matching coloration makes them more attractive to potential mates d. matching coloration alerts fewer competitors when food is discovered

a. matching coloration helps them avoid detection by would-be predators

NCSU Professor Nick Haddad and collaborators studied the importance of habitat corridors connecting central and peripheral habitat patches, using a large experiment implemented at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in South Carolina. By cleverly planting male holly plants in a central patch and female holly plants in peripheral patches, there were able to track movements of which of the folowing from central to peripheral patches? (Hint: the results from this part of their study are illustrated in text) a. plant pollen b. plant fruits c. plant seeds d. all of the above

a. plant pollen

A mature female sockeye salmon swims up to 5,000 km from her Pacific Ocean feeding ground to the mouth of a coastal river in British Columbia and then another 1,000 km upstream to her spawning ground. Once there, she lays thousands of eggs in her single reproductive event and promptly dies. The salmon's reproductive life history is referred to as: a. semelparous b. iteroparous c. oddparous d. evenparous e. nonparous

a. semelparous

As a general rule of thumb, we can say which of the following about variations in population density throughout a species' geographic range? a. species tend to be most numerous in the center of their range and decrease in density toward the periphery b. species tend to be most numerous toward the periphery of their range and decrease in density toward the center

a. species tend to be most numerous in the center of their range and decrease in density toward the periphery

Consider the statement, "When organisms reproduce sexually, each parent contributes one half of the genes of each of its offspring." What name do we apply to this situation? a. twofold cost of meiosis b. cost associated with maintaining breeding territories c. cost of maintaining sexual macinery (i.e., gonads)

a. twofold cost of meiosis

Dr. Hoffmann from the Department of Plant Biology showed that a genotype exhibiting a semelparous life history could outperform (in terms of lifetime reproductive output) either of the iteroparous genotypes described in the question above. What was the semelparous life history that Dr. Hoffmann described? a. a fish that puts all its resources into reproduction at the end of its first year of life and dies b. a fish that puts all its resources into reproduction at the end of its sixth year of life and dies

b. a fish that puts all its resources into reproduction at the end of its sixth year of life and dies

Forest fragmentation in eastern North America has resulted in increasingly smaller remnant wooded patches. One bird species that has benefited from this fragmentation is a nest parasite that prefers open farms and fields, but will venture a short distance into forested areas in search of the nests of other species. What is the nest parasite? a. Kentucky warbler b. brown-headed cowbird c. starling d. wood duck

b. brown-headed cowbird

Some shorebirds, such as terns, nest in large colonies. These birds maintain small territories surrounding their nests, each nesting pair maintaining a fixed minimum distance between its nest and those of other pairs. What kind of dispersion might you expect in these nests? a. clumped b. evenly spaced c. random

b. evenly spaced

American woodcocks have a promiscuous mating system. Male woodcocks gather in a communal display ground called a "lek". They engage in an elaborate and conspicuous display flight called "winnowing," as they vie for matings with their female spectators. This mating ritual performed by the males is likely the result of sexual selection, but which kind of sexual selection is it? a. contests between males for acccess to females b. exercise of mate choice by females

b. exercise of mate choice by females

A group of children at a birthday party sit around a table covered with pieces of candy. Each child must gather candy, one piece at a time, as fast as possible. No child is permitted to impede the access of another child to the remaining candy on the table. When the table has been cleared, the child with the most pieces of candy is declared the winner. This is an example of: a. interference competition b. exploitative competition c. neither of these

b. exploitative competition

Many organisms exhibit a 50:50 sex ratio, which is the most common ratio observed in nature. What kind of selection tends to maintain such a balanced sex ratio? a. directional selection b. frequency-dependent selection c. sexual selection

b. frequency-dependent selection

Why did average beak size increase in individuals of Darwin's medium ground finch (and their progeny) during a period of severe drought in the Galapagos? a. individuals eating the harder seeds available during the drought developed larger beaks and passed this trait on to their offspring. b. individuals with larger beaks could eat the harder seeds available during the drought and survived/reproduced better than individuals with similar beaks. c. individuals with larger beaks are always at an advantage. d. the observed change in beak size was purely the result of chance.

b. individuals with larger beaks could eat the harder seeds available during the drought and survived/reproduced better than individuals with similar beaks.

Individual organisms can adapt to changes in their environments in all of the following ways: a. evolution by natural selection, phenotypic plasticity, acclimatization b. phenotypic plasticity, acclimatization, irreversible developmental responses c. evolution by natural selection, acclimatization, irreversible developmental responses d. evolution by natural selection, phenotypic plasticity, irreversible developmental responses

b. phenotypic plasticity, acclimatization, irreversible developmental responses

In class, we performed a "thought experiment" involving two fish genotypes, each with a distinctive phenotype (see Table 7.3 above). For fish living a fairly long time (6 or more years), what would you predict to be the better strategy (in terms of lifetime reproductive output) of allocating resources to growth and fecundity? a. slow growth and high fecundity b. rapid growth and low fecundity

b. rapid growth and low fecundity

The widespread occurrence of sexual reproduction in the biological world is actually surprising, given the attendant costs. Each of the following describes one of these costs, with one exception. The exception describes a BENEFIT of sex, which one is it? a. when organisms reproduce sexually, each parent contributes one half of the genes of each of its offspring b. the shuffling of genes that occurs during sexual reproduction results in the production of genetically varied offspring that may have defenses to which the parents' pathogens are not well adapted c. becasue all individuals in asexually reproducing populations produce offspring, such populations increase in size at approximately twice the rate of sexually reproducing populations d. mating behaviors can be risky and expensive, facilitating spread of diseases, increasing exposure to predation, and taking time away from feeding and other maintenance activities

b. the shuffling of genes that occurs during sexual reproduction results in the production of genetically varied offspring that may have defenses to which the parents' pathogens are not well adapted

All of the following are examples of acclimatization except: a. rabbits grow thicker fur in winter b. water fleas develop a protective helmet and long tail spine in response to the presence of predators c. trout produce different forms of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in winter and summer. d. humans increase the density of red blood cells when they spend time at high elevations

b. water fleas develop a protective helmet and long tail spine in response to the presence of predators

By breeding at an earlier age, an organism will reap the obvious benefit of increased fecundity at that age. Is there any potential cost associated with breeding at an earlier age? a. there is no cost associated with breeding at an earlier age b. yes, there is a cost: reduced survival to older ages

b. yes, there is a cost: reduced survival to older ages

Which of the following experimental approaches did Joseph Connell use to determine the cause(s) of vertical zonation in two species of barnacles along the Scottish coast (refer to figure)? a. introduction of exotic barnacle species b. introduction of exotic substrates, such as used tires c. introduction of barnacle parasites d. removal of one or the other of the species of barnacles e. removal of macroscopic algae

d. removal of one or the other of the species of barnacles