Exam 52: An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere

Use this description to answer the following questions. A the human population keeps growing, severe human disturbances are altering many biomes. For example, tropical rainforests are being cut down or burned to create large expanses of agricultural land. -A variety of abiotic and biotic factors can limit species distribution. Plant biologists discovered a rare flowering plant in a small plot of undisturbed rainforest that is now surrounded by recently created agricultural land. The plant is growing and looks healthy, but after two years you see no signs of reproduction. What is (are)the most likely biotic factor(s)that could explain why this plant has not successfully reproduced?

The diagram shows a generalized cross section of the marine environment with various zones labelled with letters. Choose the letter that best answers the question. Letters may be used once, more than once, or not at all. -Which zone has the lowest biomass per unit of area?

In the development of terrestrial biomes, which factor is most dependent on all the others?

Deserts typically occur in a band at 20 degrees north and south latitude because

Which of the following examples of an ecological effect leading to an evolutionary effect is most correct?

Which marine zone would have the lowest rates of primary productivity (photosynthesis)?

What is the limiting factor for the growth of trees in the tundra?

Use this description to answer the following question. In areas of permafrost, stands of black spruce are frequently observed in the landscape, while other tree species are noticeably absent. Often these stands are referred to as "drunken forests" because many of the black spruce are displaced from their normal vertical alignment. -Which of the following is true with respect to oligotrophic lakes and eutrophic lakes?

Which of the following levels of ecological organization is arranged in the correct sequence from most to least inclusive?

Palm trees and subtropical plants are commonplace in Land's End, England, whose latitude is the equivalent of Labrador in coastal Canada where the local flora is subarctic. Which statement best explains why this apparent anomaly exists between North America and Europe?

Oligotrophic lakes are characterized by

In mountainous areas of western North America, north-facing slopes would be expected to

Air masses formed over the Pacific Ocean are moved by prevailing westerlies where they encounter extensive north-south mountain ranges, such as the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades. Which statement best describes the outcome of this encounter between a landform and an air mass?

If global warming continues at its present rate, which biomes will likely take the place of the coniferous forest (taiga)?

Fire suppression by humans

If you are interested in observing a relatively simple community structure in a clear water lake, you would do well to choose diving into

Why is the climate drier on the leeward side of mountain ranges that are subjected to prevailing winds?

Use this description to answer the following questions. A the human population keeps growing, severe human disturbances are altering many biomes. For example, tropical rainforests are being cut down or burned to create large expanses of agricultural land. -Would you expect to see any microclimate changes as a result of encroaching agriculture into the tropical rainforest biome?

Which of the following can be said about light in aquatic environments?

Use this description to answer the following question. In areas of permafrost, stands of black spruce are frequently observed in the landscape, while other tree species are noticeably absent. Often these stands are referred to as "drunken forests" because many of the black spruce are displaced from their normal vertical alignment. -Which of the following areas of study focuses on the exchange of energy, organisms, and materials between ecosystems?