Deck 49: An Introduction to Ecology

Question 1

Figure 49.3
Which of the following terms does NOT describe how much all of the plants in a biome grow?

A) productivity
B) aboveground biomass
C) photosynthetic quotient
D) net primary productivity

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Figure 49.2
Based on the data in Figure 49.2, which of the following statements is FALSE?

A) Area 2 would be considered a desert because of its low average precipitation.
B) Area 2 has a large annual temperature variation.
C) Area 1 has more average precipitation than area 2.
D) Area 1 would be considered a desert because of its high average temperature.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

A certain species of pine tree survives only in scattered locations at elevations above 2800 metres in the western United States. To understand why this tree grows only in these specific places, an ecologist should

A) investigate the various biotic and abiotic factors that are unique to high altitude.
B) collect data on temperature, wind, and precipitation at several of these locations for a year.
C) conclude that lower elevations are limiting to the survival of this species.
D) analyze the soils found in the vicinity of these trees, looking for unique chemicals that may support their growth.
E) study the anatomy and physiology of this species.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Figure 49.3
Based on the data in the figure above, which of the following statements is FALSE?

A) Area 2 has a smaller annual temperature variation compared to area 1.
B) Area 1 has more average precipitation than area 2.
C) Both areas have variation in monthly precipitation.
D) Area 1 has a higher average temperature than area 2.

Question 5

Which of the following statements regarding temperate grasslands is FALSE?

A) Grasslands are lower in productivity than tropical forest communities.
B) Grasslands have too little precipitation to support tree growth.
C) Grassland soils are not very fertile.
D) Prairie fires can result from lightening strikes.

Question 6

A fish species known for its success in the aphotic zone would likely NOT have which of the following characteristics?

A) highly developed chemoreception
B) adaptations for sit- and- wait predation
C) symbioses with photosynthetic organisms
D) adaptations for burrowing

Question 7

A fish swimming into a bog environment in Ontario would likely have which of the following as its greatest physiological challenge?

A) The high water flow would make the fish expend more energy.
B) The high temperature would stress the fish by denaturing its proteins.
C) The low nitrogen content would make it difficult for the fish to synthesize proteins.
D) The low oxygen content would make it difficult for the fish to swim aerobically.

Question 8

Wetlands are standing bodies of freshwater, just like lakes and ponds. However, wetlands are different from lakes and ponds because

A) wetlands have shallow water.
B) wetlands have emergent vegetation.
C) wetlands have oxygen- poor water.
D) answers A and B both apply.
E) answers B and C both apply.

Question 9

Figure 49.3
Based on the data in Figure 49.3, which of the following statements is true?

A) Area 2 could be called a boreal forest.
B) Area 1 could be called a tropical wet forest.
C) Area 1 could be called a subtropical desert.
D) Area 2 could be called tundra.

Question 10

Figure 49.1
In the figure above, which number would designate the biome with the highest variation in annual precipitation?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4

Question 11

Figure 49.1
In Figure 49.1, which number would designate the biome with the highest variation in annual temperature?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4

Question 12

The specific abiotic factors defining a biome are

A) maximum annual temperatures, moisture levels, and average annual temperature.
B) average annual temperature and moisture levels.
C) average annual temperature, moisture levels, and annual variation in temperature and precipitation.
D) maximum annual temperature and moisture levels.
E) annual variation in temperature and precipitation.

Question 13

Which of the following statements regarding turnover is true?

A) In fall turnover, dense water at 4°C sinks and disturbs sediments in the benthic zone.
B) The surface water gets to 4°C only by cooling.
C) Fall turnovers and spring turnovers are exactly the same.
D) In fall turnover, dense water at 4°C rises and disturbs sediments in the benthic zone.

Question 14

Which level of ecological study focuses the most on abiotic factors?

A) speciation ecology
B) ecosystem ecology
C) community ecology
D) population ecology

Question 15

Which abiotic factor would have the most significant physiological effect on migrating salmon?

A) competition for resources
B) water solute content
C) water temperature
D) human- built structural interferences

Question 16

Figure 49.2
Based on the data in Figure 49.2, which of the following statements is true?

A) Area 1 could be called a tropical wet forest.
B) Area 2 could be called a temperate grassland.
C) Area 2 could be tundra.
D) Area 1 could be called a boreal forest.

Question 17

Figure 49.1
Looking at the figure above, which number would designate the tropical wet forest biome?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4

Question 18

A fish swimming into an estuary from a river would have which of the following as its greatest physiological challenge?

A) The low oxygen content would give the fish difficulty in swimming aerobically.
B) The high water flow would make the fish expend more energy.
C) The change in water solute content would challenge the osmotic balance of the fish.
D) The temperature change would stress the fish by denaturing its proteins.

Question 19

As climate changes because of global warming, plant species' ranges in the Northern Hemisphere may move northward. The trees that are most likely to avoid extinction in such an environment are those that

A) have seeds that become viable only after a forest fire.
B) have seeds that are easily dispersed by wind or animals.
C) produce well- provisioned seeds.
D) have thin seed coats.
E) disperse many seeds in close proximity to the parent tree.

Question 20

In deep water, which of the following abiotic factors would most limit productivity?

A) solute concentration
B) temperature
C) light availability
D) all of the above

Question 21

Besides sunlight, which would be the next most important climatic factors for plants?

A) temperature and moisture
B) wind and fire
C) temperature and wind
D) moisture and wind

Question 22

You are measuring the effect of increased sunlight on a tropical wet forest biome. Which of the following would you measure?

A) NPP as it indicates the biomass available for other organisms to use.
B) Species diversity as it indicates the number of species present and their relative numbers.
C) The number of parasites in the area as it indicates the health of the biome.
D) All of A, B, and C.
E) Both A and B.

Question 23

According to the latest hypotheses, why do evergreens predominate in cold environments?

A) Evergreens begin photosynthesizing in early spring, even before the snow melts.
B) Evergreens do not shed their leaves and thus do not need as many soil nutrients.
C) Evergreens photosynthesize all year round.
D) Answers A and B are both correct.
E) Answers B and C are both correct.

Question 24

Which is a likely biotic factor limiting songbird distribution in Hawaii to alpine habitats?

A) oxygen content
B) temperature
C) insects causing fatal diseases in songbirds at lower altitudes
D) moisture

Question 25

Which of the following correctly describes light in aquatic environments?

A) Light penetration seldom limits the distribution of photosynthetic species.
B) Most photosynthetic organisms avoid the surface where the light is too intense.
C) Longer wavelengths penetrate to greater depths.
D) Photosynthetic organisms that live in deep water probably use red light.
E) Water selectively reflects and absorbs certain wavelengths of light.

Question 26

Theoretically, which would be the most effective way to disrupt a Hadley cell?

A) Remove all equatorial moisture and convection.
B) Shift the Sun to apply direct rays 30 degrees south latitude.
C) Heat the poles.
D) Extensively water the deserts.

Question 27

For a species to be called "invasive," it must

A) be introduced to a new area.
B) spread rapidly in a new area.
C) eliminate native species.
D) Answers A and B both apply.
E) All of the above answers apply.

Question 28

What is the main reason that climatic conditions on Mercury differ from those on Earth?

A) existence of an atmosphere
B) existence of plant life
C) average distance from the Sun
D) planet size

Question 29

What is the main reason that polar regions are cooler than the equator?

A) The poles are permanently tilted away from the Sun.
B) There is more ice at the poles.
C) The poles are farther from the Sun.
D) The polar atmosphere is thinner and contains fewer greenhouse gases.
E) Sunlight strikes the poles at a lower angle.

Question 30

What is the main difference between climate and weather?

A) Climate typically describes longer- term conditions.
B) Climate typically describes shorter- term conditions.
C) Weather typically describes a larger area than climate.
D) Weather includes temperature and climate does not.

Question 31

Use the following abstract from the International Journal of Climatology to answer the corresponding questions).
Abstract:
The rainfall associated with the Indian summer monsoon shows large intraseasonal and interannual viability. Break- monsoo conditions are one of the important epochs of the monsoon, and they contribute significantly to the intraseasonal variability of the monsoon. The National Centers for Environmental Prediction- National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data sets are used to investigate the significant energy budget terms during the pre- break 5 days prior to the commencement of the break), break and post- break 5 days after the cessation of the break) periods. In the present study, certain dynamic and thermodynamic characteristics of the monsoon circulation during break- monsoon conditions are investigated. The important terms in the various energy budget equations are analysed between the surface and 100 hPa for the break and its departures from pre- and post- break for the period 1968- 96. The statistical significance of these departures is also examined by Student's t- test at the 95% confidence level. The volume integral of the budget terms is also examined in four sectors, i.e. the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, northern India and central India. Significant changes in the wind field and vorticity at 850 hPa take place in the monsoon trough zone, coastal regions of the western coast of India and the southwestern Bay of Bengal of the southern Indian coast. The vertically upward rising arm of the Hadley cell weakens during the break phase. The strong flux convergence of kinetic energy in the central Arabian Sea and flux divergence in the northeastern Bay of Bengal weakens during pre- and post- break periods. Significant changes in the diabatic heating horizontal flux of heat and moisture are observed in the monsoon trough zone, central and northwestern Bay of Bengal. The Bay of Bengal and central India sectors show higher magnitudes and changes in respect of dynamic and thermodynamic parameters compared with the Arabian Sea and northern India. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society. Reproduced with permission.
Permission is granted by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of RMETS. Bhatla et al. 2004. A study on dynamic and thermodynamic aspects of breaks in the summer monsoon over India. International Journal of Climatology 24:341- 60.)
Using the Bhatla et al. 2004) reference and your knowledge about the Hadley cell, would you expect a difference in thermodynamic parameters with monsoon magnitude and variability with latitude?

A) yes
B) no

Question 32

Use the following abstract from the International Journal of Climatology to answer the corresponding questions).
Abstract:
The rainfall associated with the Indian summer monsoon shows large intraseasonal and interannual viability. Break- monsoo conditions are one of the important epochs of the monsoon, and they contribute significantly to the intraseasonal variability of the monsoon. The National Centers for Environmental Prediction- National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data sets are used to investigate the significant energy budget terms during the pre- break 5 days prior to the commencement of the break), break and post- break 5 days after the cessation of the break) periods. In the present study, certain dynamic and thermodynamic characteristics of the monsoon circulation during break- monsoon conditions are investigated. The important terms in the various energy budget equations are analysed between the surface and 100 hPa for the break and its departures from pre- and post- break for the period 1968- 96. The statistical significance of these departures is also examined by Student's t- test at the 95% confidence level. The volume integral of the budget terms is also examined in four sectors, i.e. the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, northern India and central India. Significant changes in the wind field and vorticity at 850 hPa take place in the monsoon trough zone, coastal regions of the western coast of India and the southwestern Bay of Bengal of the southern Indian coast. The vertically upward rising arm of the Hadley cell weakens during the break phase. The strong flux convergence of kinetic energy in the central Arabian Sea and flux divergence in the northeastern Bay of Bengal weakens during pre- and post- break periods. Significant changes in the diabatic heating horizontal flux of heat and moisture are observed in the monsoon trough zone, central and northwestern Bay of Bengal. The Bay of Bengal and central India sectors show higher magnitudes and changes in respect of dynamic and thermodynamic parameters compared with the Arabian Sea and northern India. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society. Reproduced with permission.
Permission is granted by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of RMETS. Bhatla et al. 2004. A study on dynamic and thermodynamic aspects of breaks in the summer monsoon over India. International Journal of Climatology 24:341- 60.)

-On Earth, the general trend is that with decreasing latitude and increased solar radiation, there is produced by photosynthesis by plants, etc).

A) an increase in biodiversity because of increased biomass food)
B) an increase in biodiversity because of increased oxygen supplies
C) a decrease in biodiversity because of increased oxygen supplies
D) a decrease in biodiversity because of increased biomass food)

Question 33

Every place on Earth receives the same number of hours of sunlight each year-an average of 12 hours per day. Why do different areas of the Earth receive different amounts of solar radiation?

A) The height of the place above sea level is an important determinant of the amount of solar energy received.
B) The density of the vegetation affects how much solar radiation a place will receive-the more grassland, the less solar radiation.
C) The angle of the sunlight is an important determinant of the amount of solar energy received.
D) The density of the vegetation affects how much solar radiation a place will receive-the more tall trees, the less solar radiation.
E) Because of the curvature of the Earth, winds of the upper stratosphere can blow solar radiation away from an area before it reaches the ground.

Question 34

(a) $\text {Distribution of cattle is limited by distribution of tsetse flies.}$

Figure 49.4

-Based on the figure above, and knowing what you know about cattle, what is the most logical conclusion?

A) Cattle distribution is primarily affected by grass distribution.
B) Tsetse flies somehow negatively affect cattle.
C) Cattle distribution is primarily affected by temperature.
D) Cattle somehow affect the reproduction of the tsetse fly.

Question 35

Which of the following statements best describes the effect of climate on biome distribution?

A) Temperate forests and grasslands are different biomes because they receive a different quality and quantity of sunlight, even though they have essentially the same annual temperature and precipitation.
B) Seasonal fluctuation of temperature is not a limiting factor in biome distribution if areas have the same annual temperature and precipitation means.
C) The average climate and pattern of climate are important in determining biome distribution.
D) Correlation of climate with biome distribution is sufficient to determine the cause of biome patterns.
E) Average annual temperature and precipitation are sufficient to predict which biome will be found in an area.

Question 36

In which terrestrial area is global warming most likely to allow coniferous trees to encroach?

A) boreal forests
B) arctic tundra
C) tropical wet forests
D) temperate forests

Question 37

Use the following abstract from the International Journal of Climatology to answer the corresponding questions).
Abstract:
The rainfall associated with the Indian summer monsoon shows large intraseasonal and interannual viability. Break- monsoo conditions are one of the important epochs of the monsoon, and they contribute significantly to the intraseasonal variability of the monsoon. The National Centers for Environmental Prediction- National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data sets are used to investigate the significant energy budget terms during the pre- break 5 days prior to the commencement of the break), break and post- break 5 days after the cessation of the break) periods. In the present study, certain dynamic and thermodynamic characteristics of the monsoon circulation during break- monsoon conditions are investigated. The important terms in the various energy budget equations are analysed between the surface and 100 hPa for the break and its departures from pre- and post- break for the period 1968- 96. The statistical significance of these departures is also examined by Student's t- test at the 95% confidence level. The volume integral of the budget terms is also examined in four sectors, i.e. the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, northern India and central India. Significant changes in the wind field and vorticity at 850 hPa take place in the monsoon trough zone, coastal regions of the western coast of India and the southwestern Bay of Bengal of the southern Indian coast. The vertically upward rising arm of the Hadley cell weakens during the break phase. The strong flux convergence of kinetic energy in the central Arabian Sea and flux divergence in the northeastern Bay of Bengal weakens during pre- and post- break periods. Significant changes in the diabatic heating horizontal flux of heat and moisture are observed in the monsoon trough zone, central and northwestern Bay of Bengal. The Bay of Bengal and central India sectors show higher magnitudes and changes in respect of dynamic and thermodynamic parameters compared with the Arabian Sea and northern India. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society. Reproduced with permission.
Permission is granted by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of RMETS. Bhatla et al. 2004. A study on dynamic and thermodynamic aspects of breaks in the summer monsoon over India. International Journal of Climatology 24:341- 60.)
The rainfall associated with the Indian summer monsoon shows a large intraseasonal and interannual variability. Break- monsoon conditions are one of the most important epochs of the monsoon, and they contribute significantly to the intraseasonal variability of the monsoon. Given what you know about the Hadley cell, how would it have to change to produce this break phase in the monsoon Bhatla et al., 2004)?

A) The downward arm of Hadley cell strengthens.
B) The upward arm of Hadley cell weakens.
C) The downward arm of Hadley cell weakens.
D) The upward arm of Hadley cell strengthens.
E) No change is needed in the Hadley cell to produce the break phase.

Question 38

Which of the following statements regarding altitude and climate is FALSE?

A) The higher the altitude, the cooler the climate.
B) Rain shadows may appear on one side of a mountain range.
C) The presence of mountain ranges tends to produce extremes in precipitation.
D) Both sides of a mountain range always receive equal amounts of precipitation.

Question 39

If the Earth were to reorient such that the North Pole always received direct sunlight always faced the Sun), how would that change Earth's climate?

A) The South Pole would get colder.
B) The equators would not change in climate.
C) The North Pole would get more wind.
D) The equators would get warmer.

Question 40

What would happen to the seasons if the Earth were tilted 35 degrees off its orbital plane instead of the usual
23)5 degrees?

A) The seasons would disappear.
B) The seasons would be shorter.
C) Winters and summers would be more severe.
D) Winters and summers would be less severe.