Question 1

Explain the difference between ecology and environmental science.

Accepted Answer

Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment. Environmental science is the study of human impacts on the environment. It employs ecological principles to determine the means by which the environment can be protected.

Question 2

Why do some ecological systems not reach equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Because homeostasis is the result of selection on individuals. Selection does not typically operate on populations or communities. Thus, there is no selection for equilibrium as there is in individuals.

Question 3

Why is it important that we can falsify a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Science proceeds by rejecting incorrect explanations. A hypothesis cannot be shown to be true. We accept those hypotheses we cannot reject as false.

Question 4

Natural history is important to ecology because it

Accepted Answer

A)  requires keen observational skill. 
B)  is not driven by hypotheses. 
C)  answers key ecological questions. 
D)  focuses on ultimate questions. 
E)  none of the above

Question 5

How does an ultimate explanation differ from a proximate explanation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does an ultimate explanation differ from...

Question 6

The essence of a good hypothesis is that it

Accepted Answer

A)  answers proximate questions. 
B)  is the result of predictions. 
C)  is falsifiable. 
D)  applies to more than one level in the biological hierarchy. 
E)  none of the above

Question 7

What are some characteristics of a model study organism or system in ecology?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are some characteristics of a model...

Question 8

An ecological community

Accepted Answer

A)  is less inclusive than the population. 
B)  consists of groups of interacting species. 
C)  is more inclusive than the ecosystem. 
D)  requires behavioral interactions among its components. 
E)  none of the above

Question 9

Ecological systems, unlike the organism,

Accepted Answer

A)  do not exhibit homeostasis. 
B)  exhibit homeostasis. 
C)  are able to evolve. 
D)  are susceptible to selection pressure. 
E)  none of the above

Question 10

How do the resource management sciences differ from ecology?

Accepted Answer

A)  Ecology is an applied science. 
B)  The management sciences focus on natural history. 
C)  They are applied sciences. 
D)  They focus on human impacts on ecology. 
E)  none of the above

Question 11

The most comprehensive level of biological organization is the

Accepted Answer

A)  ecosystem. 
B)  species. 
C)  ecosphere. 
D)  hierarchical level. 
E)  none of the above

Question 12

Can the hares of Swan Valley be studied at more than one level of the biological hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Can the hares of Swan Valley be...

Exam 1: Introduction to Ecology