Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Species with seeds that are easily dispersed by wind or animals can spread to new areas more effectively, allowing them to move their range northward as the climate changes.

Question 2

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question.
  
Figure 52.1
-How would an ecologist likely explain the expansion of the cattle egret?
A)The areas to which the cattle egret has expanded have no cattle egret parasites.
B)Climatic factors, such as temperature and precipitation provide suitable habitat for cattle egrets.
C)There are no natural predators for cattle egrets in the New World, so they continue to expand their range.
D)A habitat left unoccupied by native herons and egrets met the biotic and abiotic requirements of the cattle egret transplants and their descendants.
E)The first egrets to colonize South America evolved into a new species capable of competing with the native species of herons and egrets.

Accepted Answer

The expansion of the cattle egret can be explained by the fact that the habitat left unoccupied by native herons and egrets met the biotic and abiotic requirements of the cattle egret transplants and their descendants. This allowed for the cattle egret population to thrive and expand into new areas.

Question 3

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question.
  
Figure 52.1
-Which of the following organisms is the most likely candidate for geographic isolation?
A)sparrow
B)bat
C)squirrel
D)salt-water fish
E)land snail

Accepted Answer

The land snail is the best candidate for geographic isolation because it has a limited range and is not likely to migrate to new areas quickly. As a result, it is easier for populations of snails to become isolated from each other, creating the potential for speciation. The other organisms listed (sparrow, bat, squirrel, salt-water fish) are all capable of traveling long distances and have large ranges, making it less likely for them to become geographically isolated.

Question 4

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question.
  
Figure 52.1
-Experts in deer ecology generally agree that population sizes of deer that live in temperate climates are limited by winter snow. The deer congregate in "yarding" areas under evergreen trees because venturing out to feed in winter is energetically too expensive when snowfall depths accumulate to above 40 cm. Deer often stay yarded until the spring thaw. Snow depth over 40 inches for more than 60 days results in high mortality due to starvation. This observation best illustrates which of the following principles about factors that limit distribution of organisms?
A)Abiotic factors, such as weather extremes, ultimately limit distribution.
B)Organisms will face extinction unless they adapt to conditions or evolve new mechanisms for survival.
C)Environmental factors are limiting not only in amount but also in longevity.
D)Daily accumulations in snow depth gradually add up to cause increased deer mortality.
E)Temporary extremes in weather conditions usually result in high mortality in the deer population.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Use the following diagram from the text...

Question 5

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question.
  
Figure 52.1
-Generalized global air circulation and precipitation patterns are caused by
A)rising, warm, moist air masses cool and release precipitation as they rise and then at high altitude, cool and sink back to the surface as dry air masses after moving north or south of the tropics.
B)air masses that are dried and heated over continental areas that rise, cool aloft, and descend over oceanic areas followed by a return flow of moist air from ocean to land delivering high amounts of precipitation to coastal areas.
C)polar, cool, moist high pressure air masses from the poles that move along the surface, releasing precipitation along the way to the equator where they are heated and dried.
D)the revolution of the Earth around the sun.
E)Mountain ranges that deflect air masses containing variable amounts of moisture.

Accepted Answer

The diagram shows the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, but it does not provide any information regarding the generalized global air circulation and precipitation patterns. Option A is the correct answer because it accurately describes the process by which air masses move and create precipitation patterns. Options B, C, D, and E are not correct as they either do not accurately describe the process, or are not related to the topic of global air circulation and precipitation patterns.

Question 6

The main reason polar regions are cooler than the equator is because
A)there is more ice at the poles.
B)sunlight strikes the poles at an lower angle.
C)the poles are farther from the sun.
D)the poles have a thicker atmosphere.
E)the poles are permanently tilted away from the sun.

Accepted Answer

The angle at which sunlight strikes the poles is much lower than at the equator. This results in less solar radiation being absorbed, causing cooler temperatures.

Question 7

Which of the following events might you predict to occur if the tilt of Earth's axis relative to its plane of orbit was increased 33.5 degrees?
A)Summers and winters in the United States would likely become warmer and colder, respectively.
B)Winters and summers in Australia would likely become less distinct seasons.
C)Seasonal variation at the equator might decrease.
D)Both northern and southern hemispheres would experience summer and winter at the same time.
E)Both poles would experience massive ice melts

Accepted Answer

If the tilt of Earth's axis relative to its plane of orbit was increased 33.5 degrees, it would lead to more extreme seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres. Summers would become hotter and winters colder in most parts of the world, including the United States. Australia might experience less distinct seasons due to the changes in the axis tilt. However, option C, D and E are not likely to occur due to this change.

Question 8

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question.
  
Figure 52.1
-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 changes that these air masses undergo?
A)The cool, moist Pacific air heats up as it rises, releasing its precipitation as it passes the tops of the mountains, and this warm, now dry air cools as it descends on the leeward side of the range.
B)The warm, moist Pacific air rises and cools, releasing precipitation as it moves up the windward side of the range, and this cool, now dry air mass heats up as it descends on the leeward side of the range.
C)The cool, dry Pacific air heats and picks up moisture from evaporation of the snowcapped peaks of the mountain range, releasing this moisture as precipitation as the air cools as it descends on the leeward side of the range.
D)These air masses are blocked by these mountain ranges producing high annual amounts of precipitation on the windward sides of these mountain ranges.
E)These air masses remain essentially unchanged in moisture content and temperature as they pass over these mountain ranges.

Accepted Answer

The statement describes the process of orographic lift, which occurs when moist air masses are forced to rise up a mountain range, causing the air to cool and release precipitation on the windward side of the range. As the air descends on the leeward side, it warms up and dries out.

Question 9

Generally speaking, deserts are located in places where air masses are usually
A)tropical.
B)humid.
C)rising.
D)descending.
E)expanding.

Accepted Answer

Deserts are often found in areas where air masses are descending, resulting in low humidity and little precipitation. Descending air warms up and can hold more moisture, which results in arid conditions.

Question 10

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question.
  
Figure 52.1
-Phytoplankton is most frequently found in which of the following zones?
A)oligotrophic
B)photic
C)benthic
D)abyssal
E)aphotic

Accepted Answer

Phytoplankton require sunlight for photosynthesis, and therefore are found in the photic zone where light penetrates the water column. The other zones listed (oligotrophic, benthic, abyssal, and aphotic) are not typically associated with high concentrations of phytoplankton.

Question 11

Which of the examples below provides appropriate abiotic and biotic factors that might determine the distribution of the species in question?
A)The amount of nitrate and phosphate in the soil and wild flower abundance and diversity
B)The number of frost-free days and competition between species of introduced grasses and native alpine grasses
C)Increased predation and decreased food availability and a prairie dog population after a prairie fire
D)Available sunlight and increased salinity in the top few meters of the ocean and the abundance and diversity of phytoplankton communities
E)The pH and dissolved oxygen concentration and the streams in which brook trout can live

Accepted Answer

This option presents both abiotic (number of frost-free days) and biotic (competition between species of introduced grasses and native alpine grasses) factors that can influence the distribution of the species, suggesting a solid understanding of ecological concepts. The other options also present plausible factors, but some only refer to biotic factors (e.g., option A), while others focus on abiotic factors without mentioning relevant biotic factors that could influence the distribution of the species (e.g., option D). Option C presents a complex scenario that includes both biotic and abiotic factors, but it is not clear how they interact, and the population in question is not specified. Option E seems to provide only abiotic factors, although it is relevant to the distribution of brook trout.

Question 12

Which of the following causes Earth's seasons?
A)global air circulation
B)global wind patterns
C)ocean currents
D)changes in Earth's distance from the sun
E)the tilt of Earth's axis

Accepted Answer

The tilt of Earth's axis causes the seasons. As Earth moves around the sun, the angle of the sunlight hitting different parts of the planet changes, causing the different seasons.

Question 13

A certain species of pine tree survives only in scattered locations at elevations above 2,800 m in the western United States. To understand why this tree grows only in these specific places an ecologist should
A)conclude that lower elevations are limiting to the survival of this species.
B)study the anatomy and physiology of this species.
C)investigate the various biotic and abiotic factors that are unique to high altitude.
D)analyze the soils found in the vicinity of these trees, looking for unique chemicals that may support their growth.
E)collect data on temperature, wind, and precipitation at several of these locations for a year.

Accepted Answer

Investigating the various biotic and abiotic factors that are unique to high altitude would provide insight into why this pine tree species can only survive in scattered locations above 2,800 m in the western United States. It would help identify what specific characteristics this species requires to grow and thrive in that environment. Studying the anatomy and physiology of the species (option B) may provide useful information but is unlikely to be sufficient to explain why the tree grows only in scattered locations. Analyzing the soils (option D) may be useful but would not provide the full picture about the factors that limit the tree's distribution. Collecting data on temperature, wind, and precipitation (option E) would be helpful for understanding the environment the tree is growing in, but may not be enough to uncover why the tree is limited to specific locations. Option A is not necessarily correct as lower elevations may not be limiting to the tree's survival.

Question 14

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question.
  
Figure 52.1
-Which marine zone would have the lowest rates of primary productivity (photosynthesis)?
A)pelagic
B)abyssal
C)neritic
D)continental shelf
E)intertidal

Accepted Answer

The abyssal zone is the deepest ocean zone and receives very little light, making it difficult for photosynthesis to occur. Therefore, it has the lowest rates of primary productivity.

Question 15

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question.
  
Figure 52.1
-Species introduced to new geographic locations
A)are usually successful in colonizing the area.
B)always spread because they encounter no natural predators.
C)increase the diversity and therefore the stability of the ecosystem.
D)can out-compete and displace native species for biotic and abiotic resources.
E)are always considered pests by ecologists.

Accepted Answer

The diagram shows that the cattle egret, a species introduced to the New World, has rapidly spread to various regions. This is an example of how introduced species can out-compete and displace native species for resources, leading to negative impacts on the ecosystem. Therefore, option D is the best answer.

Question 16

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question.
  
Figure 52.1
-The benthic zone in an aquatic biome
A)often supports communities of organisms that feed largely on detritus.
B)supports communities of highly motile animals.
C)is where one would most expect to find a thermocline.
D)has wider seasonal fluctuations in temperature than other aquatic zones.
E)is always devoid of light.

Accepted Answer

The given diagram is not related to the benthic zone in an aquatic biome. Therefore, none of the options provided is directly related to the diagram. However, according to general knowledge of aquatic biomes, option A is the most accurate. The benthic zone is the bottom region of an aquatic biome and is mainly inhabited by organisms that feed on detritus (dead organic matter). This is because the detritus is produced by the overlying water column through sedimentation, and it provides an essential source of energy and nutrients for benthic organisms. Therefore, option A is the best choice.

Question 17

Imagine some cosmic catastrophe jolts Earth so that its axis is perpendicular to the orbital plane between Earth and the sun. The most obvious effect of this change would be
A)the elimination of tides.
B)an increase in the length of night.
C)an increase in the length of a year.
D)a decrease in temperature at the equator.
E)the elimination of seasonal variation.

Accepted Answer

With Earth's axis perpendicular to its orbital plane, the distribution of sunlight would remain constant throughout the year, eliminating the primary cause of seasonal changes. This is because the tilt of Earth's axis is responsible for the varying angles at which sunlight hits different parts of the Earth during its orbit, leading to seasons.

Question 18

Which of the following environmental features might influence microclimates?
A)a discarded soft-drink can
B)a tree
C)a fallen log
D)a stone
E)all of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the listed features can influence microclimates by affecting temperature, moisture, and wind patterns in their immediate surroundings.

Question 19

The success with which plants extend their range northward following glacial retreat is best determined by
A)whether there is simultaneous migration of herbivores.
B)their tolerance to shade.
C)their seed dispersal rate.
D)their size.
E)their growth rate.

Accepted Answer

The success with which plants extend their range northward following glacial retreat is best determined by their seed dispersal rate. This is because as the new land becomes available, plants need to be able to spread their seeds quickly and effectively to colonize the area. Plants with high seed dispersal rates are more likely to successfully extend their range northward following glacial retreat.

Question 20

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question.
  
Figure 52.1
-Where would an ecologist find the most phytoplankton in a lake?
A)profundal zone
B)benthic zone
C)photic zone
D)oligotrophic zone
E)aphotic zone

Accepted Answer

The photic zone is the upper layer of a body of water where there is enough light for photosynthesis to occur. Phytoplankton are photosynthetic organisms that require light to survive, so they would be concentrated in the photic zone of a lake.

Quiz 52: An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere

As climate changes because of global warming, 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

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question. Figure 52.1 -How would an ecologist likely explain the expansion of the cattle egret?

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question. Figure 52.1 -Which of the following organisms is the most likely candidate for geographic isolation?

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question. Figure 52.1 -Generalized global air circulation and precipitation patterns are caused by

The main reason polar regions are cooler than the equator is because

Which of the following events might you predict to occur if the tilt of Earth's axis relative to its plane of orbit was increased 33.5 degrees?

Generally speaking, deserts are located in places where air masses are usually

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question. Figure 52.1 -Phytoplankton is most frequently found in which of the following zones?

Which of the examples below provides appropriate abiotic and biotic factors that might determine the distribution of the species in question?

Which of the following causes Earth's seasons?

A certain species of pine tree survives only in scattered locations at elevations above 2,800 m in the western United States. To understand why this tree grows only in these specific places an ecologist should

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question. Figure 52.1 -Which marine zone would have the lowest rates of primary productivity (photosynthesis) ?

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question. Figure 52.1 -Species introduced to new geographic locations

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question. Figure 52.1 -The benthic zone in an aquatic biome

Imagine some cosmic catastrophe jolts Earth so that its axis is perpendicular to the orbital plane between Earth and the sun. The most obvious effect of this change would be

Which of the following environmental features might influence microclimates?

The success with which plants extend their range northward following glacial retreat is best determined by

Use the following diagram from the text showing the spread of the cattle egret, Bulbulcus ibis, since its arrival in the New World, to answer the following question. Figure 52.1 -Where would an ecologist find the most phytoplankton in a lake?