Question 1

In a region with seasonal drought, occasional fires, and grazing by large herbivores, you would most likely find a

Accepted Answer

The combination of seasonal drought, occasional fires, and grazing by large herbivores is indicative of a grassland ecosystem. Forests typically do not have the same level of seasonal drought and fires can be less frequent. Deserts have low levels of precipitation, while sand dunes are typically associated with deserts. Volcanoes are geological features and not indicative of an ecosystem.

Question 2

What term refers to the differences in genes among the individuals in a particular species?

Accepted Answer

Genetic diversity refers to the differences in genes among individuals in a certain species. It is one of the components of biodiversity, which also includes ecological diversity, species diversity, and functional diversity.

Question 3

Scientists use evidence from fossils and ice cores to support the accepted theory for most evolutionary change, referred to as

Accepted Answer

Fossils provide evidence for the existence of different species in the past and how they have changed over time. Ice cores provide evidence for changes in climate and environmental conditions over time. The theory of natural selection explains how these changes in species and environment have occurred over time. Therefore, natural selection is the most accepted theory for most evolutionary change and is supported by evidence from fossils and ice cores.

Question 4

The second phase of speciation, which involves changes in gene pools, is called

Accepted Answer

Reproductive isolation occurs when genetic differences between populations become so great that individuals from different populations can no longer mate successfully to produce viable offspring. This is a critical step in the process of speciation because it prevents gene flow between populations and allows them to diverge genetically over time.

(Note: while geographic isolation and adaptive radiation also play important roles in the process of speciation, they do not directly involve changes in gene pools.)

Question 5

The number and variety of ecosystems in a particular area, each of which is a storehouse of genetic and species diversity, is called

Accepted Answer

Ecological diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems in a particular area, encompassing the different habitats and ecological processes within them.

Question 6

Transferring genes from a bacteria into rice to boost its vitamin content is an example of

Accepted Answer

Transferring genes from one organism into another to enhance or change its characteristics is called genetic engineering. This process is different from cross-breeding, which involves the sexual reproduction of two different species, and reproductive isolation and geographic isolation, which are mechanisms of evolution that prevent gene flow between populations. Divergence is the accumulation of genetic differences between different populations or species over time.

Question 7

What are the two primary reasons the earth is 'just right' for life to thrive?

Accepted Answer

The size of the earth and its distance from the sun are the two primary reasons why the earth is 'just right' for life to thrive. The earth is large enough to hold onto its atmosphere and small enough to have a moderate climate, while its distance from the sun allows for the presence of liquid water on its surface.

Question 8

A desert is an area where

Accepted Answer

A desert is defined by its extremely low amount of annual precipitation, usually less than 25 centimeters (10 inches) per year. This is why choice B is the most appropriate answer. The other options are not necessarily true of all deserts; for example, some deserts do receive occasional rainfall (so D is incorrect), some have no cacti but other types of vegetation (so E is incorrect), and while evaporation may be high in deserts due to the lack of moisture, it is not a defining characteristic (so A and C are incorrect).

Question 9

Genetically modified bacteria use to clean up oil spills are a result of

Accepted Answer

Genetically modified bacteria are a product of genetic engineering, in which scientists manipulate an organism's DNA to create desired traits or characteristics. In this case, scientists have modified bacteria to consume and break down oil, which helps clean up oil spills. Adaptation, isolation, genetic selection, and artificial intelligence are not directly related to the creation of genetically modified bacteria.

Question 10

Energy flow and matter cycling are part of

Accepted Answer

Energy flow and matter cycling are processes that describe the functioning of an ecosystem. Functional diversity relates to the range of ecological processes and functions that are performed within an ecosystem, including primary production, nutrient cycling, and decomposition. Therefore, energy flow and matter cycling are examples of functional diversity. Ecological diversity and species diversity relate to the number and variety of species within an ecosystem, while genetic diversity refers to the variability in genetic makeup within species. Biodiversity encompasses all of these types of diversity within the biosphere.

Question 11

How are current extinction rates because of human activities different than natural rates of extinction?

Accepted Answer

Current extinction rates due to human activities are estimated to be 100 to 10,000 times higher than natural rates of extinction. This accelerated rate is largely attributed to human-driven factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, overfishing, and hunting.

Question 12

Most mutations

Accepted Answer

Most mutations result from random changes that occur in coded genetic instructions, such as errors during DNA replication or exposure to environmental mutagens. While external agents such as radiation can increase the rate of mutations, they are not required for mutations to occur. Mutations that result in genetic differences can be passed on through reproduction, and therefore enable individuals to evolve over time. Mutations do not proceed through a set of programmed sequences.

Question 13

How is the earth's climate defined?

Accepted Answer

The earth's climate is defined as the average weather conditions over a period of at least 30 years. This includes average temperature, precipitation, and other weather patterns. It is important to consider long-term trends to understand changes to the climate.

Question 14

What are the two most important factors determining the climate of an area?

Accepted Answer

Temperature and precipitation are the two most important factors determining the climate of an area. Temperature determines the type of climate, while precipitation determines the amount of water available for plants and animals to survive. Ocean currents, light, and geography are also important factors, but they are not as significant as temperature and precipitation.

Question 15

The number or variety of species found in a particular area is called

Accepted Answer

Species diversity refers to the number and variety of species found in a particular area.

Question 16

A change a population's genetic makeup through successive generations is known as

Accepted Answer

Biological evolution is the process of change in a population's genetic makeup over successive generations. This change can happen due to various factors such as natural selection, mutation, genetic drift, and migration. However, the overall process of biological evolution refers to the cumulative effects of these factors over time.

Question 17

Climate and vegetation vary with

Accepted Answer

Climate and vegetation vary with both latitude and altitude. As altitude increases, temperature decreases, leading to different vegetation zones. Latitude also plays a role in climate and vegetation through factors such as insolation and prevailing winds. Longitude and altitude may have some influence, but it is not as significant as that of latitude and altitude.

Question 18

A change in the genetic composition of an individual in a population is known as

Accepted Answer

A change in the genetic composition of an individual in a population is referred to as a mutation. This change can be beneficial, harmful or neutral to the individual's survival and reproduction. Over time, mutations can accumulate and give rise to new traits that can be acted upon by natural selection, leading to biological evolution.

Question 19

Species that are found in only one area and are especially vulnerable to extinction are referred to as which type of species?

Accepted Answer

Endemic species are those found in only one area, making them vulnerable to extinction.

Question 20

A variety of oranges that have been selectively bred to be juicer and sweeter are a result of

Accepted Answer

Selective breeding or artificial selection is the process of intentionally breeding organisms with desirable traits. In this case, the oranges have been selectively bred to have certain characteristics such as sweetness and juiciness, making option B the correct choice. Natural selection (A), adaptation (C), reproductive isolation (D), and differential reproduction (E) refer to processes that occur in nature without human intervention and do not apply to this scenario.

Quiz 3: Biodiversity and Evolution