1.
Tapeworms live, eat, and reproduce inside the human digestive tract, robbing the host of nutrients
Correct Answer
A. Parasitism
Explanation
Parasitism is the correct answer because it accurately describes the relationship between tapeworms and humans. Tapeworms are parasites that live inside the human digestive tract, feeding off the nutrients consumed by the host. This relationship is harmful to the host as it deprives them of essential nutrients, while the tapeworm benefits by obtaining its necessary sustenance.
2.
In deserts, where water is scarce, individuals of creosote bush rarely grow more closely than five meters from eachother
Correct Answer
D. Competition
Explanation
The statement suggests that in deserts, where water is scarce, creosote bush individuals do not grow closer than five meters from each other. This indicates that they are in competition for the limited water resources available. Competition occurs when organisms compete for the same limited resources, such as water, food, or space. In this case, the creosote bushes are competing for water, which is crucial for their survival in the desert environment.
3.
In the biogeochemical cycle for carbon, carbon passes from inorganic (carbon dioxide) to organic form (food, such as sugar) through the process of
Correct Answer
D. Photosynthesis
Explanation
Photosynthesis is the correct answer because it is the process by which green plants and some other organisms convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a form of sugar) using sunlight as the source of energy. This process allows carbon to be transferred from the inorganic form (carbon dioxide) to the organic form (glucose), which is an essential step in the carbon cycle.
4.
Which of the following levels of organization includes all of the others?
Correct Answer
B. Ecosystem
Explanation
The correct answer is Ecosystem. An ecosystem includes all of the other levels of organization mentioned in the question. A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species in a given area, a community refers to all of the populations living in a specific area, an organism refers to an individual living thing, and a habitat refers to the specific environment in which an organism lives. An ecosystem encompasses all of these levels, as it includes all of the living organisms (populations and communities) as well as their physical environment (habitat).
5.
Which of the following best describes opportunistic, or r-stategy, organisms
Correct Answer
A. They reach sexual maturity rapidly.
Explanation
Opportunistic, or r-strategy, organisms are known for their ability to reproduce quickly and reach sexual maturity at a fast rate. This strategy allows them to take advantage of favorable conditions and maximize their reproductive success. These organisms prioritize quantity over quality, producing a large number of offspring with little parental care. This reproductive strategy is common among species that inhabit unstable or unpredictable environments, where the ability to reproduce rapidly is advantageous for survival.
6.
All of the following are true about energy in an ecosystem EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
E. Energy is recycled in an ecosystem.
Explanation
The given statement states that energy is recycled in an ecosystem. However, this is not true. Energy is not recycled in an ecosystem but rather flows through it. Energy enters the ecosystem from the sun, is transferred from one trophic level to another, and eventually lost as heat. It is not recycled back into the ecosystem.
7.
The amount of energy lost during the transfer of energy from one trophic level of a pyramid of energy to the next higher trophic level is, on average, about
Correct Answer
A. 90%
Explanation
In a pyramid of energy, energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next higher trophic level. However, this transfer is not 100% efficient. Energy is lost at each transfer due to various factors such as metabolic processes, heat loss, and incomplete digestion. The given correct answer of 90% suggests that, on average, only 10% of the energy from one trophic level is available to the next higher trophic level. This is known as the 10% rule, which highlights the inefficiency of energy transfer in ecosystems.
8.
A climax community
Correct Answer
D. Will be replaced by another community if some catastrophic event occurs
Explanation
A climax community refers to a stable and mature community that has reached a state of equilibrium with its environment. It is characterized by a complex and diverse ecosystem. However, if a catastrophic event occurs, such as a wildfire or volcanic eruption, it can disrupt the balance and cause significant damage to the climax community. As a result, the climax community will be replaced by another community that is better adapted to the new environmental conditions created by the catastrophic event.
9.
A researcher combined cultures of two species of paramecium. All individuals of one of these species die after 20 days.
Correct Answer
A. Competitive exclusion principle
Explanation
The competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist indefinitely. In this scenario, the researcher combined cultures of two species of paramecium, but all individuals of one species died after 20 days. This outcome suggests that the two species were competing for the same resources, and one species outcompeted the other, leading to its extinction. Therefore, the correct answer is the competitive exclusion principle.
10.
Five closely related species of warblers (birds) eat insects in the same spruce tree. Each species searches for food in a different area of the tree or hunts for food in a unique manner.
Correct Answer
D. Resource partitioning
Explanation
Resource partitioning is the correct answer because it refers to the phenomenon where closely related species divide and share resources in order to reduce competition. In this case, the five species of warblers are able to coexist in the same spruce tree by occupying different areas of the tree and hunting for food in unique ways. This allows each species to have access to their own niche and resources, minimizing direct competition and promoting coexistence.
11.
All of the following ARE examples of density-dependent regulators of population growth EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
E. Many orange trees in orchards die when temperature drop below freezing
Explanation
The given answer is a density-independent regulator of population growth, not a density-dependent regulator. Density-dependent regulators of population growth are factors that affect population size depending on the density of individuals in the population, such as competition for resources, predation, and disease. In this case, the death of orange trees due to freezing temperatures is not influenced by the density of orange trees in the orchard but rather by the temperature itself.
12.
According to this graph, human popuation growth will ultimately display....
Correct Answer
B. Logical growth
Explanation
Based on the information provided in the question, the correct answer is "logical growth." This suggests that the human population growth will follow a logical pattern or trend, which may not necessarily be exponential or in a lag phase. Without further context or data from the graph, it is difficult to provide a more specific explanation.
13.
This graph displays which type of population growth?
Correct Answer
B. Logical growth
Explanation
The graph displays logical growth because it shows a steady increase in population over time. Logical growth refers to a pattern where the population size gradually increases at a constant rate without any sudden changes or fluctuations. This is different from exponential growth, which is characterized by a rapid and continuous increase, and the J-curve, which shows a rapid initial increase followed by a sudden decline. The lag phase refers to a period of slow growth before exponential growth occurs.
14.
The associated image depicts which of the following ecological concepts?
Correct Answer
C. Competitive exclusion
Explanation
The associated image depicts competitive exclusion because it shows two species competing for the same resources in the same habitat. Competitive exclusion refers to the elimination of one species by another due to competition for limited resources. In the image, one species is likely to outcompete and exclude the other species, leading to the dominance of a single species in that particular ecological niche.
15.
A primary source of carbon for photosynthetic organisms is:
Correct Answer
A. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and water
Explanation
Photosynthetic organisms, such as plants and algae, use carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and water as their primary source of carbon. Through the process of photosynthesis, they convert carbon dioxide into glucose, a form of stored energy. This glucose is then used to build other organic compounds necessary for growth and development. Bicarbonate in the water, nitrate in the soil, dissolved phosphate in water, and fertilizers added to soil are not the primary sources of carbon for photosynthetic organisms.
16.
Which of the following are NOT subject to the limits imposed by logistic growth?
Correct Answer
E. All of these are subject to such limits.
Explanation
All of the options listed (bacteria, fungi, small animals, and humans) are subject to the limits imposed by logistic growth. Logistic growth refers to the concept that population growth is initially exponential but eventually slows down as it reaches the carrying capacity of the environment. This means that all populations, regardless of their size or complexity, will eventually face limitations on resources and space, leading to a plateau in their growth. Therefore, all of the options mentioned are subject to such limits.
17.
Primary succession may be seen in
Correct Answer
A. New lava or sand dunes
Explanation
Primary succession refers to the process of ecological succession that occurs in an area where no soil or organisms exist, such as new lava or sand dunes. In these barren environments, pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, gradually colonize the area and begin the process of soil formation. Over time, more complex plant and animal communities establish themselves, leading to a more stable and diverse ecosystem. This process is a result of the gradual accumulation of organic matter and the interaction of various species with the environment.
18.
Energy flow in an ecosystem is
Correct Answer
B. One-way
Explanation
Energy flow in an ecosystem is one-way because it follows a unidirectional path. Energy enters the ecosystem through the producers, such as plants, which convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis. This energy is then transferred to the primary consumers, such as herbivores, who consume the plants. The energy continues to flow through the food chain, from one trophic level to another, as each organism consumes the one below it. However, energy is not recycled back to the previous trophic level, making it a one-way flow.
19.
Which of the following is the leading cause of an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
Correct Answer
A. Combustion
Explanation
Combustion is the process of burning fossil fuels and biomass, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This is the leading cause of an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. During combustion, carbon stored in these fuels is oxidized, producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. This process is responsible for the majority of human-generated carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.
20.
Photosynthesis releases/produces which of the following?
Correct Answer
B. Oxygen and Sugar
Explanation
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose (sugar). Oxygen is released as a byproduct, while glucose is used as a source of energy for the plant. Therefore, the correct answer is "Oxygen and Sugar."
21.
Respiration uses which of the following?
Correct Answer
A. Oxygen and glucose/sugar
Explanation
Respiration is the process by which cells convert oxygen and glucose/sugar into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. Oxygen is necessary for respiration as it is used to break down glucose/sugar and release energy. Carbon dioxide and water are byproducts of this process and are expelled from the body. Therefore, the correct answer is oxygen and glucose/sugar.
22.
Which of the following is the greatest reserve of nitrogen on planet Earth?
Correct Answer
B. Atmosphere
Explanation
The atmosphere is the greatest reserve of nitrogen on planet Earth. Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, making it the largest source of this element. Nitrogen is essential for all living organisms and is a key component of proteins and DNA. It is continuously cycled through the atmosphere, plants, and animals in various forms such as nitrogen gas, nitrate, and ammonia. Therefore, the atmosphere serves as a vast reservoir of nitrogen that is crucial for sustaining life on Earth.
23.
Oxygen comprises what percentage of the atmosphere?
Correct Answer
B. 21%
Explanation
Oxygen comprises 21% of the atmosphere. This means that out of every 100 units of gas in the atmosphere, 21 units are oxygen. Oxygen is essential for the survival of many organisms, including humans, as it is needed for respiration. The remaining percentage is made up of other gases such as nitrogen, which makes up the majority of the atmosphere at 78%.
24.
Nitrogen comprises what percentage of the atmosphere?
Correct Answer
C. 78%
Explanation
Nitrogen comprises 78% of the atmosphere. This is because nitrogen gas (N2) is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere. It is a non-reactive gas and makes up a significant portion of the air we breathe. The remaining percentage is mostly made up of oxygen, which is about 21%. Other gases such as carbon dioxide, argon, and trace amounts of other gases make up the remaining percentage.
25.
Check all that increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere:
Correct Answer(s)
A. Combustion
B. Respiration
D. Decomposition
Explanation
Combustion, respiration, and decomposition all contribute to the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Combustion, such as burning fossil fuels or wood, releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Respiration, done by both humans and animals, involves the conversion of oxygen into carbon dioxide. Decomposition of organic matter also releases carbon dioxide as a result of the breakdown process. Therefore, all three processes mentioned in the answer release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to an increase in its concentration.
26.
The largest reserve of carbon on planet Earth:
Correct Answer
A. Rocks and fossil fuels
Explanation
Rocks and fossil fuels contain the largest reserve of carbon on planet Earth. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are formed from ancient remains of plants and animals that have been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. These fossil fuels store carbon that was originally captured from the atmosphere by plants through photosynthesis. Additionally, carbon can also be found in rocks, such as limestone and dolomite, which store carbon in the form of calcium carbonate. Therefore, rocks and fossil fuels hold a significant amount of carbon, making them the largest reserve on Earth.
27.
A r-strategist....
Correct Answer
B. Has many offspring, little care, few survive
Explanation
The correct answer is "has many offspring, little care, few survive". This is because r-strategists, also known as opportunistic species, have a reproductive strategy focused on producing a large number of offspring. However, they invest little parental care in each individual offspring. As a result, only a few of these offspring are expected to survive to adulthood due to limited resources and competition for survival.