Basic Principles Of Ecology! Trivia Quiz

Explanation
Abiotic factors are all the non-living factors in an ecosystem. These factors include physical and chemical components such as temperature, sunlight, soil composition, water availability, and air quality. They play a crucial role in shaping the environment and determining the types of organisms that can survive in a particular ecosystem. Biotic factors, on the other hand, refer to all the living organisms in an ecosystem.

Explanation
The correct answer is "Deer living in the metroparks" because a population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in the same area and capable of interbreeding. In this case, the deer living in the metroparks represent a population as they are a group of deer of the same species (assuming they are all the same species) living in a specific area. The other options do not meet the criteria of a population as they either involve different species (deer interacting with squirrels) or a single individual (a single squirrel).

Explanation
An ecosystem refers to the interaction between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. It includes all the organisms in a given area, as well as their physical environment. This interaction between living organisms and their surroundings is what defines an ecosystem. Therefore, an ecosystem is the correct answer as it encompasses the relationship between both biotic and abiotic factors.

Explanation
The correct answer is "Water, temperature, and pH." Abiotic factors refer to non-living components of an ecosystem that can influence the organisms living in it. Water, temperature, and pH are all abiotic factors because they are physical and chemical properties of the environment that can affect the survival and behavior of organisms. Deer, squirrels, grass, trees, and flowers are all living organisms, making them biotic factors rather than abiotic.

Explanation
All of the factors mentioned can limit the growth of the deer population in the Metroparks. Food availability is crucial for the survival and reproduction of deer, as a lack of sufficient food can lead to malnutrition and lower birth rates. The availability of mates also plays a significant role in population growth, as a limited number of mates can result in fewer offspring. Additionally, temperature can affect deer population growth by influencing their behavior, reproductive cycles, and overall health. Therefore, all of these factors can collectively limit the growth of the deer population in the Metroparks.

Explanation
The correct answer is Tundra because the tundra biome is characterized by low annual precipitation and low annual temperatures. This biome is found in the Arctic regions and high mountain areas, where the cold climate and frozen ground limit the growth of vegetation. The lack of precipitation in the form of rain or snow further contributes to the harsh and barren conditions of the tundra biome.

Explanation
Tropical rainforests have high precipitation and high temperatures throughout the year. These biomes are characterized by dense vegetation and a wide variety of plant and animal species. The high amount of rainfall supports the growth of tall trees and lush vegetation, while the warm temperatures provide an ideal environment for the thriving of diverse flora and fauna. The combination of abundant rainfall and warmth creates a unique and vibrant ecosystem in tropical rainforests.

Explanation
A tapeworm living inside the intestine of a human is an example of a parasitism relationship because the tapeworm benefits by feeding off the nutrients in the human's intestine, while the human is harmed by the presence of the tapeworm. This relationship is characterized by one organism (the tapeworm) benefiting at the expense of the other organism (the human).

Explanation
Bacteria living inside a human's intestine is an example of a mutualistic relationship because both the bacteria and the human benefit from each other. The bacteria help in digestion and produce essential vitamins for the human, while the human provides a suitable environment and nutrients for the bacteria to thrive. This mutually beneficial interaction characterizes mutualism.

Explanation
An ecologist typically conducts research and gathers information in natural environments, such as forests, oceans, or grasslands. They study the interactions between organisms and their environment, which cannot be fully replicated in a laboratory setting. Therefore, the statement that an ecologist can do their research and gather information inside of a laboratory is false.