Community Interactions Quiz Questions
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What is implied by the reference, "biotic portion of an ecosystem"?
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The portion of the community involved in competition
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Everything within the ecosystem
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The portion involved in coevolution
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The "living" portion of the ecosystem
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Are you the kind who moves to a new neighborhood and never bothers to know the next-door neighbor? Well this is just for you. Take the quiz to understand how best you can interact with the communities around you.
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- 2.
Coevolution is ___________.
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A competition between two species that harms one and benefits the other
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The particular space within an ecosystem occupied by a species
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A process wherein two interacting species act as agents of natural selection on one another
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A mechanism that results in death of one of the competing individuals
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An interaction between two species that benefits both
Correct Answer
A. A process wherein two interacting species act as agents of natural selection on one anotherExplanation
Coevolution refers to a process wherein two interacting species act as agents of natural selection on one another. This means that the evolution of one species is influenced by the evolution of the other species, and vice versa. They both exert selective pressures on each other, leading to adaptations that enhance their survival and reproduction in the presence of the other species. This process can result in mutual benefits, as both species evolve traits that allow them to coexist and thrive together.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Complete the statement: Different species share many aspects of their niche with others, but __________.
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They do not compete within the niche for the resources it provides
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The niche is not necessarily the home of any of the species
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Intraspecific competition will be detrimental to the species
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No two species ever occupy exactly the same ecological niche within the same community
Correct Answer
A. No two species ever occupy exactly the same ecological niche within the same communityExplanation
Different species share many aspects of their niche with others, but no two species ever occupy exactly the same ecological niche within the same community. This means that while different species may have overlapping requirements and utilize similar resources, they will always have some differences in their ecological niche, such as different behaviors, preferences, or adaptations. This is because if two species were to occupy exactly the same niche, they would directly compete for the same resources, leading to competition and potentially one species outcompeting or displacing the other.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Under what conditions does competition occur between individuals of the same or different species?
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When there is competition between a predator and prey
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Only when available resources are limited
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When they attempt to use the same limited resources, particularly energy, nutrients, or space
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When resources are partitioned
Correct Answer
A. When they attempt to use the same limited resources, particularly energy, nutrients, or spaceExplanation
Competition occurs between individuals of the same or different species when they attempt to use the same limited resources, particularly energy, nutrients, or space. This means that when there is a scarcity of resources, individuals will compete with each other in order to obtain those resources for their own survival and reproduction. This competition can occur within a species, where individuals of the same species compete with each other, or between different species that have similar resource requirements. Ultimately, competition is driven by the need to acquire and utilize limited resources effectively.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What evolutionary adaptation occurs when species with similar ecological niches coexist and compete?
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Loss of physical and behavioral adaptations
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Resource partitioning
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Population size reduction
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Predation
Correct Answer
A. Resource partitioningExplanation
Resource partitioning is the evolutionary adaptation that occurs when species with similar ecological niches coexist and compete. This adaptation allows species to divide and specialize in their use of resources, reducing competition and allowing them to coexist. By utilizing different resources or using the same resources at different times or in different ways, species can avoid direct competition and maximize their chances of survival. This strategy promotes species diversity and allows for the coexistence of multiple species in the same ecological niche.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following is an example of resource partitioning?
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Predator and prey relationships
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Related species of finches of the Galapagos Islands
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Both bats and moths with wings
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A moth whose color and shape resemble a bird dropping
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Coevolution
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Coevolution
Correct Answer
A. Related species of finches of the Galapagos IslandsExplanation
Resource partitioning refers to the division of limited resources among different species in order to reduce competition. In the case of the related species of finches in the Galapagos Islands, each species has evolved different beak shapes and sizes to specialize in feeding on different types of food sources, such as seeds, insects, or nectar. This allows them to utilize different resources and reduce competition for food within their habitat. Thus, the related species of finches of the Galapagos Islands is an example of resource partitioning.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What process has provided the predator, the mountain lion, with tearing teeth and claws and its prey, the fawn, with dappled spots that serve as camouflage?
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Coevolution
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Mimicry
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Intraspecific competition
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The competitive exclusion principle
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Carnivorous food gathering
Correct Answer
A. CoevolutionExplanation
Coevolution is the process that has provided the predator, the mountain lion, with tearing teeth and claws and its prey, the fawn, with dappled spots that serve as camouflage. Coevolution refers to the reciprocal evolutionary changes between two or more species that interact with each other. In this case, the mountain lion's predatory adaptations and the fawn's camouflage have evolved together over time as a result of their interactions and the selective pressures they impose on each other. This process has allowed both species to better survive and succeed in their respective roles in the predator-prey relationship.Rate this question:
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- 8.
A cheetah hiding inconspicuously in grass watching for grazing antelope is an example of __________.
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An herbivore
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Camouflage
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Mutualism
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Mimicry
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Intraspecific competition
Correct Answer
A. CamouflageExplanation
The cheetah hiding inconspicuously in the grass is an example of camouflage. Camouflage is a defense mechanism used by animals to blend in with their surroundings, making them difficult to detect by predators or prey. In this case, the cheetah's ability to hide in the grass helps it to remain unseen by its potential prey, the grazing antelope. This increases the cheetah's chances of successfully hunting and capturing its prey.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Habitat destruction is the leading cause pushing endangered species toward extinction. What is the second leading cause?
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Increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
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Imported beetles to control purple loosestrife in North America
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Invasive species
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Wildfires
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Pollution of waterways
Correct Answer
A. Invasive speciesExplanation
Invasive species are the second leading cause pushing endangered species toward extinction. Invasive species are non-native organisms that are introduced to an ecosystem and disrupt the balance by outcompeting native species for resources. They can cause harm to the native plants, animals, and their habitats, leading to the decline and extinction of endangered species. This can occur through predation, competition for resources, or the introduction of diseases. Therefore, the presence of invasive species poses a significant threat to the survival of endangered species.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Consider a situation wherein a predator may use mimicry to attract prey. In one example female fireflies use a series of flashes to attract males. Females of one species will mimic the flashing pattern of a different species and when males respond, they kill and eat them. What would be a good name for this type of mimicry?
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Aggressive mimicry
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Warning coloration
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Mullerian mimicry
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Batesian mimicry
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Startle coloration
Correct Answer
A. Aggressive mimicryExplanation
Aggressive mimicry is a type of mimicry in which a predator mimics a harmless or beneficial species in order to attract its prey. In this situation, the female fireflies mimic the flashing pattern of a different species to attract males and then kill and eat them. This behavior can be considered as an example of aggressive mimicry because the predator (female fireflies) is mimicking a behavior (flashing pattern) to deceive and capture its prey (males).Rate this question:
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- 11.
Assume that you are interested in the life cycle of an ant parasite and the mechanism it uses to disperse its eggs. You find that ant larvae are infected when they eat bird droppings containing the parasite's eggs. As the ant matures, the parasite eggs grow in the abdomen of the ant. The abdomen swells with parasite eggs and turns red, causing it to resemble a berry. You find that berries and other fruit are an important part of the diet of local birds. Further study shows that the abdomen becomes red to attract birds and fool them into eating the ants, thinking they are berries. Consequently, birds spread the parasite eggs through their droppings, which infect the larvae of other ants. After considering the reproductive strategy of the parasite, what is the purpose of the bird as an intermediate host in the life cycle of the parasite?
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The bird disperses the parasite to other uninfected ant colonies to assure survival of the parasite.
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The bird serves no purpose in the life cycle of the parasite.
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The bird is considered prey for the parasite.
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The bird serves as a site for metamorphosis of the parasite.
Correct Answer
A. The bird disperses the parasite to other uninfected ant colonies to assure survival of the parasite.Explanation
The purpose of the bird as an intermediate host in the life cycle of the parasite is to disperse the parasite to other uninfected ant colonies, ensuring the survival of the parasite. The parasite manipulates the ant's abdomen to resemble a berry, attracting birds to eat the infected ants. The birds then spread the parasite eggs through their droppings, infecting the larvae of other ants and continuing the life cycle of the parasite.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The malaria parasite spends part of its life cycle infecting human red blood cells. However, up to 40% of the human population in some parts of Africa is resistant because of a mutation in the hemoglobin gene that prevents infection. This is an example of __________.
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Parasitism
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A parasite exerting selective pressure on evolution of its host
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Mutualism
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Aggressive mimicry
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Resource partitioning
Correct Answer
A. A parasite exerting selective pressure on evolution of its hostExplanation
The given correct answer is "a parasite exerting selective pressure on evolution of its host". This is because the malaria parasite infects human red blood cells, but a mutation in the hemoglobin gene in some people in Africa prevents infection. This mutation provides a selective advantage to those individuals, as they are resistant to malaria. Over time, this resistance can spread through the population, leading to the evolution of a higher percentage of individuals who are resistant to the parasite. This demonstrates how the presence of the parasite is exerting selective pressure on the evolution of the host population.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following is a symbiotic mutualistic relationship between two different species?
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Lichen
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Malaria
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Nagana
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A female firefly producing a rhythmic flashing to attract males.
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Octopus and other mollusks
Correct Answer
A. LichenExplanation
Lichen is a correct answer because it is a symbiotic mutualistic relationship between two different species. Lichen is formed through a partnership between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. The fungus provides structure and protection, while the alga or cyanobacterium provides nutrients through photosynthesis. This mutually beneficial relationship allows both organisms to survive and thrive in environments where they may not be able to survive alone.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following is true of lichen?
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The fungus provides food for the two mutualistic participants.
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The alga provides the food for the two mutualistic participants.
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It is usually found as a parasite on a tree.
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The fungus provides light-trapping pigments.
Correct Answer
A. The alga provides the food for the two mutualistic participants.Explanation
Lichen is a mutualistic symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga. The alga is responsible for providing food through photosynthesis, which benefits both the fungus and the alga. The fungus, on the other hand, provides a protective environment and absorbs water and nutrients for both participants. Therefore, the statement "The alga provides the food for the two mutualistic participants" is true.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following is the definition of keystone species?
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A particular species that plays a major role in determining community structure
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The few hardy plants that initiate succession
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A particular species that interacts with another where both benefit
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The species that is the primary prey of a parasite
Correct Answer
A. A particular species that plays a major role in determining community structureExplanation
A keystone species is a particular species that plays a major role in determining community structure. This means that the presence or absence of a keystone species can greatly impact the overall balance and diversity of an ecosystem. These species often have a disproportionate effect on the ecosystem compared to their abundance or biomass. They may have a critical role in regulating population sizes of other species or in shaping the physical environment. Overall, keystone species are essential for maintaining the health and stability of an ecosystem.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Overfishing of lobsters off the east coast of Canada has allowed the population of its prey, sea urchins, to expand enormously. This is an example of __________.
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A biome
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A climax community
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Removal of a keystone species
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Succession
Correct Answer
A. Removal of a keystone speciesExplanation
The correct answer is removal of a keystone species. This is because the overfishing of lobsters, which are considered a keystone species in this ecosystem, has caused a disruption in the natural balance. Lobsters are predators of sea urchins, and their removal has allowed the sea urchin population to grow unchecked. As a result, the sea urchins have become overabundant and are causing negative impacts on the ecosystem, such as overgrazing on kelp forests. This demonstrates the important role that keystone species play in maintaining the structure and function of an ecosystem.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Dec 07, 2013Quiz Created by
RiseAsOne
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