Bio 1 Warm-up Quiz #4

If the human population continues to grow at current rates, it is likely that there will be fewer resources available in the future. As the population increases, the demand for resources such as food, water, and energy will also increase. This can lead to overconsumption and depletion of natural resources, making it more difficult to meet the needs of the growing population. Additionally, the strain on ecosystems and the environment caused by increased human activity can further contribute to resource scarcity.

The picture at the right is an example of an atomic model because it represents the structure and arrangement of atoms in a molecule or element. Atomic models are used to visualize and understand the behavior of atoms and their interactions with other atoms. They help scientists study and explain various properties and phenomena at the atomic level.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of species present in an ecosystem. It is a measure of the number of different species that coexist within a particular habitat. This concept encompasses the diversity of plants, animals, microorganisms, and other organisms that make up the ecosystem. The more diverse the species composition, the higher the biodiversity. This measure is important as it indicates the health and resilience of an ecosystem, as well as its ability to provide essential ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and pest control.

A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electrons. In this type of bond, the electrons are shared between the atoms rather than being transferred from one atom to another. This sharing of electrons creates a strong bond between the atoms, allowing them to stay together and form molecules. Covalent bonds are typically found between nonmetal atoms and are important in the formation of many compounds, including water and carbon-based molecules.

In a scientific experiment, it is recommended to test only one independent variable at a time. This is because testing multiple independent variables simultaneously can make it difficult to determine which variable is causing the observed changes in the dependent variable. By testing one independent variable at a time, scientists can establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the independent and dependent variables more accurately.

If commercial fishing over-harvested shrimp in the coastal waters of Virginia, the population of damsel fish would be the first to decline in the food chain. Damsel fish rely on shrimp as a food source, so if shrimp numbers decrease, there would be less food available for damsel fish. This would lead to a decline in the damsel fish population.

Acid rain is the correct answer because it is a significant environmental factor that can have a detrimental effect on the number of species of plants and animals living in lakes. Acid rain is formed when pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are released into the atmosphere and react with water vapor to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. When acid rain falls into lakes, it can lower the pH of the water, making it more acidic. This change in pH can harm aquatic organisms, including plants and animals, by disrupting their physiological processes and ultimately leading to a decrease in their population.

The cutting of trees and prevention of natural forest fires have disrupted the natural succession process in the Great Dismal Swamp. Succession refers to the gradual change in the composition of species in an ecosystem over time. By altering the pattern of succession, the balance of tree species in the swamp has been changed. This means that the red maple forest has become dominant, while the populations of bald cypress and white cedar have declined.

Chemosynthesis is the process in which organisms form carbohydrates using chemicals. This means that these organisms are able to synthesize or create carbohydrates, which are essential for energy storage and growth, by utilizing chemical reactions. Unlike photosynthesis, which relies on sunlight, chemosynthesis relies on the energy obtained from chemical reactions. This process is commonly found in deep-sea ecosystems where sunlight is not available, and organisms rely on chemicals such as sulfur or methane to produce carbohydrates.

The construction of a new coal-burning power plant would have the greatest impact on the production of acid rain. Coal-burning power plants emit sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid respectively. These acids then fall back to the Earth as acid rain, which can have harmful effects on ecosystems, including damaging plants, aquatic life, and infrastructure. Therefore, the construction of a new coal-burning power plant would contribute to the production of acid rain, making it the environmental issue most affected.