Mega Biogeography Trivia

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| By Catherine Halcomb
Catherine Halcomb
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  • 1/45 Questions

    There are 2 kinds of histories: history of place & history of lineages.

    • True
    • False
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About This Quiz

Biogeography is the branch of geography that focuses on the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time. Organisms and biological communities usually vary in a regular fashion along geographic gradients of latitude, elevation, isolation, and habitat area.
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Mega Biogeography Trivia - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Concerning Biogeographic regions, there are many lines dividing species. Sclater's line is for birds whereas Wallace's line is for terrestrial mammals.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Sclater's line and Wallace's line are both used to divide species based on their biogeographic regions. Sclater's line specifically applies to birds, while Wallace's line is used for terrestrial mammals. Therefore, the statement is true.

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  • 3. 

    Within the deserts of North America, independent groups of organisms have similar distribution boundaries.  

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In the deserts of North America, there are multiple independent groups of organisms that have similar distribution boundaries. This means that these different groups of organisms, even though they are not directly related or connected, have ended up occupying similar areas within the desert. This could be due to similar environmental conditions or adaptations that make these areas favorable for these organisms. Therefore, the statement "Within the deserts of North America, independent groups of organisms have similar distribution boundaries" is true.

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  • 4. 

    Biogeographical lines represent areas of rapid turnover of taxa at the boundaries between regions.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Biogeographical lines refer to the boundaries between regions where there is a significant turnover of taxa, meaning there is a high rate of change in the species composition. These lines represent areas where different ecosystems and habitats meet, leading to distinct changes in the types of organisms present. Therefore, the statement that biogeographical lines represent areas of rapid turnover of taxa at the boundaries between regions is true.

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  • 5. 

    One form of disjunction is amphitropical where species occur in temperate regions in North America and South America but not in the trophics themselves.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Amphitropical disjunction refers to the distribution pattern of species occurring in temperate regions in North America and South America, but not in the tropical regions. This means that these species are found in both the northern and southern temperate zones, but are absent from the tropical regions of the Americas. Therefore, the statement is true.

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  • 6. 

    Interchange can repeat through time.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Interchange refers to the act of exchanging or swapping things. In the given statement, it is mentioned that interchange can repeat through time, which means that the process of swapping or exchanging can occur multiple times over a period. This implies that there is no limit or restriction on the number of times interchange can happen. Therefore, the correct answer is True.

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  • 7. 

    Cain in 1944 expounded upon the incorrect criteria being used to indicate the centers of origin

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Cain's 1944 work focused on criticizing the incorrect criteria that were being utilized to determine the centers of origin. This implies that Cain indeed provided an explanation or elaboration on the flawed methods used to identify the origins of certain things. Therefore, the statement "Cain in 1944 expounded upon the incorrect criteria being used to indicate the centers of origin" is true.

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  • 8. 

    Vicariance biogeography is the theory that historical events leading to current distributions are largely the result of splitting (vicariance) of areas, not long-distance dispersal

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Vicariance biogeography is a theory that explains the current distribution of species based on the splitting of areas, rather than long-distance dispersal. This means that the historical events that have shaped the distribution of species are primarily due to the separation of populations by physical barriers, such as the formation of mountains or the splitting of landmasses. This theory suggests that species have evolved separately in isolated areas, leading to the differences in their distributions that we observe today. Therefore, the statement that Vicariance biogeography is the theory that historical events leading to current distributions are largely the result of splitting (vicariance) of areas, not long-distance dispersal is true.

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  • 9. 

    The solution to the "vicariance vs. dispersal" problem is to use multiple taxon area cladograms to produce a general area cladogram

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Using multiple taxon area cladograms allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between different species and their geographic distribution. By comparing and combining these cladograms, a general area cladogram can be constructed, which provides a more accurate representation of the evolutionary history and patterns of dispersal and vicariance. This approach helps to address the complexities and uncertainties associated with the vicariance vs. dispersal problem, making the statement true.

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  • 10. 

    Which is not a reason why endemism occurs?

    • Due to mass extinction

    • Due to historical events and ecological processes

    • Originated and never disappeared

    • Entire range has shifted in locality

    • Now survive in small part of former range

    Correct Answer
    A. Due to mass extinction
    Explanation
    Endemism occurs when a species is restricted to a specific geographic area and is not found anywhere else. The options "Due to historical events and ecological processes", "Originated and never disappeared", "Entire range has shifted in locality", and "Now survive in small part of former range" all provide valid reasons for why endemism occurs. However, "Due to mass extinction" is not a reason for endemism because mass extinction events typically lead to the loss of many species, rather than the emergence of new, restricted species.

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  • 11. 

    Endemism occurs on a variety of spatial scales and at a nested hierarchy of taxonomic scales.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    This statement is true because endemism, which refers to the occurrence of a species or taxonomic group exclusively in a particular geographic area, can be observed at different spatial scales. It can occur within a specific region, such as a single island or mountain range, or it can be observed on a larger scale, such as within a country or continent. Additionally, endemism can occur at different taxonomic scales, meaning that it can be observed within a specific species, genus, family, or even higher taxonomic levels. Therefore, the statement accurately describes the occurrence of endemism.

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  • 12. 

    Biogeographic provinces within the Nearctic Biogeographic region are not stable in location or composition over time.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Biogeographic provinces within the Nearctic Biogeographic region are not stable in location or composition over time. This means that the boundaries and characteristics of these provinces can change over time due to various factors such as climate change, migration patterns, and human activities. Therefore, the statement "True" indicates that the biogeographic provinces within the Nearctic region are not fixed or constant, but rather dynamic and subject to change.

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  • 13. 

    Marine provincialism involves the change of location and composition with changing climates.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Marine provincialism refers to the phenomenon where the distribution and composition of marine species change in response to varying climates. This means that as climates change, the location and types of marine species found in a particular area can also change. Therefore, the statement that marine provincialism involves the change of location and composition with changing climates is true.

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  • 14. 

    Symplesiomorphic (shared primitive) characters are not useful in diagnosing a monophyletic group.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Shared primitive characters, also known as symplesiomorphies, are ancestral traits that are shared by multiple taxa within a group. These characters are not useful in diagnosing a monophyletic group because they do not provide information about the evolutionary relationships within the group. Instead, derived characters or synapomorphies, which are shared by a more recent common ancestor and its descendants, are more informative for determining monophyletic groups. Therefore, the statement that symplesiomorphic characters are not useful in diagnosing a monophyletic group is true.

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  • 15. 

    Prior to Croizat's metaphor, most biogeographers generally believed in "dispersal over a permanent geography" from a Center of Origin; vicariance was not addressed until the plate tectonic theory was introduced.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because prior to Croizat's metaphor, biogeographers believed in dispersal over a permanent geography from a Center of Origin. Vicariance, which refers to the separation of populations by the formation of barriers, was not addressed until the plate tectonic theory was introduced. This means that before Croizat's metaphor, the idea of species dispersing and spreading out from a central location was widely accepted, and the concept of vicariance caused by geological changes was not considered.

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  • 16. 

    The history of lineages follows fundamental biogeographic processes. Which of the following is involved in the history of lineages?

    • Evolution of new taxa

    • Extinction of taxa

    • Changes in distribution

    • Geology

    • Climate

    • Soils & Vegetation

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Evolution of new taxa
    A. Extinction of taxa
    A. Changes in distribution
    Explanation
    The history of lineages involves the evolution of new taxa, which refers to the process of new species or higher taxonomic groups arising from ancestral populations through genetic changes and natural selection. It also involves the extinction of taxa, which refers to the disappearance of species or higher taxonomic groups from the Earth. Additionally, changes in distribution play a role in the history of lineages, as species can move and spread to new areas over time due to various factors such as climate change or geological events.

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  • 17. 

    Species can be endemic only over a continental scale.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Species can be endemic at many geographic scales.

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  • 18. 

    All disjunct distributions are accurate and based upon phylogenetic data.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Some "disjunct distributions" are false- convergent evolution makes species look like they are related when they are not.

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  • 19. 

    Brundin was a Swedish biogeographer who studied chironmid midges of southern (Gondwanan) temperate rain forests.  His phylogenetic biogeography involves two components which are 

    • Phylogenetic systematics which are hypotheses of phylogenetic relationships mapped onto geography

    • Croizat's generalized tracks (hypotheses of past land connections)

    • Neglecting the principles of phylogenetic reasoning

    • Relying heavily on the center of origin/dispersal theory

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Phylogenetic systematics which are hypotheses of phylogenetic relationships mapped onto geography
    A. Croizat's generalized tracks (hypotheses of past land connections)
    Explanation
    Brundin's phylogenetic biogeography involves two components. The first component is phylogenetic systematics, which refers to hypotheses of phylogenetic relationships that are mapped onto geography. This means that Brundin studied how the evolutionary relationships of the chironmid midges were related to their geographic distribution. The second component is Croizat's generalized tracks, which are hypotheses of past land connections. This means that Brundin also considered the historical movement of land masses and how it may have influenced the distribution of the midges. These two components together form the basis of Brundin's biogeographical research on the chironmid midges.

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  • 20. 

    Phylogenetic/area congruence across multiple co-distributed taxa is more likely to result from vicariance than dispersal

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Phylogenetic/area congruence refers to the similarity in the distribution patterns of multiple co-distributed taxa. If this congruence is more likely to result from vicariance than dispersal, it means that the shared evolutionary history and common ancestry of these taxa are the main factors shaping their distribution patterns. Vicariance occurs when a population is split into separate geographic areas due to geological or environmental changes, leading to the divergence of lineages. Dispersal, on the other hand, involves the movement of individuals from one area to another, potentially leading to the mixing of lineages. Therefore, if phylogenetic/area congruence is more likely to result from vicariance, it suggests that the distribution patterns of these taxa are primarily shaped by historical events rather than recent dispersal events.

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  • 21. 

    Dispersal is a species-specific process so congruent area histories are usually less likely

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Dispersal refers to the movement of individuals from one area to another. Since dispersal is a species-specific process, it means that different species have different dispersal abilities and tendencies. Therefore, it is less likely that different species will have congruent area histories, meaning that their distribution patterns and histories will not be similar. Hence, the statement that "Dispersal is a species-specific process so congruent area histories are usually less likely" is true.

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  • 22. 

    Which of the following are components of the history of place?

    • Geology

    • Geography

    • Climate

    • Soils & Vegetation

    • Evolution & Extinction of new taxa

    • Distribution changes

    • Range shifting

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Geology
    A. Geography
    A. Climate
    A. Soils & Vegetation
    Explanation
    The history of a place encompasses various factors that have shaped its current state. Geology refers to the study of the Earth's physical structure and the processes that have influenced the formation of its rocks and minerals. Geography involves the study of the Earth's physical features, climate, and how humans interact with their environment. Climate refers to the long-term weather patterns in a particular area. Soils and vegetation are important components of the history of a place as they are influenced by factors such as climate, geology, and human activities. Therefore, the correct answer includes geology, geography, climate, soils, and vegetation as components of the history of place.

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  • 23. 

    Select which of the following are fundamental biogeographic patterns.

    • Endemism

    • Provincialism

    • Disjunction

    • Interchange

    • Divergence & Convergence

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Endemism
    A. Provincialism
    A. Disjunction
    A. Interchange
    A. Divergence & Convergence
    Explanation
    The fundamental biogeographic patterns mentioned in the answer are endemism, provincialism, disjunction, interchange, and divergence & convergence. Endemism refers to the occurrence of a species exclusively in a particular geographic area. Provincialism refers to the presence of distinct biotic assemblages in different regions. Disjunction refers to the separation of a species or group of species into isolated populations. Interchange refers to the movement of species between different geographic areas. Divergence & convergence refer to the evolutionary processes that lead to the development of new species or the merging of different species into a single lineage.

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  • 24. 

    Which of the following statements about provincialism are true?

    • Made up of endemic forms that are randomly distributed

    • Most closely related species tend to have overlapping or adjacent ranges

    • Unrelated higher taxa show similar patterns of endemism

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Most closely related species tend to have overlapping or adjacent ranges
    A. Unrelated higher taxa show similar patterns of endemism
    Explanation
    The statement "Most closely related species tend to have overlapping or adjacent ranges" suggests that species that are more closely related to each other are more likely to have ranges that overlap or are adjacent to each other. This could be due to shared evolutionary history or similar ecological requirements.

    The statement "Unrelated higher taxa show similar patterns of endemism" implies that different groups of organisms that are not closely related (higher taxa) exhibit similar patterns of being endemic, meaning they are found only in specific regions and not elsewhere. This could be due to similar environmental conditions or historical factors that have led to the evolution of unique species in those regions.

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  • 25. 

    Disjunction can occur through historical events or ecological processes. Select all of the following which are ways by which disjunction occurs (3 correct answers)

    • Tectonics

    • Intervening Extinction

    • Dispersal

    • Sympatric Speciation

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Tectonics
    A. Intervening Extinction
    A. Dispersal
    Explanation
    Disjunction can occur through various mechanisms, including tectonics, intervening extinction, and dispersal. Tectonics refers to the movement and shifting of Earth's crust, which can lead to the separation of populations or species. Intervening extinction refers to the extinction of a species in a particular area, creating a gap or disjunction in its distribution. Dispersal involves the movement of individuals or propagules to new areas, which can result in disjunction between populations. Sympatric speciation, on the other hand, refers to the formation of new species within the same geographic area and is not directly related to disjunction.

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  • 26. 

    Which of the following does not apply to phylogenetics in modern biogeography?

    • All of these answers apply

    • Importance of fossils

    • Value of molecular characters (phylogenetics)

    • History of vicariance and dispersal

    • None of these answers apply

    Correct Answer
    A. All of these answers apply
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "All of these answers apply." This means that all of the options listed (Importance of fossils, Value of molecular characters, History of vicariance and dispersal) apply to phylogenetics in modern biogeography.

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  • 27. 

    Fossils are important for:

    • Documentation of extinction

    • Earliest appearance of a taxonomic lineage

    • Appearance of lineage traits

    • Reconstructing past environments, climates, and distributions

    • Phylogenetic accuracy

    • Hierarchical resolution

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Documentation of extinction
    A. Earliest appearance of a taxonomic lineage
    A. Appearance of lineage traits
    A. Reconstructing past environments, climates, and distributions
    Explanation
    Fossils are important for various reasons. They provide documentation of extinction events, allowing scientists to understand the history of life on Earth and the factors that led to the disappearance of certain species. Fossils also provide evidence of the earliest appearance of a taxonomic lineage, helping to establish the timeline of evolutionary development. Additionally, fossils reveal the appearance of lineage traits, giving insights into the characteristics and adaptations of ancient organisms. They also aid in reconstructing past environments, climates, and distributions, providing valuable information about the Earth's past ecosystems. Finally, fossils contribute to phylogenetic accuracy and hierarchical resolution, helping scientists to understand the relationships between different species and their evolutionary history.

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  • 28. 

    Which of the following is true concerning Cain's criticism of the incorrect criteria used for indicating centers of origin

    • Location of greatest differentiation (greatest number of species) as center of origin was incorrect

    • Cain's alternative dispersal: dispersal --> adaptive radiation

    • Cain's alternative dispersal: center of origin plus adaptive radiation

    • Location of greatest differentiation (greatest number of species) as endpoint of dispersal

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Location of greatest differentiation (greatest number of species) as center of origin was incorrect
    A. Cain's alternative dispersal: dispersal --> adaptive radiation
    Explanation
    Cain criticized the incorrect criteria used for indicating centers of origin by stating that the location of greatest differentiation (greatest number of species) as the center of origin was incorrect. Instead, he proposed an alternative dispersal pattern of dispersal followed by adaptive radiation. This means that species would disperse to new locations and then adapt and diversify in those new environments. Therefore, the correct answer is that Cain argued against considering the location of greatest differentiation as the center of origin and suggested a dispersal followed by adaptive radiation pattern.

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  • 29. 

    Which of the following apply to Croizat's panbiogeography?

    • Generalized tracks serve as a summary of biotic affinities between different land masses

    • Generalized tracks serve as hypotheses of past land connections

    • An example includes the isolation of species in Northern Russia

    • An example includes two generalized tracks between South America and Africa

    • It has no major weaknesses

    • Its major weakness is that it is not based on phylogenetic hypotheses

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Generalized tracks serve as a summary of biotic affinities between different land masses
    A. Generalized tracks serve as hypotheses of past land connections
    A. An example includes two generalized tracks between South America and Africa
    A. Its major weakness is that it is not based on phylogenetic hypotheses
    Explanation
    Croizat's panbiogeography is a method that uses generalized tracks to summarize the biotic affinities between different land masses and to propose hypotheses about past land connections. It also includes examples of two generalized tracks between South America and Africa. However, a major weakness of this method is that it is not based on phylogenetic hypotheses.

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  • 30. 

    Independent dispersal events across unrelated organisms is more likely than a series of vicariance events

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement suggests that independent dispersal events across unrelated organisms are less likely than a series of vicariance events. This means that it is more probable for organisms to disperse and colonize new areas through a series of vicariance events, where a population becomes isolated due to geographic barriers, rather than through independent dispersal events. This is because independent dispersal events require individual organisms to successfully navigate and survive in unfamiliar environments, which is less likely to occur compared to the formation of geographic barriers leading to vicariance events. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

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  • 31. 

    What do many historical biogeographers want in a method?

    • To be able to analyze the geography of speciation and range evolution

    • To be able to utilize phylogenetics to predict future evolutionary forms

    • To redesign earth's history

    Correct Answer
    A. To be able to analyze the geography of speciation and range evolution
    Explanation
    Many historical biogeographers want a method that allows them to analyze the geography of speciation and range evolution. This means they want a tool or technique that can help them understand how species have evolved and spread across different geographical areas over time. By studying the patterns of speciation and range evolution, biogeographers can gain insights into the processes and factors that have shaped the distribution of species on Earth. This knowledge can have implications for understanding biodiversity, conservation, and the impacts of environmental changes on species distributions.

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  • 32. 

    Concerning interchange, it was found that mammals with northern ancestry did better with crossing filters than mammals with southern ancestry. Which of the following is not a reason why?

    • Better reproductive strategies

    • Better migrators

    • Better survivors and speciators

    • Better competitors

    Correct Answer
    A. Better reproductive strategies
    Explanation
    Mammals with northern ancestry did not perform better with crossing filters because of their better reproductive strategies. It is not clear from the given information why mammals with northern ancestry did better with crossing filters compared to mammals with southern ancestry.

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  • 33. 

    ________ are used to polarize primitive to derived direction of character state changes in ingroups (focal monophyletic group)

    Correct Answer
    Outgroups
    Explanation
    Outgroups are used to polarize primitive to derived direction of character state changes in ingroups (focal monophyletic group). In phylogenetic analysis, outgroups are organisms that are closely related to the ingroup but not part of it. By comparing the character states of the outgroup with those of the ingroup, researchers can determine which traits are ancestral and which are derived. This helps in reconstructing the evolutionary relationships and understanding the direction of character evolution within the ingroup.

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  • 34. 

    What is the value of molecular characters in phylogenetics (systematics)?

    • Phylogenetic accuracy

    • Phylogenetic comparability

    • Dating divergence events (molecular clocks)

    • Molecular diagnosis of taxa and distributions from fossils

    • Hierarchial resolution

    • Distribution and timing of taxonomic lineages

    • Reconstructing past environments, climates, and distributions

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Phylogenetic accuracy
    A. Phylogenetic comparability
    A. Dating divergence events (molecular clocks)
    A. Molecular diagnosis of taxa and distributions from fossils
    A. Hierarchial resolution
    Explanation
    The value of molecular characters in phylogenetics (systematics) includes phylogenetic accuracy, phylogenetic comparability, dating divergence events (molecular clocks), molecular diagnosis of taxa and distributions from fossils, hierarchical resolution, and reconstructing past environments, climates, and distributions. These molecular characters help in accurately determining the evolutionary relationships between species, comparing phylogenies across different datasets, estimating the timing of divergence events, identifying taxa and their distributions using molecular evidence from fossils, resolving relationships at different hierarchical levels, and reconstructing past environments and distributions based on molecular data.

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  • 35. 

    A biota is defined as "all species of plants, animals, and microbes inhabiting a specified region." Which of the following are important questions regarding biotas?

    • What part of a "biota" are actually sampled and why?

    • How do we specify a region of interest?

    • What time range does a biota cover?

    • Is climate irrelevant to any particular biota?

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. What part of a "biota" are actually sampled and why?
    A. How do we specify a region of interest?
    Explanation
    The given answer correctly identifies two important questions regarding biotas. The first question, "What part of a 'biota' are actually sampled and why?" is crucial because it helps us understand which species or organisms are included in a biota study and the reasons behind their selection. The second question, "How do we specify a region of interest?" is also significant as it determines the boundaries and scope of a biota study, allowing researchers to focus their efforts on a specific area and understand the unique characteristics of that region's biota.

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  • 36. 

    It has been proven that dispersal is less important than vicariance as seen in Gondwana, Madagascar, and in Hawaii.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The given statement is false. Dispersal and vicariance are both important factors in explaining the distribution of species. Gondwana, Madagascar, and Hawaii are examples where both dispersal and vicariance have played significant roles in shaping the distribution of species. Dispersal refers to the movement of organisms to new areas, while vicariance refers to the splitting of a single population into two or more isolated populations due to geological or ecological barriers. Both processes have contributed to the distribution patterns observed in these regions.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 14, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 14, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 21, 2021
    Quiz Created by
    Catherine Halcomb

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