BIOL 317: Intro to Ecology

Question 1

A population can be defined as what?

Answer 1

a group of individuals of a single species inhabiting a defined area.

Question 2

The accompanying graph shows data from a research study designed to test the hypothesis that both abiotic and biotic factors can affect the distribution of invasive Argentine ants. Based on the graph, which statement is best supported by the data?

Answer 2

Both abiotic and biotic factors interact to affect the distribution of invasive Argentine ants

Question 3

Which of the following statements below correctly demonstrates the interactions between ecological areas and processes?

Answer 3

Exchanges between ecosystems leads to the level of landscape ecology.

Question 4

Ecology is a modern science of which ancient man had no knowledge.

Answer 4

false

Question 5

Which is a likely biotic factor limiting açaí palms distribution?

Answer 5

Presence of toucans and other seed dispersing birds

Question 6

The highest level of ecological organization focuses on what?

Answer 6

the biosphere.

Question 7

Which of the following are important biotic factors that can affect the structure and organization of biological communities?

Answer 7

Predation, competition

Question 8

Due to the need to manipulate variables, ecologists are limited to short term, small scale studies.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

Even though ecologists would like to study isolated levels of the environment, that would be difficult since all levels are interconnected.

Answer 9

true

Question 10

Which abiotic factor would likely have the most significant acute physiological effect on migrating salmon as they move from saltwater to freshwater?

Answer 10

Salinity differences

Question 11

Temperate and tropical rain forest trees extract nutrients from epiphytic mats.

Answer 11

true