Chapter 1 Exam

What are the biotic factors of the pond ecosystem pictured below?

• Trees, reeds, algae, lily pads
• pond water and the rain that falls in the pond
• air above the pond, and the pond water
• Sunlight that shines on the pond water

Scientists generally use three approaches to study ecology. Which is an example of experimentation?

• counting the number of migrating geese that visit a pond
• using a computer program to predict the growth of a forest
• raising ants in terrariums, each identical except for the clay content of the soil
• observing frogs as they swim across a pond

Harvey is studying the turtles that live in a pond. His knowledge of ecology will be MOST USEFUL for explaining which of these observations of the turtles?

• The carapace (shell) of the turtle appears to be an extension of its spine.
• A female turtle lays a clutch of eggs along the shore of the lake, and not in the water
• One summer, the size of the turtle population suddenly increases, but then gradually decreases.
• A turtle may remain underwater for several minutes, but then surfaces for at least a brief moment.

Ecology includes studying ecosystems at different levels. Which is the largest or broadest level?

• biome
• community
• biosphere
• ecosystem

Which is a description of climate, and not the weather?

• Summer is wetter and warmer than winter.
• A hurricane is likely to reach southeast Florida this afternoon.
• The air today is more humid than it was yesterday.
• No rain is likely to fall for the next week.

An increase in the concentrations of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere would have which of these effects on temperature?

• a decrease in average temperatures on Earth’s surface
• an increase in average temperatures on Earth’s surface
• an increase in average temperature in the upper atmosphere
• a decrease in average temperature within all Earth systems

Which factors are used to characterize a biome, such as the desert, tropical rain forest, or temperate grasslands? Select two answers.

• biotic factors, such as plant and animal life
• abiotic factors, such as climate and soil.
• precise lines of latitude and longitude
• levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

The graph presents information about the climate of Dallas, Texas. Which of the following best describes this climate?

• warm temperatures and rainy weather all year long
• warm summers, cold winters, seasonal precipitation
• seasonal temperatures, little precipitation
• warm, wet summers; cold, dry winters

The soil of the temperate forest is often rich in humus. Which statement best explains the presence of humus in the temperate forest?

• Humus forms from fallen leaves, dead wood, and other dead organic matter.
• Tree roots break rocks into humus as they grow.
• Cold winter weather preserves humus in the soil.
• Dry conditions allow humus to form.

The coastal ocean is home to kelp forests and coral reefs. Which factor explains why the coastal ocean tends to be more productive than waters of similar depths in the open ocean?

• warm water temperature
• brightness of the water
• low salinity of the water
• nutrients supplied by runoff from the land