Ecology and Population Growth Quiz

What are estuaries?

• Areas with only salt water

• Freshwater lakes

• Deserts near the ocean

• Wetlands formed where rivers meet the sea

Answer explanation

Estuaries are unique ecosystems where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the sea, creating wetlands. This makes 'Wetlands formed where rivers meet the sea' the correct choice, as it accurately describes estuaries.

What is the photic zone?

• The well-lit upper layer of water

• The area where only chemosynthesis occurs

• The dark lower layer of the ocean

• The ocean floor

Answer explanation

The photic zone is the well-lit upper layer of water in oceans and lakes, where sunlight penetrates, allowing photosynthesis to occur. This distinguishes it from deeper, darker areas where light does not reach.

Which zone is exposed to the rise and fall of tides?

• Intertidal zone

• Open ocean

• Benthic zone

• Coastal ocean

Answer explanation

The intertidal zone is the area between high and low tide, making it directly exposed to the rise and fall of tides. Other zones like the open ocean and benthic zone are not affected by tidal changes in the same way.

What is the carrying capacity?

• The number of births in a population

• The maximum number of individuals an environment can support

• The rate at which a population grows

• The area a population inhabits

Answer explanation

The carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals an environment can support sustainably, making it the correct choice. Other options describe different aspects of population dynamics.

What type of growth is represented by a J-shaped curve?

• Exponential growth

• Linear growth

• Cyclic growth

• Logistic growth

Answer explanation

A J-shaped curve represents exponential growth, where the population increases rapidly over time without any limiting factors. This contrasts with linear, cyclic, and logistic growth, which have different patterns.

What are limiting factors?

• Factors that cause population growth to increase

• Factors that have no effect on population growth

• Factors that cause population growth to decrease

• Factors that only affect plant populations

Answer explanation

Limiting factors are conditions that restrict population growth, leading to a decrease in numbers. This includes resources like food, space, and competition, making the correct choice "Factors that cause population growth to decrease."

What is the main characteristic of the benthic zone?

• It is the upper layer of the ocean

• It is the ocean floor

• It is where photosynthesis occurs

• It is a zone with abundant light

Answer explanation

The benthic zone refers to the ocean floor, which is the correct answer. It is distinct from the upper layers of the ocean where light and photosynthesis occur.

Which of the following is a density-dependent limiting factor?

• Natural disasters

• Food availability

• Climate change

• Habitat destruction

Answer explanation

Food availability is a density-dependent limiting factor because its impact on population growth increases as the population density rises, affecting competition for resources. Natural disasters, climate change, and habitat destruction are density-independent.

What is detritus?

• A zone in the ocean

• A type of saltwater plant

• Tiny pieces of organic matter

• A type of fish

Answer explanation

Detritus refers to tiny pieces of organic matter, such as decomposed plants and animals, that accumulate in various environments. It plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and serves as food for many organisms.

Which ecosystem is characterized by mangrove swamps?

• Temperate estuaries

• Tropical estuaries

• Freshwater lakes

• Coral reefs

Answer explanation

Tropical estuaries are characterized by mangrove swamps, which thrive in warm, coastal regions where saltwater and freshwater mix. This ecosystem supports diverse wildlife and plays a crucial role in coastal protection.