Chapter 4 & 5 Biology Test

Which is an example of uniform dispersion?

• territorial jaguar pairs

• school of silverside fish

• one large buffalo herd

• random elephant groups

Answer explanation

Territorial jaguar pairs exhibit uniform dispersion as they maintain specific territories to reduce competition for resources. In contrast, the other options represent different types of social structures or random distributions.

Which is a density-independent factor for a flock of Canada geese on a large lake?

• unusually cold winter

• dwindling food supply

• infectious virus

• intestinal worms

Answer explanation

An unusually cold winter is a density-independent factor as it affects the geese regardless of their population size. In contrast, dwindling food supply, infectious viruses, and intestinal worms are density-dependent factors that relate to population density.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What can change the range of a population?

• nothing

• abiotic factors

• both biotic and abiotic factors

• biotic factors

Answer explanation

The range of a population can be influenced by both biotic factors (like competition and predation) and abiotic factors (such as climate and resources). Therefore, the correct answer is both biotic and abiotic factors.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Density, distribution, and growth rate are characteristics used to classify which one of the following?

• limiting factors

• biomes

• age structure

• populations

Answer explanation

Density, distribution, and growth rate are key characteristics that define populations. These factors help in understanding how populations interact with their environment and each other.

Which of the following does not affect the range of a population?

• the distribution of food and other resources

• abiotic conditions like rainfall and sunlight

• the existence of predators or parasites

• the carrying capacity of a population

Answer explanation

The carrying capacity of a population refers to the maximum number of individuals that an environment can support, but it does not directly affect the range, which is influenced by food, abiotic conditions, and predators.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

On ten acres of native forest there are 8 white-tailed deer, 7 coyotes, 45 armadillos, and 231 loblolly pine trees. Which population has the highest density?

• white-tailed deer

• armadillos

• coyotes

• loblolly pine trees

Answer explanation

To find the highest density, divide the population by the area. Loblolly pine trees: 231/10 = 23.1 trees/acre. White-tailed deer: 8/10 = 0.8 deer/acre. Armadillos: 45/10 = 4.5 armadillos/acre. Coyotes: 7/10 = 0.7 coyotes/acre. Thus, loblolly pine trees have the highest density.

American bison, which are large grazing mammals, are most often found in herds, or small groups. Which type of spatial distribution does the bison have?

• clumped

• random

• nonuniform

• uniform

Answer explanation

American bison are social animals that form herds, indicating a clumped spatial distribution. This means they are found in groups rather than being evenly spread out (uniform) or randomly distributed.

Each species has a population ________________, or distribution where it can be found throughout its lifetime.

Answer explanation

The correct term is 'range', which refers to the geographical area where a species can be found during its lifetime. This term accurately describes the distribution of a species.

Unlike other organisms, humans have control over resources that affect their population size.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Humans uniquely manage resources like food, water, and land, allowing them to influence their population size, unlike other organisms that rely solely on natural factors.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

How is a country's ecological footprint measured?

• industrial metals used per country

• barrels of oil used per person

• area of land used per person

• total food consumed per country

Answer explanation

A country's ecological footprint is measured by the area of land used per person, reflecting the environmental impact of individual consumption and resource use. This choice accurately captures the concept of ecological footprint.