APES Unit 1 Test Corrections

Why do open oceans have low NPP in spite of many producers (phytoplankton)?

• Because nutrients are limited in open oceans

• Because there is too much sunlight

• Because there are no consumers

• Because the water is too warm

Answer explanation

Open oceans have low NPP because nutrients are limited, despite the presence of phytoplankton. Without sufficient nutrients, even abundant producers cannot achieve high productivity.

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What is Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and how does it differ from Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

• GPP is the total energy captured by producers, while NPP is the energy left after respiration

• GPP is the energy used by consumers, while NPP is the energy used by producers

• GPP is the energy lost as heat, while NPP is the energy stored in plants

• GPP is the energy in the soil, while NPP is the energy in the water

Answer explanation

Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) refers to the total energy captured by producers through photosynthesis. Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the energy remaining after producers use some for respiration, making the first choice correct.

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Rearrange the formula NPP = GPP - R to solve for GPP. If the NPP of an area is 1000 kcal/m2/yr and the plant respiration is 750 kcal/m2/yr, solve for the GPP.

• 1750 kcal/m2/yr

• 250 kcal/m2/yr

• 750 kcal/m2/yr

• 1000 kcal/m2/yr

Answer explanation

To solve for GPP, rearrange the formula: GPP = NPP + R. Substituting the values, GPP = 1000 kcal/m2/yr + 750 kcal/m2/yr = 1750 kcal/m2/yr. Thus, the correct answer is 1750 kcal/m2/yr.

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How does photosynthesis by phytoplankton impact dissolved oxygen levels in the ocean?

• It increases dissolved oxygen levels

• It decreases dissolved oxygen levels

• It has no effect on dissolved oxygen levels

• It removes all oxygen from the water

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis by phytoplankton produces oxygen as a byproduct, which increases dissolved oxygen levels in the ocean. This process is vital for marine life and contributes significantly to the overall oxygen supply in aquatic environments.

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How do factors like light, water, and temperature affect tree diversity in different biomes?

• They increase tree diversity in areas with more light, water, and moderate temperatures

• They decrease tree diversity in all biomes

• They have no effect on tree diversity

• They only affect animal diversity, not tree diversity

Answer explanation

Light, water, and moderate temperatures are essential for tree growth. Areas with abundant resources support a wider variety of tree species, thus increasing tree diversity, making the correct choice the first option.

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What does each climatogram reveal about the climate and biodiversity of these biomes?

• They show patterns of precipitation and temperature, which influence biodiversity

• They show only the amount of sunlight in each biome

• They show the number of animals in each biome

• They show the soil type in each biome

Answer explanation

Climatograms display temperature and precipitation patterns, which are crucial for understanding the climate of biomes. These factors directly influence the types and diversity of species that can thrive in each biome.

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How might a climatogram help in understanding the potential for wildfires in a region with a dry season and high temperatures?

• It shows periods of low precipitation and high temperatures, indicating higher wildfire risk

• It shows the number of trees in the region

• It shows the amount of oxygen in the air

• It shows the types of animals present

Answer explanation

A climatogram displays low precipitation and high temperatures, which are critical indicators of increased wildfire risk. This information helps assess the likelihood of wildfires occurring during dry seasons.

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What does NPP stand for in ecological studies?

• Net Primary Productivity

• Natural Plant Production

• Nutrient Processing Potential

• Net Photosynthetic Power

Answer explanation

NPP stands for Net Primary Productivity, which measures the rate at which plants in an ecosystem produce net useful energy. It is a key concept in ecology for understanding energy flow and ecosystem health.

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What is the main reason for low NPP in open oceans?

• Limited nutrients

• Excessive sunlight

• High salinity

• Low temperature

Answer explanation

The main reason for low NPP in open oceans is limited nutrients. While sunlight is abundant, the lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus restricts the growth of phytoplankton, which are crucial for productivity.

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Why is the surface layer of lakes rich in producers?

• It receives the most sunlight

• It is the coldest layer

• It has the most nutrients

• It is the deepest layer

Answer explanation

The surface layer of lakes is rich in producers because it receives the most sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis. This light availability supports the growth of aquatic plants and algae, making it a productive zone.

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