Ecosystems

What is the function of autotrophs in the carbon cycle?

• to use oxygen to produce glucose

• to take in excess water

• to use carbon dioxide to produce glucose

• to feed on herbivores

The males of a bird species do a "dance" and "sing a song" each spring. What is the main purpose of these behaviors?

• to scare of young birds

• to imprint young birds

• to clean their feathers

• to attract female birds

At night, moths travel toward light. Which type of behavior does this describe?

• habituation

• imprinting

• innate behavior

• learned behavior

The yucca plant releases a strong scent at night when the yucca moth is active. The yucca moth, attracted by the scent, gathers pollen from the yucca flower. The yucca moth then deposits her eggs and the pollen on the another plant. This ensures that the plant will be cross-pollinated and that the yucca moth larvae have a steady food supply. Which relationship does this best illustrate?

• commensalism

• mutualism

• parasitism

• predation

A field ecologist wants to determine the interactions of various populations of organism living in a large grass field. Which method is best for conducting this study?

• consulting with local farmers about the diversity of organisms in the field

• diving the field in half, walking over it, counting organisms, and then doubling the numbers

• walking over the entire field, collecting the organisms, and then compiling a total

• observing the behaviors of different types of organisms several times during this year.

Two different populations of birds live in the same area and eat the same types of food. Which most likely describes the relationship between these two populations of birds?

• competition

• mutualism

• parasitism

• predator-prey

What will most likely happen if the human population continues grow at current rates?

• there will be fewer natural resources available for future generations

• there will be an increase in nitrogen levels in the atmosphere.

• there will be a decrease in water pollution

• there will be an increase in the number of strong hurricanes.

Which environmental factor would cause the greatest decrease in the number of species of plants and animals living in some of the lakes in the United States?

• increase in dissolved oxygen levels

• global warming

• ozone destruction

• acid rain

Which environmental concern is the most associated with burning fossil fuels?

• global climate change

• pollution of ocean waters

• ozone layer destruction

• decrease in levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide

The construction of the new coal-burning power plant would have the greatest impact on which environmental issue?

• depletion of the ozone

• production of acid rain

• release of radiation

• increase in deforestation