Biosphere (Env. Sci)

If the gene pool of two populations are separated, the populations may develop into a new species. This is called: 

• natural selection

• speciation

• genetic separation

• interspecific competition

The Kaibab squirrel became its own species when a small population was isolated on the northern rim of the Grand Canyon. Which type of speciation is this?

• behavioral isolation

• mechanical isolation

• temporal isolation

• geographic isolation

An ecologist is discussing two animals’ ability to reproduce with one another. Which is he talking about?

• natality

• fecundity

• fertility

• mortality

Rain carries soil into a nearby pond.  This is an interaction between which two “spheres” of the earth?

• Hydrosphere & Atmosphere

• Atmosphere & Biosphere

• Geosphere & Hydrosphere

• Atmosphere & Geosphere

The unique role a species plays in its environment is its __________________.

Many species together in one place are called ______________________.

• a niche

• a community

• a population

• mutualism

Which level of an energy pyramid is most likely to have the highest number of organisms?

• Producers

• Primary consumers

• Secondary consumers

• Tertiary consumers

Two types of organisms consume dead and decaying matter.  The difference between these two types of organisms is that ______________ are consumers that feed on dead animals, while ______________ break down plants and animals into simpler molecules.

• decomposers; producers

• scavengers; decomposers

• producers; decomposers

• decomposers; scavengers

A coral snake is venomous while its mimic, the scarlet king snake, is not. This is an example of _________________.

• mullerian mimicry

• chemical mimicry

• malthusian mimicry

• batesian mimicry

A tiny filter-feeding barnacle sticks to a whale. The whale is unaffected by this new stowaway. What type of relationship is this?

• mutualism

• commensalism

• amensalism

• neutralism