Habitats & Ecosystems Chapter Exam

Competition for resources, and the partitioning of those resources between members of a population of one particular species in an area will most likely result in a _____ dispersion pattern of that population.

• uniform

• asocial

• clumped

• random

The carrying capacity of an area is the maximum stable population in that area that can be sustained over time. As the natural population approaches the carrying capacity, _____ and eventually _____ when the carrying capacity is reached.

• growth slows; stops

• growth accelerates; reaches a maximum

• growth accelerates; triples

• growth slows; increases again

Scientists are studying a certain type of ivy that was introduced into the area and has caused the extinction of other local plant species. This is an example of _____.

• a native species

• a harmless species

• an invasive species

• a toxic species

Which of the following may ALL occur as the result of an introduced species that has adapted to its new environment?

• Changes in predator/prey relationships, competition between the introduced species and native species, and death of the introduced species

• Changes in predator/prey relationships, changes in grazing patterns, and competition between the introduced species and native species

• Changes in grazing patterns, the eruption of several new invasive species, and changes in predator/prey relationships

• Death of the introduced species, changes in grazing patterns, and changes in predator/prey relationships

According to metapopulation theory metapopulations, or groups of local populations existing in different patches, are all connected by _____. This means that even if the local population in one patch dies off, it can be replenished from another patch.

• DNA

• extinction factors

• uniformity

• immigration

Which of the following would be the MOST LIKELY cause of habitat fragmentation?

• A manufacturing plant that is built in an area that was formally used for high density housing

• Preservation of thousands of acres of forest land that are currently home to several species of mammals, reptiles, and birds

• A development project that includes two shopping centers and a mixed use development in an area that is home to a certain type of large mammal

• A wetlands project that introduces miles of boardwalks in an area that is home to several types of birds so that birdwatchers can enjoy seeing the birds without disturbing their natural habitat

Given a particular geographical area in which a conservation group is working, which type of species research would that group MOST likely direct limited funds to first?

• Research concerning an endangered species that once lived in that area

• Research concerning an endangered species that could be introduced into the area

• Research concerning an endangered species that depends on that area for migration

• Research concerning a thriving species in the area

Which of the following is not a feature of a metapopulation?

• Local extinction is likely to occur in any given patch of habitat eventually.

• Migration events happen frequently.

• Several local populations are connected by infrequent immigration events.

• Overall, colonization events must occur at least as frequently as local extinctions.

• A metapopulation is composed of several smaller, separated populations.

Which of the following is a function of the National Park Service in the United States?

• All of these are functions of the National Park Service in the United States.

• Support the last wild herds of American bison.

• Ensure that several wild populations of organisms can maintain a range large enough to support a stable population.

• Ensure that human activities do not destroy all of the natural habitat in the United States.

• Protect America's natural treasures.

Which of the following is a major goal of conservation biologists?

• Preserve healthy populations of as many different species as they can.

• Convert as much farmland as they can back to natural habitat.

• Study and characterize as many different species of organisms as they can before they go extinct.

• Establish new National Parks

• Stop all construction projects which will destroy any natural habitat.