Chapter 1 Review

Scientists generally use three approaches to study ecology. Which is not an example of experimentation?

• counting the number of migrating geese that visit a pond
• testing the real world results of a using a computer program to predict the growth of a forest
• raising ants in terrariums, each identical except for the clay content of the soil
• timing frogs as they swim across a pond toward two different food sources

Harvey is studying the turtles that live in a pond. His knowledge of ecology will be MOST USEFUL for explaining which of these observations of the turtles?

• The carapace (shell) of the turtle appears to be an extension of its spine.
• A female turtle lays a clutch of eggs along the shore of the lake, and not in the water
• One summer, the size of the turtle population suddenly increases, but then gradually decreases.
• A turtle may remain underwater for several minutes, but then surfaces for at least a brief moment.

Ecology includes studying ecosystems at different levels. Which is the largest or broadest level?

• biome
• community
• biosphere
• ecosystem

Which is a description of climate, and not the weather?

• Summer is wetter and warmer than winter.
• A hurricane is likely to reach southeast Florida this afternoon.
• The air today is more humid than it was yesterday.
• No rain is likely to fall for the next week.

The graph presents information about the climate of Dallas, Texas. Which of the following best describes this climate?

• warm temperatures and rainy weather all year long
• warm summers, cold winters, seasonal precipitation
• seasonal temperatures, little precipitation
• warm, wet summers; cold, dry winters

The soil of the temperate forest is often rich in humus. Which statement best explains the presence of humus in the temperate forest?

• Humus forms from fallen leaves, dead wood, and other dead organic matter.
• Tree roots break rocks into humus as they grow.
• Cold winter weather preserves humus in the soil.
• Dry conditions allow humus to form.

The coastal ocean is home to kelp forests and coral reefs. Which factor explains why the coastal ocean tends to be more productive than waters of similar depths in the open ocean?

• warm water temperature
• brightness of the water
• low salinity of the water
• nutrients supplied by runoff from the land

Kevin is constructing an explanation of the importance of freshwater ecosystems. Which of these statements would be MOST useful to include in the explanation?

• Freshwater ecosystems are distributed evenly across a continent.
• Freshwater ecosystems hold less than 3 percent of Earth’s surface water.
• Freshwater ecosystems keep fresh water in one place, and do not release it.
• Freshwater ecosystems stay about the same during the year.

Estuaries serve which important role for marine ecosystems?

• providing spawning and nursery grounds for many marine animals
• adding oxygen to the ocean water
• removing carbon dioxide from the ocean water
• removing salt from the ocean water

Which of these subjects is MOST LIKELY to be studied in ecology?

• the method of water transport in a tree
• a comparison of muscle cells among birds and reptiles
• the circulatory system of earthworms
• the interaction between populations of wolves and deer