Ecology and Ecosystem Dynamics Quiz

Calculate the mean number of daisies per square meter if the following data was collected from 5 quadrats: 8, 12, 10, 15, 5.

• 10

• 12

• 9

• 11

What is the mode in the following set of data: 12, 15, 12, 18, 20, 12, 15?

• 12

• 15

• 18

• 20

A study using transects shows that a plant species is more abundant at the base of a hill and less so at the top. Which abiotic factor might explain this distribution?

• Soil moisture

• Wind speed

• Sunlight exposure

• Soil pH

An ecologist might use a line transect to study the effect of light intensity on plant distribution by:

• Measuring plant height at regular intervals along the transect

• Recording the number of plant species at different light intensities

• Counting the number of plants in shaded and unshaded areas

• Observing the color of leaves in different light conditions

Why might an ecologist choose to measure both light intensity and soil pH along a transect?

• To understand the relationship between light and soil conditions

• To measure the growth rate of plants

• To calculate the soil moisture content

• To determine the temperature variations

Identify two biotic factors that could affect the distribution of organisms in an ecosystem.

• Predation and competition

• Temperature and sunlight

• Water availability and soil type

• Wind and humidity

The range helps in analysing the distribution of organisms in an ecosystem by:

• Indicating the variety of species present

• Showing the spread of organisms across different areas

• Highlighting the most populated regions

• Determining the average population size

If a new predator is introduced into an ecosystem, what could be the possible effect on the prey species' population?

• The prey population will increase.

• The prey population will decrease.

• The prey population will remain the same.

• The prey population will become extinct.

True or False: A quadrat is only useful for studying plant populations.

• True

• False

Ecologists use more than one quadrat in their sampling because:

• It increases the accuracy of the results.

• It reduces the time needed for sampling.

• It allows for the study of different species.

• It helps in identifying rare species.