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WorksheetsEcology and Evolution Practice Review
Total questions: 152
Worksheet time: 13hrs 40mins
Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure?
the wings of a red-tailed hawk
the hind limbs of a house cat
the fins of sharks
the wings of an ostrich
Structures that have the same function but different structures are...
homologous structures
analogous structures
vestigial structures
embryology
Some organisms that share a common ancestor have features that have different functions, but similar underlying structures. These are known as
vestigial structures
analogous structures
homologous structures
fossil structures
Which mouse is more likely going to survive in the desert?
Which finch shown below would most likely have an advantage for survival in an environment where seeds are the main source of food?
1
2
3
4
Over several generations, almost all of the insect population was pesticide resistant. Which explanation would support this phenomenon?
the insecticide changed the genetic make up of the insects.
a mutation made some of the bugs resistant and fitness switched to those bugs who were able to reproduce.
the insecticide caused the insects to become cannibals and they ate their babies.
the insecticide caused the insects to become sterile.
According to the differences in the chart, which of these pairs of animals are more closely related?
Human and Chimp
Human and Lemur
Baboon and Lemur
Lemur and Chimp
In the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), implantation of embryos after breeding is delayed. The deer breed in July or August but do not give birth until the following May or June. From summer to late December, the embryo rests in a state of dormancy as a 30-cell blastocyst. In late December or early January, the embryo sends a signal that causes the female to release hormones, allowing the embryo to continue to develop normally. Why is delayed implantation an advantageous adaptation for the European roe deer?
Delayed implantation allows the mother to continue to breed with other males.
Without delayed implantation, the females would not be able to carry a pregnancy to full term.
Delayed implantation enables the female to give birth to more fawns each year.
Without delayed implantation, the fawns would be born in the winter when food is scarce and the weather is harsh.
Two populations of mice living in the same forest are separated by a large water-filled ditch. After a rainstorm, flooding brings several mice from one population to the other population. When the mice from the first population reproduce with members of the second population, which of the following will likely occur?
All the offspring will die as a result of reproductive mutations.
The offspring will be forced to leave the second population.
The offspring will be genetically identical to their parent from the first population.
The offspring in the second population will have greater genetic variety.
An analysis of DNA and RNA sequences can be used to classify organisms. A dendrogram, such as the one shown below, is based on molecular data. It can be used to represent evolutionary relationships within a group of organisms that are hypothesized to have descended from a common ancestor. Which statement is best supported by the information in this dendrogram?
Lesser pandas are more genetically similar to giant pandas than they are to raccoons.
Brown bears are more genetically similar to giant pandas than they are to sun bears.
Lesser pandas are more genetically similar to raccoons than they are to giant pandas.
The bear species are all more genetically similar to dogs than they are to giant pandas.
Adult mountain lions (Puma concolor) are almost 2 meters long. They have a black spot over each eye. The common names used throughout the United States for this species are listed below. Why is it best for scientists to use the name from the standardized taxonomic system?
The standardized name differentiates mountain lions and pumas.
The standardized name is less descriptive of the animal that has been observed.
Communication with other scientists about mountain lions will be reduced.
All scientists will be using one name for mountain lions.
A cladogram is shown below. All the animals to the right of the hagfish would have the common characteristic of —
fur
claws or nails
lungs
jaws
This diagram of the fossil record represents changes in mollusks over millions of years. How can the pattern of change in the fossil record best be explained?
The mollusks were well adapted to their stable environment. A large, sudden change occurred in their environment. After the change the mollusks with the bigger shells were better adapted for the new environment.
The mollusks were well adapted to their stable environment. The mollusks hybridized with a smaller species of mollusk. A new species of mollusk with a bigger shell resulted.
The mollusks were not well adapted to their environment. The length of the mollusks’ shells changed gradually over time. The mollusks in the original population that had small shells died over a period of many years.
The mollusks were well adapted to their environment. Humans introduced a new species of mollusk that was not adapted to this environment. The introduced mollusk outcompeted the native mollusk species.
Three species of lizards of the genus Gallotia are found on the Canary Islands, a chain of seven volcanic islands off the west coast of Africa. The easternmost island, Lanzarote, is the oldest, while the westernmost island, El Hierro, is the youngest. The distribution of lizard species is shown on the map below. Which statement about the ancestry of the lizards from the genus Gallotia is best supported by this information?
The common ancestor of the lizards first colonized the island of El Hierro.
The ancestors of each species came from different continents at different times.
The common ancestor of the lizards probably came from Africa.
The ancestors of each species evolved in Spain and were brought to the islands at the same time.
The survival of a species depends on its ability to adapt to changes in the environment. A species must be capable of surviving and reproducing despite changes to food sources, climate, or threats from predators. Which statement correctly describes a way that mutations increase the likelihood that a species will survive in a changing environment?
Mutations are a source of variation in the species.
Mutations are the cause of disease in the species.
Mutations are not harmful when they occur in somatic cells of the species.
Mutations are always passed on to subsequent generations of the species.
The green frog (Lithobates clamitans clamitans) is found in many parts of the United States. The table contains some information about this frog. Why does the ability to lay 1,000 to 5,000 eggs increase the fitness of the species L. clamitans clamitans?
It increases opportunities for offspring to compete for limited resources.
It increases the probability that some offspring will survive long enough to reproduce.
It increases the probability that moving water will promote gene flow from one population to another.
It increases the chance of the recombination of alleles, leading to genetic drift in the population.
Bactrian camels, dromedaries, llamas, and alpacas are all members of the same taxonomic family, Camelidae. Members of this family all have two toes, no hooves, true canine teeth, and a split upper lip. The family Camelidae originated in North America. The physical features of animals in this family and the family’s geographical origin provide evidence that all these animals —
live in the same type of ecosystem
have slowly evolved to become herbivores
have a common ancestor
exchanged DNA at some point in the past
A prey population consists of individuals with a variety of running speeds. The adaptation that allows some of these animals to run fast would be an example of natural selection if it helps them —
survive and undergo mutations in their DNA
lower the mortality rates of the population
produce offspring that run at average speeds
reproduce and increase the frequency of their genes in the population
The quiver tree grows in desert areas in southern Africa. In recent decades average temperatures have been rising in southern Africa. Scientists predict that this warming trend will continue. Quiver trees in the hottest parts of their range near the equator are dying, but quiver trees at high elevations or in parts of the range that are farther from the equator are growing and reproducing. Which of these best explains what is happening to the quiver tree population in southern Africa?
Individual quiver trees are unable to adjust to the rising temperatures, and only those in cooler parts of the range will survive.
The quiver tree species is unable to survive rising temperatures throughout its range. The species is likely to undergo rapid extinction.
Individual quiver trees can quickly adapt to rising temperatures. Individual trees will change their method of seed dispersal in cooler parts of the range.
The quiver tree species will survive by producing offspring suited for warmer temperatures.
Five general characteristics of organisms in kingdoms Plantae or Fungi are listed in the box. Which table correctly lists the characteristics of the organisms in the two kingdoms?
This dichotomous key can be used to identify some conifers. Based on the key, which of these best describes the leaves and cones of the longleaf pine?
Needle-like straight leaves that are mostly over 25 cm long and found in clusters of three; no thorns on cones
Flattened and scale-like leaves that are mostly over 25 cm long; soft and leathery cones
Needle-like straight leaves with a length of 25 cm that are mostly found in clusters of five; thorny cones
Leaves with a length of 25 cm that are found in clusters of more than five; no thorns on cones
In 2010, scientists excavated a skull fossil that provides evidence of a newly discovered species of big cat. Based on the evidence, scientists hypothesize that big cats branched off from smaller wild cats about 6 million years ago. Which of these resources did the scientists most likely rely on to form their hypothesis?
A food web showing feeding relationships of organisms where the fossil skull was found
Population and migration data for small wild cats living in the ecosystem where the skull was found
The fossil record and DNA comparisons of big cats and small cats
The historical record of interactions between different species of big cats
Scientists around the world use a standardized taxonomic system. Why would scientists want to use a taxonomic system that is standardized?
In order to avoid confusion with the identification of organisms
Because Linnaeus established the system
So that Latin names can be applied for a practical purpose
In order to place organisms in different groups
Nudibranchs are marine gastropods that lack shells. Many of these gastropods retain the foul-tasting poisons of their prey and secrete them when threatened. The bright coloration of the nudibranchs warns predators to avoid them. Based on this information, how has adaptation allowed marine gastropods to be successful without a shell?
They find enough food as they move through the marine environment.
They blend in with their environment to hide from their predators.
They are not attacked by most predators and are able to reproduce successfully.
They have bright colors that attract a mate.
The diagrams show the skeletons of two different animal species. How does comparing the skeletons of these animals provide support for the scientific theory of evolution?
It provides information about the organisms' habitats.
It shows possible common ancestry between organisms.
It provides information to determine the organisms' ages.
It shows possible chromosomal similarities between organisms.
According to fossil records, the horses that lived 50 million years ago were much smaller, weaker and slower than modern horses. Which process is most likely responsible for the changes that have led to the increased size, strength, and speed in horses?
commensalism
inbreeding
migration
evolution by natural selection
Scientists are studying the evolutionary history of a group of plants in the United States, and they developed an evolutionary tree, as shown. Which statement can be inferred from the evolutionary tree?
Species 1 is most closely related to Species 8.
Species 2 is most closely related to Species 3.
Species 3 is most closely related to Species 7.
Species 5 is most closely related to Species 6.
Mutations within a DNA sequence are:
natural processes that produce genetic diversity.
natural processes that always affect the phenotype.
unnatural processes that always affect the phenotype.
unnatural processes that are harmful to
genetic diversity.
Certain insects resemble the bark of the trees on which they live. Which statement details a possible biological explanation for this resemblance?
The insects needed camouflage, so they developed protective coloration.
Natural selection played a role in the development of the of this protective coloration.
The lack of mutations resulted in the protective coloration
The trees caused mutations in the insects that resulted in protective coloration
The data shows four amino acids found across 3 species. Which phylogenetic tree best represents the information in the chart?
A large population of cockroaches was sprayed with an insecticide. A few of the cockroaches survived and produced a population of cockroaches that was resistant to this spray. What can best be inferred from this example?
A species will adapt no matter what the environment.
The environment has no effect on the survival of an organism.
Insecticides cause mutations that are passed on to the next generation.
Individuals with favorable variations survive and reproduce.
Scientists believe that the polar bear in Alaska and the brown bear in Russia evolved from a common ancestor. Which would be responsible for this evolutionary change?
artificial selection
asexual reproduction
sexual competition
geographic isolation
An antibiotic which was effective 20 years ago against a specific type of bacterial infection no longer works against the same kind of infection today. Which best explains why the antibiotic is no longer as effective as it was 20 years ago?
bacteria resistant to the antibiotic have killed off nonresistant bacteria
viruses have changed the structure of the bacteria that causes the infection
resistant bacteria have survived and reproduced at a greater rate than nonresistant bacteria
the human body has developed an immunity to the antibiotics
An insecticide kills most of the ants on a plant. Over time, it is determined that the insecticide is not as effective for killing ants. Which statement best explains this observation?
the ants killed initially by the insecticide were genetically the same as the surviving ants
the ants killed initially by the insecticide had thinner cell membranes than the surviving ants
the ants that survived were younger than those that died as a result of the insecticide
the ants killed by the insecticide and the surviving ants were genetically different
Some scientists claim recent evidence suggests birds should be reclassified to share more taxonomic groups with dinosaurs. What type of evidence would provide the best support for this claim?
evidence showing birds shared similar habitats with dinosaurs
evidence showing birds shared similar nutritional requirements as dinosaurs
evidence showing birds shared similar behaviors with dinosaurs
evidence showing birds shared a common genetic history with dinosaurs
According to the fossil record found in these sedimentary layers, what conclusion can be drawn about animal life in general?
Animals did not move on to land until flowering plants evolved.
Vertebrates appeared in the oceans before they moved on to land.
Vertebrates evolved on land and in the oceans at about the same time.
Shelled animals and fish appeared in the oceans at about the same time.
Which statement BEST describes how mutations are related to evolution?
There is not a strong relationship between mutations and evolution.
Natural selection causes evolution, which causes more mutations to appear in the DNA of the species.
Mutations are changes in DNA that produce weaker organisms that die, so these are eliminated by evolution.
Mutations lead to new genes, which may have an advantage over the old forms, causing the species to evolve.
All life on Earth started as unicelluar, prokaryotic organisms. Which of these structures was vital for organisms to develop in order to evolve into more complex, multicellular organisms?
Nucleus
Ribosome
Cytoplasm
Cell membrane
Cichlids are bony fish that are commonly found in the freshwater lakes of Africa, like Lake Victoria. There are more than 2000 recognized species of cichlids in these freshwater lakes. What scenario would most likely result in the sympatric speciation of cichlids in Lake Victoria?
A non-disjunction event results in a male fish with double the number of chromosomes.
A new mutation results in a cichlid fish that can evade predators by using camouflage.
Two pools form as regions of the lake dry up, leaving isolated populations of cichlids.
Females exhibit sexual selection for males of a particular color.
All organisms have DNA, which differs only in the number and order of each type of nucleotide. This suggests that all organisms have...
a common ancestor.
a common reproductive cycle.
the same types of proteins.
the same amount of DNA.
Notice the population of beetles. The allele for color is seen on their backs: green and brown alleles. Predators are more likely to spot the brown beetles. Over time, the gene pool contains only green alleles. This is an example of...
gene flow.
adaptation.
genetic drift.
natural selection.
Fifty years ago, bed bugs were nearly eliminated in the United States by using of pesticides like DDT. Today bed bugs are back in beds and theaters. DDT is no longer used due to environmental issues. Pyrethrums are currently the top choice for bed bug infestations. Pyrethrums are especially useful to us because they generally have a stronger effect on bugs than on humans and animals.
Bed bugs have become resistant to even this chemical pesticide. What happened that allowed the bug population to increase?
the chemicals used currently are weaker
the chemicals no longer can penetrate bed bugs brains
the bed bugs of today are exactly the same as the bed bugs of fifty years ago
the bed bugs that survived the DDT years ago, reproduced new generations of chemical resistant offspring
Which of the following is the BEST example of an physiological adaptation for animals?
Polar bears have dark skin color to absorb more heat from the sun for warmth.
Llamas that live at high altitudes (where there is less oxygen) have certain hemoglobin within their bodies that allows them to move oxygen more quickly and efficiently.
The back end of the hawk moth caterpillar has the appearance of a snake head.
Golden moles live underground in hot climates because they provide a cooler habitat.
Which of the following is an example of homologous features?
The wing of an insect and the wing of a bird.
The bone structure in the appendages of the whale and human.
The fins of a whale and the fins of a shark.
White color in the arctic fox and white color in a snow dove.
Anatomical or behavioral features of an organism that appear to have lost their function in modern species but are evidence of past use in ancestral species are called...
homologous structures.
analogous structures.
vestigial structures.
Examine the diagrams. Columns I and II contain rock layers A, B, C, D, E and F. Both columns were taken from the same dig site at different locations. Which two layers are of approximately the same age?
C & D
A & D
B & E
B & F
AGC CAT GTA TAC What is the complementary DNA strand?
What is the most reasonable conclusion one can draw from a comparison of these structures?
Scientists can determine relatedness among organisms by comparing partial amino acid sequences. The table shows four partial amino acid sequences from four organisms. Which organism is the LEAST related to the other three organisms?
Organism 1
Organism 2
Organism 3
Organism 4
The relationships among different orders of millipedes are shown in the cladogram. Based on this cladogram, which statement best describes relationships among millipede orders?
Stemmiulida is more closely related to Merocheta than Penicillata is to Merocheta.
Spirostreptida is more closely related to Glomerida than Sphaerotheriida is to Glomerida.
Polyzoniida is more closely related to Glomeridesmida than Sphaerotheriida is to Glomeridesmida.
Merocheta is more closely related to Glomeridesmida than Glomerida is to Glomeridesmida.
A virus killed most of the seals in the North Sea (e.g. dropped the population from 8000 to 800). In an effort to help preserve the species, scientists caught 20 of the remaining seals and used them to start a new population in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Which of the following statements would accurately describe the new population?
The new seal population is genetically less diverse than the original population
The new seal population is genetically more diverse than the original population
There is equal genetic variety compared to the original population
None of the answers
Which of the following is an example of natural selection?
Bald Eagles are hunted until near extinction, population recovers.
Small group of iguanas floats to an island, starts a new population.
Red fox pups are more likely to survive in a snowy environment if they are born white.
Farmer chooses seeds from largest apples to plant next year. This results in larger apples from year to year.
Which role of protists has the most positive effect on maintaining the plant population in an ecosystem?
Protists are a major food source for animals
Protists produce approximately 75% of the oxygen on Earth
Protists decompose dead materials, returning nutrients to the soil
Protists found in the gut of animals assist in digestion
Saprophytes are fungi that feed on dead and decomposing organisms. They secrete enzymes that digest components of cell walls, such as cellulose and lignin.
Which statement explains why these fungi are an important part of the biogeochemical cycle?
Saprophytes perform gas exchange that assists the cellular activities of autotrophs.
Saprophytes extract minerals from living tissue to recycle them back into the soil.
Saprophytes transport nutrients through the xylem and phloem in autotrophs.
Saprophytes return organic material to the soil for use by living organisms.
Health professionals sometimes recommend nutritional supplements that contain a variety of species of bacteria to promote good digestive health. The product label for one of these supplements is shown.
Why does this type of bacteria-filled supplement benefit human health instead of causing illness?
Stomach acids and digestive enzymes kill the bacteria in this type of supplement, protecting the person against future infections by live organisms.
The human digestive system contains billions of beneficial bacteria that enhance digestion and nutrient absorption, synthesize vitamins, and help limit the growth of harmful bacteria.
These species of bacteria remove all the other species of microorganisms living in the human digestive system and ensure that no microorganisms survive to contaminate the body.
These bacteria are able to deactivate viruses that may inhabit the human digestive system and are used to protect against further viral infections.
Some fungi secrete substances that are toxic to bacteria that compete with them for food. Scientists have used their knowledge of this ability of fungi in order to produce which of the following substances?
Yogurt
Fertilizers
Plastic
Antibiotics
During secondary succession, which of these best describes why decomposing pioneer plants give way to larger, more complex plant species, such as hardwood trees?
Increased amounts of sunlight are able to reach the ground while the pioneer species are decomposing
Increased soil temperatures from decomposing pioneer species help tree seeds germinate more quickly
Increased amounts of decomposing pioneer species remove nutrients that tree seedlings need to grow and mature
Increased amounts of soil from decomposing pioneer species allow plants with more extensive root systems to become established
An estuary collects sediments from teh ocean and rivers that feed into it. The sediments swirl around and then settle to form a medflat. Eel grass is then established on the mudflat. The ecosystem changes over time and ultimately develops into a salt marsh that contains mangrove trees. Which of the following is likely NOT involved in this example of ecological succession?
The rotting remains of plants add to the fertility of the soil
The soul becomes so fertile that eel grass is replaced by other plant species
The roots from plants help stabilize the sediment, keeping it in place
The concentration of salt becomes so high that all plant life is destroyed
The rocky material left behind by a retreating glacier forms what is called a moraine. When primary succession occurs on a moraine, which life-forms will help create the soil by breaking down bare rock?
Insects
Lichens
Grasses
Deciduous trees
During ecological succession, how does the growth of young hardwoods affect the organisms living in an ecosystem?
Grasses and low shrubs are unable to obtain the amount of light they need to survive, so there are small numbers of them
The trees provide shelter and food for a variety of mammals, insects, and birds
In Autumn, falling leaves provide a source of energy for decomposers such as fungi
All of these answer choices are correct
As ecosystems move through the stages of succession, the populations of organisms in them change. Which of the following describes the stage of succession likely to have the most species diversity?
A newly formed volcanic island
An agricultural field that has not been plowed for one year
A temperate forest that has. never been cleared by logging
A field that is regularly mowed
How do an increase in the organic matter in soil and an increase in soil depth affect the population of plants in an area?
Larger plants become the dominant species
Mosses replace flowering plants
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria kill young trees.
Grasses become diseased
The graph shows the changes in the number of species in an ecosystem. Which event was most likely the cause of the changes in species diversity in this ecosystem?
A large volcanic eruption
A flash flood
A small tornado
A migration of locusts
The ocean sunfish is a large, flat fish that spends most if its time in deep water feeding mainly on jellyfish. Sunfish often have many species of copepods, small crustaceans, that bury their heads into the soft tissue of the sunfish. Sunfish will swim to the surface of the water and lie sideways, allowing seabirds to eat the copepods from their skin. Which list describes the types of relationships the sunfish has with other marine organisms?
Seabirds: mutualism
Jellyfish: predation
Copepods: parasitism
Seabirds: parasitism
Jellyfish: commensalism
Copepods: predation
Seabirds: predation
Jellyfish: mutualism
Copepods: commensalism
Seabirds: commensalism
Jellyfish: parasitism
Copepods: mutualism
Which of these best demonstrates mutualism between certain types of bacteria and humans?
Intestinal bacteria obtain nutrients from the gut and produce vitamin K used by humans
Bacteria become resistant to antibacterial medication that humans use for treatment
invasive bacteria at an area of injury produce toxins that damage healthy tissues of the human body
Bacteria in improperly prepared food is consumed by humans, causing food poisoning
In North American forests, two species of birds, nuthatchers and brown creepers, forage on the same trees for insects. Brown creepers feed on insects found near the bottom of the tree trunk, while nuthatchers feed on insects in the top part of the tree. The difference in foraging behavior most likely affects the nuthatchers and brown creepers by -
allowing the birds to avoid many types of predators
reducing competition between the birds for resources
preventing the birds from interbreeding with each other
establishing dominance between the birds for nesting sites
The table lists some organisms found in a swamp ecosystem and their sources of energy. When constructing an energy pyramid of the swamp ecosystem, which of these would be placed at the top of the pyramid?
Grass carp
American alligator
Eastern mud turtle
Great blue heron
The energy pyramid below shows the energy made available by producers. Based on the energy flow between trophic levels in an energy pyramid, how much energy would be expected to be found at the secondary consumer level in this pyramid?
100 joules
500 joules
1000 joules
50 joules
Many years ago, a volcanic eruption killed many plants and animals on an island. Today the island looks much as it did before the eruption. Which statemnt is the best possbile explanantion for this?
Altered ecosystems regain stability through the evolution of new plant species
Destroyed environments can recover as a result of the process of ecological succession.
Geographic barriers prevent the migration of animals to island habitats
Destroyed ecosystems always return to their original state
What impact do the amounts of available energy, water, and oxygen have on an ecosystem?
They act as limiting factors
They are used as nutrients
They recycle the residue of dead organisms
They control environmental temperature
In the diagram below, what does X most likely represent?
autotrophs
herbivores
decomposers
carnivores
Which diagram best illustrates the relationship between humans (H) and ecosystems (E)?
1
2
3
4
What would most likely happen if most of the bacteria and fungi were removed from an ecoystem?
Nutrients resulting from decomposition would be reduced
Energy provided for autotrophic nutrition would be reduced.
The rate of mutation in plants would increase
Soil fertility would increase
Which statement best describes how bacteria recycle matter in an ecosystem?
Bacteria are producers that create energy for second-order consumer.
Bacteria produce toxins to prevent the growth of invasive species.
Bacteria cause diseases that limit the reproduction of organisms in a population.
Bacteria are decomposers that help to transfer organic material to the soil.
Hydrothermal vents form deep in the ocean when iron-rich magma is released from openings on the seafloor. These vents spew extremely hot water (400 degrees Celsius) mixed with methane and sulfur. Bacteria that thrive in this hostile environment form the base of a food chain that leads to colonization by tube worms, mussels, and many other life-forms. When a hydrothermal vent becomes inactive and cold, the bacterial community that lives in the hot fluid methane and sulfur dies out. Which organisms most likely succeed the original community in this ecosystem?
Cold-tolerant bacteria that feed on sulfur and iron in the vents.
Giant kelp that use sulfur in photosynthesis.
Fish that do not need oxygen for cellular respiration.
Ocean mammals that tolerate cold and act as top predators in the food chain.
During secondary succession, which of these best describes why decomposing pioneer plants give way to larger, more complex plant species, such as hardwood trees?
Increased amounts of sunlight are able to reach the ground while the pioneer species are decomposing.
Increased soil temperatures from decomposing pioneer species help tree seeds germinate more quickly.
Increased amounts of decomposing pioneer species remove nutrients that tree seedlings need to grow and mature.
Increased amounts of soil from decomposing pioneer species allow plants with more extensive root systems to become established.
In an experiment, two plants are grown together for a time and then separated. Plant 2 is a parasite of Plant 1.
Which graph best predicts the growth of Plant 1 and Plant 2 during the experiment?
Four common relationships between organisms are listed in the box.
Which statements best describe these relationships?
Relationships 1 and 4 are examples of mutualism.
Relationship 2 is an example of commensalism.
Relationship 3 is an example of parasitism.
Relationships 1 and 2 are examples of commensalism.
Relationships 3 and 4 are examples of mutualism.
Relationship 1 is an example of commensalism.
Relationships 2 and 4 are examples of mutualism.
Relationship 3 is an example of predation.
Relationships 1, 2, and 4 are examples of mutualism.
Relationship 3 is an example of parasitism.
A student performed an investigation in which two ivy plants were planted in two separate containers. One of the containers had earthworms mixed in with the soil, and the other container had soil and no earthworms. The plants were given the same amount of water and exposed to the same amount of sunlight. The student observed that after several weeks of growth, the plant exposed to earthworms appeared to be healthier and exhibited more growth. To conclude that the relationship between the plant and the earthworm is an example of mutualism, the student must perform follow-up investigations that do which of the following?
Determine whether the earthworms damage the soil in any way.
Determine whether the earthworms benefit from being with the plant.
Determine whether the water given to the plant is unpolluted.
Determine whether the other plant in the investigation suffers as a result of not being exposed to earthworms.
Parrotfish are herbivores that are found in coral reefs. To escape predators, a parrotfish will graze with a rabbitfish, which has venomous spines at the end of its pelvic fins. The rabbitfish does not benefit from the relationship. Which type of relationship do the parrotfish and the rabbitfish have in the coral reef environment?
Commensal
Mutualistic
Predator-prey
Parasitic
Bats eat insects that damage crops and mosquitoes that are vectors for disease. One million bats can eat several tons of insects per night, saving billions of dollars in pesticides yearly. Agricultural and public health scientists are concerned about the spread of white-nose syndrome (WNS). WNS is a result of a fungus that can infect cave-dwelling bats. While bats hibernate during winter months, the fungus covers the bats' face and wings. WNS has a near 100% mortality rate, and 5.7 million bats have dies since the discovery of the fungus in 2006. Many scientists are searching for ways to protect these bats. The relationship between this fungus and bats can best be defined as -
commensal, because the bats provide a surface for the fungus to grow
parasitic, because the fungus obtains nutrients and shelter from the bats
competitive, because both organisms use caves as shelter during the winter.
mutualistic, because the relationship involves two distinct species living together
In any environment or ecosystem, organisms can have several different types of relationships. Three types of relationships are described in the box.
Which of these correctly describes the relationships between the organisms?
X: mutualism
Y: parasitism
Z: commensalism
X: commensalism
Y: mutualism
Z: parasitism
X: parasitism
Y: commensalism
Z: mutualism
X: commensalism
Y: parasitism
Z: mutualism
Brazil nuts are tall canopy trees that make up a large portion of the Amazon rain forest. They produce large grapefruit-sized seedpods. The agouti, a ground-dwelling rodent, has teeth strong enough to open the tough seedpods. While the agouti eats some of the tree's seeds, it also buries caches in various spots on the rain forest floor.
Why is the agouti important tot he rain forest ecosystem?
It eats and disperses the trees' seeds.
It eats the trees' excess seeds and prevents other animals from doing so.
It cleans the rain forest floor of debris, allowing for easier motility.
It prevents the trees' seeds from rotting on the rain forest floor.
A native species and non-native species are competing for resources within the same ecosystem. The non-native species is more likely to survive than the native species in which of the following situations?
Both the native and the non-native species thrive on the same food source.
The native species is immune to certain pathogens in the ecosystem.
Predators prey on both native and non-native species.
The non-native species has no natural enemies in the ecosystem.
The trophic pyramid is a triangular shape because
90% of energy is lost to heat, movement, and survival, and only 10% of energy goes to the next level
People see the top of the pyramid so it is important to know the keystone species.
10% of energy is lost to heat, movement, and survival, and only 90% of energy goes to the next level
the top of the pyramid is the pinnacle organism of an ecosystem
Based on the food web shown above, which of the following is most likely responsible for the rabbit population trend as shown in the graph?
increase in amount of grass
decrease in amount of grass
overpopulation in squirrel population
decrease in hawk population
Based on the food web shown above, which of the following is most likely responsible for the rabbit population trend as shown in the graph?
increase in amount of grass
decrease in amount of grass
overpopulation in squirrel population
decrease in hawk population
If the population of Piping Plovers decreased, what would likely happen to the population of foxes?
The population of foxes would definitely increase
The population of foxes would definitely decrease
The population of foxes might decrease because they eat Piping Plovers, but if there are enough other foods for the fox, then the population may be unaffected.
Secondary succession occurs -
after a forest fire wipes out a flourishing ecosystem, leaving it with only soil and rock.
after a volcano erupts, leaving a flourishing ecosystem covered in ash and rock.
when lichens and mosses break down rocks into soil, eventually leading to a developing ecosystem.
when humans cut down trees to develop land into a shopping mall.
Match the type of survivorship curves with the appropriate descriptions below:
Type 1: survival is high at an early and middle age and decreases into old age. Type 2: survival remains the same life, implying that their mortality rate remains constant at every age. Type 3: survival is low in the early ages and continues to increase throughout life.
Type 1: survival is low in the early ages and continues to increase throughout life. Type 2: survival remains the same life, implying that their mortality rate remains constant at every age. Type 3: survival is high at an early and middle age and decreases into old age.
Type 1: survival is low in the early ages and continues to increase throughout life. Type 2: survival is high at an early and middle age and decreases into old age. Type 3: survival remains the same life, implying that their mortality rate remains constant at every age.
Type 1: survival is high at an early and middle age and decreases into old age. Type 2: survival is low in the early ages and continues to increase throughout life. Type 3: survival remains the same life, implying that their mortality rate remains constant at every age.survival is low in the early ages and continues to increase throughout life.
If the grass starts out with 10,000 J of energy...how much of the original energy is available to the snake in this food chain?
1,000 J
100 J
10 J
1 J
0.1 J
A hummingbird receives a nectar food reward and the plant benefits by having its genetic material carried to another flower to increase genetic diversity through sexual reproduction. What type of relationship is this?
mutualism
commensalism
predator-prey
parasitoid
This is an unlabeled predator-prey relationship graph. Which one represents the prey?
the line that gets up to ~80 individuals
the line that gets up to ~40 individuals
both are equally likely
In this foodweb interspecific competition occurs between
dolphins and otters for pollock
eel grass for bacteria and little schools of fish
dolphins and seals for herring
ocra for dolphins and seals
Why is most of the energy at the bottom of the pyramid?
Because producers use the most energy
Because consumers use the most energy
Because consumers make the most energy
Because producers make the most energy
If the fox was removed from the ecosystem which other organism would be affected?
The grasshopper would decrease
The hawk would decrease
The trees would increase
The chipmunk would decrease
Why is a mushroom considered a heterotroph?
It creates different types of food.
It makes food through photosynthesis.
It makes food through chemosynthesis.
It obtains nutrients from its environment.
The common brushtail possum is a marsupial native to Australia. This possum was introduced to New Zealand where it had no natural predators and had an abundant food supply. Which of these likely occurred a few years after the introduction of this possum to New Zealand?
The possums became extinct.
The possums developed shorter life spans.
The possum population grew to a larger size.
The possum population evolved into a different species.
An animal population decreases from 800 individuals to 600 individuals. Which of the following could explain this change in population size?
The population size of the animal’s predator increased.
The emigration rate of the animals from the population decreased.
The number of breeding pairs in the animal’s population increased.
The number of species competing with the animal for food decreased.
A biologists compares how different ecosystems undergo succession. She divides the series of events that happen during primary and secondary succession into three different stages. Which feature might be used to distinguish secondary succession from primary succession?
the lack of pioneer species in the second stage
the presence of pioneer species in the final stage
the presence of trees and large plants in the final stage
the presence of soil and organic matter in the first stage.
After a volcano erupts and destroys an ecosystem, a few organisms are able to begin growing from the decaying organic matter left behind. What do we call those organisms that are able to grow in little or no soil that first appear?
adaptors
pioneer species
non-vascular plants
decomposers
A builder is proposing a new housing development in an area of western Massachusetts. Construction of the housing development will destroy the wetland habitat in the area.
Which of the following would be the most likely consequence of the wetland’s destruction?
The wetland plant species would disperse to adjacent meadow habitats.
The populations of wetland animals would be unable to survive in that area.
The wetland animal species would survive by interbreeding with non-wetland species.
The populations of wetland plants would evolve to disperse seeds by wind rather than water.
Mullet are local estuarine fish that move in schools and feed on plankton and plant matter. Natural predators of the mullet include spotted sea trout, sharks, pelicans and dolphins. The graph above shows how the number of mullet in an area has changed over time.
Based on the data, one student concludes that a new predator was introduced into the area during this time period. Which of the following is a likely alternate explanation for the change in the mullet population
mullet prey increased in the area
mullet parasites decreased in the area
the temperature of the area increased
the amount of aquatic plants in the area decreased
The pH of the water in several lakes in Norway and Sweden had decreased to below 5.0 due to an increase in acid rain. Which of the following is most likely to happen in these lakes?
the decline of several fish populations.
an increase in numbers of fish
an increase in the amount of primary producers
increased predator-prey relationships
The number of pythons found throughout Everglades National Park has increased in recent years. These huge snakes are not native to Florida and are believed to have been released into the wild by pet owners. Wildlife biologists have initiated attempts to capture and remove these pythons. Which statement best explains the biologists' reasons for removing these pythons from the Everglades?
The pythons could upset the territorial boundaries of native organisms.
The pythons could adapt to overcome diseases common to native snakes.
The pythons could prey on native organisms and cause native population to decline.
The pythons could begin to interbreed with native snakes and produce a more successful species.
A diagram of a food web is shown above.
Which organism receives the least amount of energy from the producers?
hawk
rabbit
grasshopper
mouse
The diagram above shows the cycling of nutrients in an ecosystem.
The removal of which of the following groups would cause an immediate decrease in the amount of energy flowing through the
producers
consumers
decomposers
inorganic nutrients
DDT and other pesticides used over 50 years ago are still affecting the environment today. Scientists have found these substances in recent glacier runoff. Glacier runoff occurs during the summer, when precipitation that has fallen on glaciers during the winter is released. Ice layers from existing glaciers have been analyzed. The results of this analysis show that the concentrations of DDT and other pesticides were highest about 10 years after the use of these substances was banned.
This information shows that
DDT and other pesticides cause glacier runoff during the summer.
it takes humans over 50 years to analyze a glacier.
precipitation helps to break down pesticides.
the decision of one human generation may have an impact on future generations.
What best describes the term succession?
rapid changes that create an ecosystem overnight
gradual changes over time to fully create or restore and ecosystem
forest with the tallest trees
the rate species produce offspring
