Organisms
Organisms that produce their own food using photosynthesis are called:
A: Consumers
B: Producers
C: Decomposers
B: Producers
Climate is defined as the average atmospheric conditions over a period of at least:
A: 5 years
B: 30 years
C: 100 years
B: 30 years
According to the first law of thermodynamics, energy in an ecosystem can be:
A: Created
B: Destroyed
C: Transformed
The role of a species in an ecosystem, including its interactions and resource use, is its:
A: Habitat
B: Trophic Level
C: Ecological Niche
C: Ecological Niche
A system where the net intake of carbon is greater than the net release is known as a:
A: Carbon Source
B: Carbon Sink
C: Carbon Flux
B: Carbon Sink
The buildup of non-biodegradable pollutants in an organism over time is:
A: Bioaccumulation
B: Biomagnification
C: Biodegradation
A: Bioaccumulation
In the Tricellular model, which cell is located between 30° and 60° latitude?
A: Hadley Cell
B: Polar Cell
C: Ferrel Cell
C: Ferrel Cell
The conversion of light energy into chemical energy (glucose) is called:
A: Respiration
B: Photosynthesis
C: Assimilation
What do pyramids of numbers and biomass represent that pyramids of energy do not?
A: Rates of flow
B: Standing crop (snapshot in time)
C: Energy loss
B: Standing crop (snapshot in time)
Which process in the carbon cycle transforms organic carbon back into inorganic carbon dioxide?
A: Photosynthesis
B: Cellular Respiration
C: Fossilization
B: Cellular Respiration
A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area at the same time and capable of interbreeding is a _______________
Population
Identify the three major inputs that determine the distribution of terrestrial biomes.
Temperature, Precipitation (Rainfall), and Insolation (Solar radiation).
State the equation for calculating Net Productivity (NP).
NP = Gross Productivity (GP) - Respiration (R)
Explain why top predators are often most affected by non-biodegradable pollutants like DDT or Mercury.
Due to biomagnification, the concentration of the toxin increases at each trophic level because biomass is lost (respiration) but the toxin remains, resulting in toxic levels for the top consumer.
A system where the net intake of carbon is greater than the net release is known as a _____________
Carbon sink
Name two distinct tools or methods a taxonomist might use to identify an organism.
Dichotomous keys / phone apps / comparison of specimens with collections / DNA surveys
Explain how the Tricellular model accounts for the presence of major deserts around 30° latitude.
Air rises at the equator (low pressure/rain) and descends at 30° latitude (Hadley cell); this descending air is dry and high pressure, preventing cloud formation and rainfall, creating deserts.
What is the equation for the Lincoln Index? Define each variable, as well.
(MxN)/N
M = # of individuals caught and marked initially
N = total # of individuals recaptured
R = # of marked individuals recaptured
Which group of organisms feeds on dead organic matter but digests it internally (unlike fungi)?
Detrivores
Name the two flows by which the ocean receives inputs of carbon.
Ocean-atmosphere exchange / leaching
Explain why it is difficult to calculate an accurate carrying capacity for human populations compared to other species. Give two reasons.
Broad and changing ecological niche, mobility of resources, niche expansion via technology, rapidly changing habitat, disputed estimates
What is the low-pressure zone of warm moist air called near the equator?
Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
State the unit used for energy in energy pyramids
kJ m⁻² yr⁻¹
What effects do PCBs and mercury have on humans?
PCBs: Developmental issues and lowered IQ
Mercury: Developmental issues and organ failure.
Name the three agricultural practices that can act as a carbon source.
Wetland drainage, monoculture, heavy tillage