Ecology Concepts And Applications 4th Canadian Edition by Manuel C Molles -Test Bank

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Ecology Concepts And Applications 4th Canadian Edition by Manuel C Molles -Test Bank

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Chapter 02

Life on Land

 

 

Multiple Choice Questions

1. A biome is characterized primarily by
   A.climate and predominant plant types.
   B. flora and fauna.
   C. global weather patterns.
   D. temperature and moisture.
   E. soil structure and flora.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-01 Large-Scale Patterns of Climatic Variation

2. All of the following factors lead to climatic variation on earth except:
   A.atmospheric circulation
   B. coriolis effect
   C. earth’s axial rotation as it orbits the sun
   D. spherical shape of the earth
   E. uneven heating of the earth’s surface

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

 

3. All of the following statements concerning wind are true except:
   A.northeast trade winds blow toward the poles
   B. southeast trade winds blow toward the equator
   C. polar easterlies blow toward the equator
   D. westerlies blow toward the south pole in the southern hemisphere
   E. westerlies blow toward the north pole in the northern hemisphere

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

4. Warm tropical air
   A.is dense and sinks
   B. has a low evaporative potential
   C. cools as it ascends
   D. warms as it ascends
   E. meets cool polar air causing precipitation in the tropics

 

Blooms: Apply
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

5. Deserts are formed because
   A.warm air at the equator takes moisture with it as it rises, leaving equatorial deserts
   B. cool, dry air absorbs moisture from the land below as it falls, creating deserts at approximately 30 north and south latitudes
   C. global warming causes the moisture in the ground to evaporate faster, leaving behind dry desert soils
   D. cool air rises from the deserts, taking moisture with it
   E. the Coriolis effect causes the moisture to be carried sideways towards the earth’s oceans, leaving behind dry land masses

 

Blooms: Apply
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

 

6. Rainfall in tropical rain forests is a result of:
   A.Transpiration from the trees of the rainforest creating rain clouds above the forests
   B. The Coriolis effect carrying moisture from the warm tropical oceans above the land mass where it falls as rain
   C. Cold air from Polar cells meeting with warm air from Hadley cells, causing the Hadley cells to release their moisture
   D. Ferrel cells carrying moisture from the temperate forests towards the equator, where it condenses and falls as rain
   E. The cooling of the warm tropical air as it rises above the equator, causing moisture to condense out and form rain clouds

 

Blooms: Apply
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

7. All of the following statements are true except:
   A.A horizon: mixture of organic and mineral materials
   B. B horizon: deposition of clay and humus
   C. C horizon: weathered parent material
   D. LFH horizon: mineral material
   E. O horizon: organic layer

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-02 Soil structure results from the long-term interaction of climate, organisms, topography, and parent mineral material.
Topic: 02-04 Soil: Foundation of Terrestrial Biomes

8. There are(is) _______ circulation air cell(s) per hemisphere, _______ total for the earth.
   A.1; 2
   B. 2; 4
   C. 3; 6
   D. 4; 8
   E. 5; 10

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

 

9. Climate diagrams provide all of the following information except:
   A.average minimum temperature above and below 0ºC
   B. temperature and precipitation variations
   C. wet and dry season durations
   D. water availability for terrestrial plants
   E. wind patterns

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-03 Climate Diagrams

10. Most of the earth’s deserts are
    A.located at 0º latitude
    B. located at 30º north and south latitudes
    C. located at 60º north and south latitudes
    D. located at 90º north and south latitudes
    E. randomly scattered around the earth’s surface

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-10 Desert

11. All of the following factors influence soil structure except:
    A.age
    B. climate
    C. organisms
    D. parent material
    E. wind patterns

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-02 Soil structure results from the long-term interaction of climate, organisms, topography, and parent mineral material.
Topic: 02-04 Soil: Foundation of Terrestrial Biomes

 

12. All of the following statements are true except that:
    A.Tropical rain forests are continuously warm and wet.
    B. Temperate grasslands receive a moderate amount of precipitation during the growing season, but can also experience lengthy droughts.
    C. In a desert, evaporation exceeds precipitation.
    D. Taiga usually has moderate temperatures with occasional droughts.
    E. Tundra is cold and wet.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-05 Terrestrial Biomes

13. Atmospheric circulation and precipitation patterns are influenced by all of the following, except:
    A.rising and sinking of warm and cool air masses
    B. uneven heating of the earth’s surface and atmosphere by the sun
    C. differential ability of cool and warm air masses to hold water vapour
    D. Coriolis effect
    E. presence/absence of flora

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

14. The _______________ is a depositional horizon that contains clays, humus, and other materials which may form distinct banding patterns.
    A.A horizon
    B. B horizon
    C. C horizon
    D. D horizon
    E. O horizon

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-02 Soil structure results from the long-term interaction of climate, organisms, topography, and parent mineral material.
Topic: 02-04 Soil: Foundation of Terrestrial Biomes

 

15. Terrestrial biomes are
    A.Rigidly defined areas of land that always have the exact same combination of soil characteristics and plant species
    B. Found in well defined, clearly outlined areas on a world map
    C. Land masses characterized only by their average monthly temperature
    D. Generally defined areas of land that share common soil characteristics and similar plant species
    E. Characterized by the microfauna found in the A horizon of their soils

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-05 Terrestrial Biomes

16. Which of the following biomes have fertile soils that contain large quantities of organic matter?
    A.tropical rain forest
    B. temperate forest
    C. Mediterranean woodland and shrubland
    D. tropical savanna
    E. tundra

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-08 Temperate Forest

17. Which of the following is not a characteristic of the boreal forest?
    A.dominated by evergreen conifers such as spruce and fir
    B. home to moose and migratory caribou
    C. sparse plant cover
    D. thick layer of plant litter that ties up nutrients
    E. low fertility, thin, acidic soil

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-07 Boreal Forest

 

18. Which of the following is not true for the Ecozones of Canada?
    A.they are more specific than biomes
    B. they are less specific than ecoregions
    C. like biomes, they are mainly based on climate and major vegetation
    D. they are relevant to the terrestrial and marine environments
    E. new maps need to be drawn every few years because their boundaries are rapidly changing

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-05 Terrestrial Biomes

19. The sun is directly above the equator during the _____________________.
    A.autumnal equinox
    B. spring equinox
    C. summer solstice
    D. winter solstice
    E. spring and autumnal equinox

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-01 Large-Scale Patterns of Climatic Variation

20. Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells are:
    A.Atmospheric cells (thermal air loops) on either side of the equator
    B. Cells of warm air that move north from the equator
    C. Cells of cool air that move down from the polar regions
    D. Caused by the tilt of the earth on its axis
    E. Caused by the Coriolis effect

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

 

21. Atmospheric cells, in order from the equator to the poles are called:
    A.Hadley, Polar, and Ferrel cells
    B. Polar, Ferrel, and Hadley cells
    C. Polar, Hadley, and Ferrel cells
    D. Ferrel, Hadley, and Polar cells
    E. Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

22. Coriolis effect causes winds in the
    A.Tropical latitudes to be predominantly easterlies
    B. Temperate latitudes to be predominantly westerlies
    C. High latitudes to be predominantly westerlies
    D. Northern Hemisphere to deflect to the left
    E. Southern Hemisphere to deflect to the right

 

Blooms: Apply
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

23. A climate diagram shows temperature and precipitation. The points at which the precipitation line lies above the temperature line indicates:
    A.Areas with predominantly warm wet climates.
    B. Areas with predominantly cool wet climates.
    C. The periods of time when there is adequate moisture for plant growth.
    D. The periods of time when the temperature is suitable for plant growth.
    E. The number of growing degree days.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

 

24. Soils have been referred to as “the poor man’s tropical rainforest” because:
    A.They contain many endangered species of microfauna
    B. They have very high amounts of undescribed biodiversity and are inexpensive to study
    C. They have very high amounts of well-described biodiversity and are inexpensive to study
    D. They are most diverse in the tropical rain forest
    E. They are moist, warm environments

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-02 Soil structure results from the long-term interaction of climate, organisms, topography, and parent mineral material.
Topic: 02-04 Soil: Foundation of Terrestrial Biomes

25. Which soil horizon is most influenced by parent material?
    A.A
    B. B
    C. C
    D. O
    E. All are equally influenced

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 02-02 Soil structure results from the long-term interaction of climate, organisms, topography, and parent mineral material.
Topic: 02-04 Soil: Foundation of Terrestrial Biomes

26. In which of the following two biomes would ecologists find similar precipitation but different temperatures?
    A.boreal forests and tundra
    B. temperate grassland and tundra
    C. temperate forest and tropical rain forests
    D. boreal forests and tropical rain forests
    E. tundra and desert

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-05 Terrestrial Biomes

 

27. Climate plays an important role in shaping the structure of soils via all of the following mechanisms, except:
    A.decomposition of organic matter
    B. development and maintenance of air spaces
    C. erosion
    D. leaching of organic and inorganic material
    E. weathering of parent material

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 02-02 Soil structure results from the long-term interaction of climate, organisms, topography, and parent mineral material.
Topic: 02-04 Soil: Foundation of Terrestrial Biomes

28. Survival on land is a challenge for many terrestrial organisms. Which of the following is not a means by which terrestrial organisms are able to cope?
    A.woody tissues
    B. sweating and panting
    C. physiological mechanisms to lower the freezing point of water
    D. high body fat content
    E. endoskeleton

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-01 Large-Scale Patterns of Climatic Variation

29. Which biome is characterized by short shrubby plants and permafrost?
    A.Boreal Forest
    B. Tundra
    C. Temperate Grassland
    D. Desert
    E. Temperate Forest

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-06 Tundra

 

30. A climate diagram with the precipitation line below the temperature line from January to May and November to December indicates that:
    A.the dry season is from May to November
    B. the wet season is from May to November
    C. there is enough water for plant growth throughout the year
    D. there is not enough water for plant growth between May and November
    E. evaporation exceeds precipitation from May to November

 

Blooms: Apply
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-03 Climate Diagrams

31. A climate diagram for a city in the northern hemisphere shows a gold-shaded area from January through December, and all months of the year are shaded red. This city is most likely in which biome?
    A.Boreal Forest
    B. Tundra
    C. Desert
    D. Temperate Grassland
    E. Tropical Rain forest

 

Blooms: Apply
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-03 Climate Diagrams
Topic: 02-05 Terrestrial Biomes

32. Soils in temperate deciduous forests are typically high nutrient because of:
    A.low organic matter, low decomposition, and low biological activity
    B. low organic matter, high decomposition, and high biological activity
    C. high temperatures, high rainfall, and high biological activity
    D. high organic matter, moderate decomposition, and moderate biological activity
    E. low temperatures, low rainfall, and low biological activity

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-08 Temperate Forest

 

33. Boreal forests are found only in the northern hemisphere because
    A.the atmospheric cells that create the climatic conditions for boreal forests occur only in the northern hemisphere.
    B. There are no large enough land masses between 50 and 65 S latitude to accommodate vast expanses of boreal forest.
    C. The climate in the southern hemisphere is too inconsistent for boreal forests to grow.
    D. The seeds of the coniferous trees have not spread to the southern hemisphere so boreal forests are unable to develop.
    E. Because of the earth’s tilt, the southern hemisphere does not get enough sunlight for coniferous trees to grow.

 

Blooms: Analyze
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation
Topic: 02-07 Boreal Forest

34. Temperate forests once covered much more of the earth than they do now. What is the major reason for this decrease in temperate forest area?
    A.Global warming has changed the climate such that the deciduous trees characteristic of this biome can no longer survive.
    B. The tilt of the earth on its axis has changed in the past century, which changes the amount of sun exposure between 45 and 55 latitude.
    C. Human activities such as urban development and agriculture have caused the destruction of much of the temperate forest.
    D. Many of the animal species that contributed to the biology of the temperate forest have gone extinct.
    E. The melting of the polar ice caps has caused water levels to rise such that much of what was once temperate forest is now under water.

 

Blooms: Apply
Learning Objective: 02-04 Human activities (e.g. agriculture and city building) modify climate, biomes structure, soil and hydrology, reshaping biological communities.
Topic: 02-15 Human Impacts on Biomes

 

35. A major threat to the far north tundra biome is
    A.Use of land for agriculture
    B. Urban development
    C. Water diversion for human consumption
    D. Deforestation to support the building of houses
    E. Extraction of fossil fuels and minerals

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-04 Human activities (e.g. agriculture and city building) modify climate, biomes structure, soil and hydrology, reshaping biological communities.
Topic: 02-15 Human Impacts on Biomes

 

True / False Questions

36. Urban and agricultural ecosystems can have detrimental effects not only in their local area, but also on parts of the biome much farther away.
    TRUE

An example of this is the Colorado River – to support population growth in the U.S. Southwest, most of the water has been diverted and no longer reaches the mouth of the river in Mexico.

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 02-04 Human activities (e.g. agriculture and city building) modify climate, biomes structure, soil and hydrology, reshaping biological communities.
Topic: 02-13 Urban Ecosystems
Topic: 02-14 Agricultural Ecosystems

37. Human agricultural activity frequently leads to a loss of biodiversity.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 02-04 Human activities (e.g. agriculture and city building) modify climate, biomes structure, soil and hydrology, reshaping biological communities.
Topic: 02-14 Agricultural Ecosystems

 

38. Human activities can alter local climates and change aspects of a biome.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-04 Human activities (e.g. agriculture and city building) modify climate, biomes structure, soil and hydrology, reshaping biological communities.
Topic: 02-12 Human Dominated Systems

39. Mycorrhizae are parasitic fungi that are depleting tropical trees of nutrients.
    FALSE

Mycorrhizae are found mainly in boreal forests and help the trees absorb nutrients from the litter layer.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-08 Temperate Forest

40. Urban and agricultural ecosystems are considered human-dominated biomes.
    FALSE

While they are human-dominated, and have characteristic plant communities, climate and nutrient cycles, they are not considered biomes.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-04 Human activities (e.g. agriculture and city building) modify climate, biomes structure, soil and hydrology, reshaping biological communities.
Topic: 02-12 Human Dominated Systems

41. As altitude increases temperatures decrease, likewise as latitude decreases temperatures decrease.
    FALSE

As latitude decreases temperatures increase.

 

Blooms: Analyze
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-01 Large-Scale Patterns of Climatic Variation

 

42. The O horizon is found mainly in terrestrial environments, whereas the equivalent layer in aquatic environments is called the LFH horizon.
    FALSE

The O horizon is found in aquatic environments and the LFH horizon is found in terrestrial environments.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-02 Soil structure results from the long-term interaction of climate, organisms, topography, and parent mineral material.
Topic: 02-04 Soil: Foundation of Terrestrial Biomes

43. Trade winds move toward the equator.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

44. In general, warm air can hold more moisture than cool air and therefore has a stronger evaporative effect.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

45. The prevailing winds on Earth do not blow in a straight north-south direction because of the Ferrel effect.
    FALSE

Prevailing wind directions are a result of the north/south thermal cells combined with the Coriolis effect.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

 

46. The prevailing winds in temperate regions are the westerlies, while those in the polar regions are the easterlies and those near the equator are called northeast or southeast trade winds.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

47. On a climate diagram, red shading on all of the months across the bottom indicates that there is insufficient moisture for plant growth all year long.
    FALSE

Red shading indicates above freezing average temperatures for the month.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-03 Climate Diagrams

48. A climate diagram that shows little fluctuation in average monthly temperature would most likely indicate that a locality is found near the arctic circle.
    FALSE

The arctic circle would experience great temperature fluctuations because there is great variation in position of the sun with the time of year. There would be little fluctuation in temperature near the equator because position of the sun is more consistent.

 

Blooms: Analyze
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-01 Large-Scale Patterns of Climatic Variation
Topic: 02-03 Climate Diagrams

 

49. Two terrestrial locations have similar soil structure and similar climate diagrams. The plant species are similar, but not identical and there are different animal species. Although there is some variation in the species found, the locations could still belong to the same biome.
    TRUE

Classification of biomes is subjective and there is variation within the same biome.

 

Blooms: Analyze
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-05 Terrestrial Biomes

50. Temperate grasslands have a deep LFH layer that is rich in organic matter and makes the soil fertile.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-09 Temperate Grassland

51. The precipitation in moist temperate regions is caused by the meeting of cool polar air and warm subtropical air.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-02 Temperature, Precipitation, and Atmospheric Circulation

52. In the region between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, seasonal variations in temperature and day length at low elevation are slight.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 02-01 Uneven heating of the earth’s spherical surface by the sun and the tilt of the earth on its axis combine to produce predictable latitudinal variation in climate.
Topic: 02-01 Large-Scale Patterns of Climatic Variation

 

53. The boreal forest is the largest biome in terms of area in the southern hemisphere.
    FALSE

Boreal forests are only found in the northern hemisphere.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-07 Boreal Forest

54. Old-growth boreal forests contain sequoias, the largest living organisms on earth.
    FALSE

Sequoias are found in temperate forests.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-07 Boreal Forest

55. The largest biome in North America is the temperate grassland.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 02-03 The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes corresponds closely to variation in climate, especially prevailing temperature and precipitation.
Topic: 02-09 Temperate Grassland

Chapter 04

Evolution and Speciation

 

 

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Darwin is often considered the father of evolutionary thought. Which of the following terms is/are not part of Darwin’s analysis?
   A.gene frequencies
   B. natural selection
   C. adaptation
   D. fitness
   E. evolution

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-01 Phenotypic variation among individuals in a population results from the combined effects of genes and environment.
Topic: 04-01 Variation Within Populations

2. Mendel used experimentation to demonstrate:
   A.evolution
   B. natural selection
   C. particulate inheritance
   D. genome structure
   E. mutation

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-01 Phenotypic variation among individuals in a population results from the combined effects of genes and environment.
Topic: 04-01 Variation Within Populations

 

3. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that
   A.genotypic changes will result in phenotypic changes.
   B. phenotypic changes will result in genotypic changes.
   C. allelic frequencies within a population will not change unless certain conditions are met.
   D. allelic frequencies within a population will change unless certain conditions are met.
   E. genotypic changes will not be manifested in phenotypic changes.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-06 Evolution

4. The equation for heritability:
   A.h² = V_G/V_P
   B. h² = V_P/V_G
   C. h² = (V_G + V_P)/V_P
   D. h² = (V_G + V_P)/V_G
   E. h² = (V_G)²

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-01 Phenotypic variation among individuals in a population results from the combined effects of genes and environment.
Topic: 04-04 Genetic Variation and Heritability

5. In the equation for heritability, V_G and V_P stand for:
   A.variability in gene flow and variability in plasticity
   B. variability in genotype and variability in plasticity
   C. genetic variability and phenotypic variability
   D. homozygosity and heterozygosity
   E. variability in drift and variability in mutation

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-01 Phenotypic variation among individuals in a population results from the combined effects of genes and environment.
Topic: 04-04 Genetic Variation and Heritability

 

6. In a population of birds, the average beak size is selected against and the large and small sized beaks are selected for. This is an example of:
   A.directional selection.
   B. disruptive selection.
   C. stabilizing selection.
   D. natural selection.
   E. balanced polymorphism.

 

Blooms: Apply
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-07 The Process of Natural Selection

7. Within a population, if the average is selected for and the two opposing extremes are selected against, this is an example of:
   A.directional selection.
   B. disruptive selection.
   C. stabilizing selection.
   D. natural selection.
   E. balanced polymorphism.

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-07 The Process of Natural Selection

8. In a population of lizards, the average and long length tails are selected against and the short tails are selected for. This is an example of:
   A.directional selection.
   B. disruptive selection.
   C. stabilizing selection.
   D. natural selection.
   E. balanced polymorphism.

 

Blooms: Apply
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-07 The Process of Natural Selection

 

9. Research conducted on the Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia) can be summarized in all of the following statements, except:
   A.inbreeding can contribute to local extinctions.
   B. smaller meadows can contribute to local extinction.
   C. a decrease in heterozygosity can contribute to local extinctions.
   D. increase in predation can contribute to local extinctions.
   E. low genetic variation contributes to local extinctions.

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-09 Genetic Diversity and Butterfly Extinctions

10. Molecular biology tools have evolved rapidly. Order the following from least to most detail in terms of the genetic information they can convey (i.e., lowest to highest resolution of the genetic makeup of individuals).
    A.restriction fragments; isozyme analysis; single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); DNA sequencing
    B. restriction fragments; DNA sequencing; single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); microsatellite analysis
    C. isozyme analysis; DNA sequencing; single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); restriction fragments
    D. isozyme analysis; restriction fragments; microsatellites; DNA sequencing
    E. isozyme analysis; restriction fragments; single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); DNA sequencing

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-14 Reproductive Isolation and Ecological Divergence

11. DNA barcoding allows for:
    A.species identification based on the entire genome
    B. the reincarnation of extinct species
    C. species identifications based on a certain sequence of DNA
    D. science to proceed without the need for taxonomists
    E. DNA sequencing in the field

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-14 Reproductive Isolation and Ecological Divergence

 

12. A founder effect can be defined as:
    A.a decrease in genetic diversity associated with two smaller populations mixing
    B. a decrease in genetic diversity associated with formation of a new, small population
    C. an increase in genetic diversity associated with formation of a new, small population
    D. formation of a group of potentially interbreeding populations
    E. a decrease in genetic diversity associated with reproductive isolation

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-08 Evolution Through Genetic Drift

13. Locally adapted and genetically distinctive populations within a species are referred to as
    A.heterotypes.
    B. metatypes.
    C. genotypes.
    D. ecotypes.
    E. allotypes.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-11 What Is a Species?

14. Speciation can occur in what three forms?
    A.allopatric, sympatric, parapatric
    B. allopatric, sympatric, Hardy-Weinberg
    C. genetic drift, mutation, natural selection
    D. genetic drift, gene flow, assortative mating
    E. assortative mating, reproductive isolation, sympatry

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-13 What Causes Speciation?

 

15. In both parapatric and allopatric speciation, the evolution of reproductive isolation can occur via:
    A.natural selection
    B. mutation
    C. assortative mating
    D. genetic drift or natural selection
    E. disruptive selection

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-13 What Causes Speciation?

16. Over time, average phenotypes become less common and the population becomes phenotypically more diverse as a result of _____________ selection.
    A.bimodal
    B. directional
    C. disruptive
    D. stabilizing
    E. disjointed

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-13 What Causes Speciation?

17. Which of the following is correct about the rate of genetic drift?
    A.the rate of genetic drift is greatest in small populations
    B. the rate of genetic drift is greatest in large populations
    C. the rate of genetic drift is lowest in small populations
    D. population size does not impact on the rate of genetic drift
    E. human activities will reduce the rate of genetic drift in small populations

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-08 Evolution Through Genetic Drift

 

18. Which of the following factors will not increase the rate of speciation?
    A.extensive geographic isolation
    B. rapid changes in climate
    C. human activity
    D. low mutation rate
    E. sudden, random mutation

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-10 Speciation

19. Which of the following is not a mechanism that results in reproductive isolation?
    A.hybrid inviability
    B. ecological isolation
    C. hybrid sterility
    D. genetic drift
    E. temporal isolation

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-12 What Is Reproductive Isolation?

20. Which of the following statements about evolution and selection is incorrect?
    A.Different types of selection can occur on different traits within a single population
    B. Different types of selection can occur on a single trait in multiple populations
    C. Stabilizing selection does not favour the average phenotype
    D. Directional selection favours extreme phenotypes
    E. Disruptive selection does not lead to a normal distribution of a given characteristic

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-07 The Process of Natural Selection

 

21. Study of the egg size of Ural owls led to the discovery that egg size was undergoing:
    A.directional selection.
    B. disruptive selection.
    C. stabilizing selection.
    D. bimodal selection.
    E. random mutation.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-07 The Process of Natural Selection

22. Which of the following factors would not contribute to possible extinction of a small population of voles on an island in the Pacific Ocean?
    A.high levels of inbreeding
    B. ecological isolation
    C. low heterozygosity
    D. high genetic drift
    E. high heterozygosity

 

Blooms: Apply
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-13 What Causes Speciation?

23. Which of the following could possibly complete the following statement, “If a population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium then…”?
    A.there can be no more than two alleles.
    B. the two alleles will be present at equal frequency.
    C. allele frequencies will not change from one generation to the next.
    D. the dominant allele will be more common.
    E. allele frequencies will change from one generation to the next.

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-08 Evolution Through Genetic Drift

 

24. A pharmaceutical company using molecular methods has developed a crop with a gene that is resistant to an herbicide. This gene could potentially present a problem because
    A.parallel evolution of wild weed populations could also cause them to become resistant
    B. a pre-zygotic isolation mechanism could allow the company inadvertently to affect wild populations of weeds
    C. sympatric isolation of similar genomes would allow the wild weed plants to resist the herbicide as well
    D. genetic drift could cause a nearby wild population to become resistant to the herbicide
    E. introgression of genes into a wild population of weeds could cause herbicide resistance in the weeds

 

Blooms: Apply
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-05 Sources of Genetic Variability

25. While studying saguaro cacti, a scientist notices that the cacti are larger at lower latitudes than at higher latitudes. She analyzes the DNA of the cacti and finds no appreciable difference between them. This is an example of
    A.disruptive selection
    B. allopatric speciation
    C. phenotypic plasticity
    D. stabilizing selection
    E. multiple alleles

 

Blooms: Apply
Learning Objective: 04-01 Phenotypic variation among individuals in a population results from the combined effects of genes and environment.
Topic: 04-02 Variation in a Widely Distributed Plant

26. Small populations can gradually change over time, even without any apparent environment changes. The process by which this occurs is called
    A.natural selection
    B. sexual selection
    C. artificial selection
    D. genetic drift
    E. disruptive selection

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-08 Evolution Through Genetic Drift

 

 

True / False Questions

27. Isolating mechanisms can be ecological, temporal, behavioural, or mechanical.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-12 What Is Reproductive Isolation?

28. Ecotypes are local populations within a species that are genetically and phenotypically distinct due in part to local environmental adaptation.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-01 Phenotypic variation among individuals in a population results from the combined effects of genes and environment.
Topic: 04-02 Variation in a Widely Distributed Plant

29. McKinnon and colleagues work on threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) showed that geographically isolated individuals can mate, if from similar ecotypes.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-14 Reproductive Isolation and Ecological Divergence

30. DNA sequencing is a molecular process used to study the exact nucleotide sequence of a DNA molecule.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-14 Reproductive Isolation and Ecological Divergence

 

31. The combination of genetics and environmental pressures can cause variations in phenotypes.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-01 Phenotypic variation among individuals in a population results from the combined effects of genes and environment.
Topic: 04-01 Variation Within Populations

32. The alternate form of a gene is called an allele.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-01 Phenotypic variation among individuals in a population results from the combined effects of genes and environment.
Topic: 04-01 Variation Within Populations

33. The process by which species that are found in similar habitats, but are geographically isolated, evolve similar traits is known as stabilizing evolution.
    FALSE

This process is called parallel evolution.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-14 Reproductive Isolation and Ecological Divergence

34. Isozymes are groups of enzymes with the same biochemical function.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-04 Genetic Variation and Heritability

 

35. Allopatric speciation is a post-zygotic mechanism species isolation.
    FALSE

Allopatric speciation is a result of spatial separation that does not allow the individuals to interact. They cannot breed and no zygote is formed. Therefore, this is a pre-zygotic mechanism.

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-13 What Causes Speciation?

36. Introgression of genes is the introduction of the genes from one species to the genome of another species.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-03 Physical and ecological processes interact with selection and drift to produce new species.
Topic: 04-04 Genetic Variation and Heritability

37. Human activities such as fishing, hunting, and industrial development can lead to evolutionary changes in wild populations.
    TRUE

 

Blooms: Understand
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-07 The Process of Natural Selection

38. The only mechanism by which species can evolve is natural selection.
    FALSE

Evolution can also occur through other mechanisms such as genetic drift.

 

Blooms: Remember
Learning Objective: 04-02 Changes in gene frequency within a population can occur through both natural selection and random processes such as genetic drift.
Topic: 04-08 Evolution Through Genetic Drift