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Environmental Science A Global Concern 12Th Edition by William Cunningham – Test Bank
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Chapter 02
Principles of Science and Systems
Multiple Choice Questions
-
_________________ is a process for producing knowledge methodically and logically.
A. Universalism
B. Science
C. Relativism
D. Morality
E. Parsimony
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 02.01
Topic: Science
- Ideally, science
A. Is correct most of the time
B. Tells us what we expected to find
C. Uses new technology
D. Is orderly and methodical
E. Proves that our hypotheses are correct
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 02.01
Topic: Science
- Which of the following is not an important feature of science?
A. Reproducibility
B. Parsimony
C. Empiricism
D. Positive proof
E. All are important
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 02.01
Topic: Science
- Generally, distinguished scientists
A. Always agree if they really are expert scientists
B. May have different interpretations of the same evidence
C. Never disagree once a theory is established
D. Believe each other and support each other in their work
E. Always disagree so they can prove theories
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 02.01
Topic: Science
- Proof in science is always
A. Firmly established
B. Beyond question
C. An impossible goal
D. Changing very quickly
E. Open to question or new evidence
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 02.01
Topic: Science
- The statement, “Since every insect I have examined so far has six legs, I conclude that all insects must have six legs.” is an example of
A. Inductive reasoning
B. Deductive reasoning
C. Hypothesis testing
D. Reductive reasoning
E. Parsimony
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 02.01
Topic: Science
- Of the following statements and questions, which is the best example of deductive reasoning?
A. If all insects have six legs, then butterflies have six legs
B. In repeated tosses of a coin, there is a 50/50 chance of each toss resulting in a “head.”
C. How many times will the toss of coins turn “heads-up” if 100 people each toss a coin?
D. Since every insect I have examined so far has six legs, I conclude that all insects must have six legs
E. All of these are examples of deductive reasoning
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 02.01
- Although your sister is not a scientist, she says that she uses scientific techniques in her everyday life. You do not believe her but she insists it is true. Which of the following examples could she use to best persuade you?
A. When she cooks she measures ingredients and puts them together to form something else (e.g., a cake)
B. When she drives in her car she hypothesizes about things (e.g., when the red light will turn green)
C. She put some tomatoes in the sun and some in the shade to see if the sun causes them to ripen faster
D. She buys a brand of toothpaste based on statistical data (four out of five dentists recommend it)
E. All of these are examples of using scientific techniques in her everyday life
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 02.01
Topic: Science
- Experiments in which conditions are deliberately altered and all other variables are held constant are known as ___________ experiments.
A. Manipulative
B. Natural
C. Hypothetical
D. Probability
E. Double-blind
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 02.01
Topic: Science
- Double-blind studies are especially useful in
A. Genetic experiments
B. Health studies
C. Statistical analysis
D. Opinion surveys
E. Double-blind studies are not useful in any situation
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 02.01
Topic: Science
- In experimentation, dependent variables are also known as _____________ variables.
A. Conventional
B. Blind
C. Response
D. Model
E. Distribution
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 02.01
Topic: Science
- ___________ allow scientists to gather information about complicated and interrelated environmental systems.
A. Charts
B. Graphs
C. Models
D. Figures
E. Paradigm shifts
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 02.01
Topic: Science
- Networks of interactions among interdependent factors are known as
A. Science
B. Ecology
C. Systems
D. Processes
E. Negative feedback loops
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 02.02
Topic: Science
- The damage to an ecosystem caused by a hurricane or flood can be referred to as
A. An open system
B. An emergent property
C. Equilibrium in nature
D. A disturbance
E. Negative feedback loop
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 02.02
Topic: Science
True / False Questions
- An important value of science is that it provides the methodology to prove that a theory is correct.
FALSE
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 02.01
Topic: Science
- Science progress mainly happens when a scientist working in isolation discovers something very important.
FALSE
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 02.03
Topic: Science
- Paradigm shifts occur when ethical considerations are incorporated into scientific theory.
FALSE
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 02.03
Topic: Science
Chapter 04
Evolution, Biological Communities, and Species Interactions
Multiple Choice Questions
- What is the difference in the adaptation of a sled dog’s (such as a Husky) thick coat of hair to help it withstand the cold temperatures of Arctic winters and a dog that adapts to cold temperatures in the fall by growing a thickened coat? The adaptation of the sled dog best describes adaptation at the ____________ level while the dog exposed to seasonal colder temperatures has _____________.
A.Regional; natural selection at the individual level
B. Individual; physiological modifications at the population level
C. Population; physiological modifications at the individual level
D. Species; natural selection at the population level
E. Ecosystem; physiological modifications at the individual level
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Evolution
- Evolution occurs as a result of
A.The discovery of a desirable characteristic in a population
B. An individual’s physiological modification
C. Environmental change that forces modification in a resident species
D. Better survival or reproduction rates by individuals with a particular characteristic
E. A population’s physiological modification
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Evolution
- Which of the following is a physiological modification used to adapt to environmental conditions?
A.Young saguaro seedlings sprouting under mesquites
B. Leaves becoming thick and leathery on a plant growing in a dry, hot climate
C. Locoweed growing only where selenium is present in soil
D. Desert pupfish learning to deposit eggs where temperatures are optimal
E. All of these are examples of physiological modifications used to adapt to environmental conditions
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Evolution
- Natural selection will ultimately make a species
A.More intelligent
B. Physically bigger
C. Better adapted to its environment
D. More aggressive
E. Less vulnerable to its predators
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Evolution
- Regular lawn mowing selects for short-headed rather than tall-headed dandelions because
A.Tall flowers spread their seeds farther
B. Tall flowers cannot reproduce
C. Short flowers can reproduce
D. Short flowers spread their seeds farther
E. Short flowers have less competition when the lawn is mowed often
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Evolution
- Cheetahs can run extremely fast because
A.They need to run extremely fast in order to catch their prey
B. An ancestor that was able to run fast had an advantage and passed those genes on to its offspring
C. Over time they gradually built up speed as they adapted to faster and faster prey species
D. They are competing with stronger lions and hyenas for their food so they need to be fast
E. All of these are reasons cheetahs can run extremely fast
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Evolution
- Tolerance limits are _______ that limit a species’ survival.
A.Temperature ranges
B. Any environmental conditions
C. Population sizes
D. Narrow salinity levels
E. Undesirable toxin concentrations
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Topic: Ecology
- There is/are usually _______ tolerance limit(s) responsible for limiting the number and location of a species. However, some organisms have ____________ that limit(s) their distribution.
A.One; a specific critical factor
B. One; other environmental conditions
C. One specific; many factors
D. Many; other environmental conditions
E. Many; a specific critical factor
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Ecology
- A species can withstand a wide range of pH as an adult but the juveniles can only withstand a narrow range of pH. The abiotic factor, pH, would best be described as a
A.Stress factor
B. Intolerance factor
C. Tolerance limit
D. Critical factor
E. Physical factor
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Ecology
- Which of the following fish species would be the best indicator of clean, well-oxygenated water?
A.Carp
B. Largemouth bass
C. Catfish
D. Rainbow trout
E. Sunfish
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Topic: Ecology
- Populations are most critically limited by
A.Available food
B. Suitable shelter from the elements
C. Available water
D. Suitable shelter from predators
E. Any of these, depending on the system
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Ecology
- Indicator species, such as lichens, generally have a ___________ tolerance range for a ____________.
A.Narrow; critical factor
B. Narrow; number of physical factors
C. Average; number of physical factors
D. Broad; number of critical factors
E. Broad; critical factor
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Ecology
Use the following example:
A species can withstand a narrow range of temperature. Above 100°F there are no species present. In the range from 97°F to 100°F and 90°F to 94°F there are a few species present. Below 90°F there are no species present.
- What would you label the range of temperature from 90°F to 94°F for this particular species?
A.Zone of intolerance
B. Zone of physiological stress
C. Tolerance limit range
D. Optimal range
E. Range of tolerance
Bloom’s: 3. Apply
Topic: Ecology
- What would you label the range of temperature from 95°F to 96°F for this particular species in the scenario?
A.Zone of intolerance
B. Tolerance limit range
C. Zone of physiological stress
D. Optimal range
E. Range of tolerance
Bloom’s: 3. Apply
Topic: Ecology
- A generalist is a species that
A.Occupies a large habitat range
B. Occupies a variety of ecological niches
C. Can reproduce under highly variable conditions
D. Can reproduce only under specific conditions
E. None of these are characteristics of a generalist species
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Topic: Ecology
- Certain night-active moths and day-active birds are specialized nectar feeders. How do these species coexist if they are using the same resource for food?
A.Because they both use the nectar, eventually one of the two species will need to move to a new area
B. They do not compete for the nectar because they feed at different times of the day
C. There is enough nectar to supply both the birds and the moths with their feeding needs
D. Eventually the niche breadth will increase and there will be less competition
E. None of the choices is correct
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Ecology
- Humans can best be described as
A.Occupying a narrow niche
B. An example of convergent evolution
C. Outside the rules of natural selection
D. Specialists
E. Generalists
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Ecology
- Most organisms’ niches are controlled by
A.Genetic determinants
B. Lessons learned from parents
C. Behavior learned from others in their social groups
D. Luck
E. The predators and competitors they encounter
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Ecology
- Resource partitioning leads species to
A.Feed at different times
B. Utilize slightly different prey
C. Develop different physiological adaptations
D. Live in slightly different regions
E. All of these would be a result of resource partitioning
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Topic: Ecology
- Resource partitioning tends to lead to a high degree of _______ in species.
A.Specialization
B. Evolution
C. Convergent evolution
D. Generalization
E. Divergent evolution
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Topic: Ecology
- A titmouse and a chickadee are living in the same territory and are using some of the same resources. The best way to classify this interaction is
A.Mutualism
B. Intraspecific competition
C. Interspecific competition
D. Symbiosis
E. Commensalism
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- Intraspecific competition is competition among ________ for resources.
A.Predators and prey
B. Both plants and animals
C. Producers, consumers and detritivores
D. Members of different species
E. Members of a single species
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- Which of the following is not a common strategy for successful interspecific competition?
A.Eating prey before they are “ready” (ripe) for other species
B. Spreading seeds or offspring far and fast
C. Producing substances that are toxic to competitors
D. The life cycle of dragonflies (the larva live in the water)
E. All of these are strategies for successful interspecific competition
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- An especially effective strategy for reducing intraspecific competition is
A.Different ecological niches for juveniles and adults
B. Rapid reproduction
C. Eating prey before they are “ready” (ripe) for other species
D. Resource partitioning
E. None of these are examples for reducing interspecific competition
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- Territoriality is an important form of _________ for many animal species.
A.Symbiotic behavior
B. Interspecific competition
C. Intraspecific competition
D. Commensalism
E. Resource partitioning
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- In some species, young individuals float freely as plankton while mature members are fixed on the seafloor. This is an effective strategy because
A.Different phases do not compete for food
B. Plankton are more likely to survive
C. Fixed adults are more likely to survive
D. Predators cannot catch plankton
E. The adults can find mates more readily
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- Predation influences evolution when
A.Prey species develop defensive characteristics
B. Individual predators adapt and become more efficient in catching their prey
C. Individual prey adapt and become more efficient in eluding predators
D. A population of predators develop defensive characteristics
E. Prey species acclimate to the predators in the local ecosystem
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- Symbiosis means
A.A relationship in which both species benefit
B. A parasitic relationship
C. Commensalism
D. Living together
E. A relationship in which one species benefits and the other does not benefit
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- In the partnership of a lichen, the fungus provides _________ and the relationship is best described as _______.
A.Most of the photosynthesis; symbiosis
B. Poisons that deter predation; commensalism
C. Structure and moisture-holding ability; mutualism
D. Very little to the algal partner; parasitism
E. Some of the photosynthesis; commensalism
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- Which of the following statements is true?
A.In a mutualistic relationship one partner benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped
B. In a mutualistic relationship both partners benefit from the relationship
C. In a commensalistic relationship one partner benefits and the other is adversely affected
D. In a commensalistic relationship both partners benefit equally
E. In a parasitic relationship both partners are adversely affected
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- A viceroy butterfly that closely resembles the bad tasting monarch is an example of __________ and the example of beetles that look like stinging wasps is an example of __________.
A.Batesian mimicry; Batesian mimicry
B. Batesian mimicry; Muellerian mimicry
C. Muellerian mimicry; Muellerian mimicry
D. Muellerian mimicry; Batesian mimicry
E. Commensalism; symbiosis
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- A keystone species is a species whose presence
A.Is the main reason a community exists
B. Provides food for all other species in a community
C. Is an indicator of environmental health
D. Influences the population size of many other species in its community
E. Is always at the top of the trophic levels as a top predator
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- In a commensal relationship,
A.One species benefits while the other neither suffers nor benefits
B. One species benefits while the other suffers
C. Two species live together and both suffer
D. Two species live together and neither benefits nor suffers
E. Two species live together and both benefit
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- Epiphytes growing on tropical trees exemplify
A.Mutualism
B. Predation
C. Parasitism
D. Commensalism
E. Intraspecific competition
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 04.02
Topic: Ecology
- A biological community’s productivity is a measure of
A.Its number of species
B. The number of individuals in the community
C. Available solar energy that can be converted to biomass
D. The amount of biomass produced in the community
E. All of these are combined in measuring a community’s productivity
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 04.03
Topic: Ecology
- “Abundance” describes the total number of _________ while “diversity” describes the number of _________.
A.Species in a community; individual organisms in a community
B. Organisms in a community; species in a community
C. Individuals in a niche; niches available to a given species
D. Species in a bioregion; trophic levels in a community
E. Biomes; habitats available for different species
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 04.03
Topic: Ecology
- In a biological community where diversity is great, such as a tropical rainforest, the abundance of any one species is likely to be
A.Great
B. Small
C. Widely variable from year to year
D. The same from year to year
E. None of these, abundance does not depend on diversity
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 04.03
Topic: Ecology
- As a rule, near the Earth’s north and south poles,
A.Diversity is high and abundance is low
B. Abundance is high and diversity is high
C. Neither abundance nor diversity is high
D. Abundance is high and diversity is low
E. Abundance and diversity are about the same
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.03
Topic: Ecology
- Complexity in an ecological community has to do with the number of
A.Species in the population
B. Species at each trophic level
C. Genetic variations within a species
D. Primary producers available
E. Primary producers relative to the number of consumers
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 04.03
Topic: Ecology
- A community with hundreds of different types of primary producers, a few herbivores and only one carnivore, has
A.Little complexity
B. Little diversity
C. A great deal of complexity
D. Low productivity
E. A great deal of productivity
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.03
Topic: Ecology
- A community that changes very little over time is said to have great
A.Renewal ability
B. Complexity
C. Diversity
D. Constancy
E. Connectedness
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.03
Topic: Ecology
- In the coastal forest of Oregon an area was clear-cut for logging. Trees at the edge of the clearing and 200 meters into the forest died within a few months after the logging began. What is the best explanation for the death of the trees?
A.The trees at the edge of the forest were more prone to disease
B. Abiotic edge effects, such as increased herbivory, negatively affected the trees
C. Increased sunlight, wind and temperature negatively affected the trees
D. The roots of all of the trees were damaged
E. Nitrogen fixing bacteria in the roots of the trees were killed
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.03
Topic: Ecology
- A “closed community” has a
A.Narrow ecotone
B. Gradual transition zone
C. Wide ecotone
D. Very small area
E. Large core area
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.03
Topic: Ecology
- A climax community is one that
A.Is relatively stable and long lasting
B. Lasts forever
C. Contains oaks or white spruce
D. Is impervious to disruption
E. Is adapted to periodic disruption
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.04
Topic: Ecology
- Primary succession occurs when a community develops ____________ while secondary succession occurs when one ________.
A.Into a climax community; species replaces another
B. And replaces another; ecosystem becomes stable
C. On unoccupied ground; biological community replaces another
D. And then fails; niche changes
E. Intraspecific competition; experiences interspecific competition
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.04
Topic: Ecology
- Which of the following are pioneer species?
A.Wood warblers
B. Dandelions
C. Starlings
D. Lichens
E. Humans
Bloom’s: 1. Remember
Section: 04.04
Topic: Ecology
- As ecological development proceeds, a biological community
A.Gradually stagnates
B. Becomes more diverse
C. Goes through repeated secondary succession stages
D. Goes through repeated primary succession stages
E. Becomes less complex
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.04
Topic: Ecology
- Some communities, such as some grasslands, may never really reach F.E. Clements’s concept of a climax stage because
A.Ecological succession works too slowly
B. There is no optimum community for these environments
C. They are adapted to periodic interruption
D. Their environmental conditions are too unstable
E. Primary succession is a slow process
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.04
Topic: Ecology
- The most common reason that introduced species cause trouble is because they
A.Are larger than native species
B. Disrupt pre-existing niches
C. Are unusually efficient predators
D. Out compete the native species
E. None of these is correct
Bloom’s: 2. Understand
Section: 04.04
Topic: Ecology
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