- Which of the following is an example of an invasive species?
A) A species that has become extinct in its native habitat
B) A species that enters a new ecosystem and disrupts the local environment
C) A species that has a mutualistic relationship with another species
D) A species that is native to an area but has a high reproductive rate
Answer: B) A species that enters a new ecosystem and disrupts the local environment
Explanation:
Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to new environments, can disrupt ecosystems and outcompete native species.
- The term “niche overlap” refers to:
A) The sharing of resources between two species.
B) When two species occupy the same habitat.
C) A situation where one species goes extinct due to competition.
D) The coexistence of different species in a given ecosystem.
Answer: A) The sharing of resources between two species.
Explanation:
Niche overlap occurs when two species share similar resources within an ecosystem, often leading to competition.
- Which of the following is a consequence of high levels of inbreeding in a population?
A) Increased genetic diversity
B) Reduced genetic diversity and higher chances of genetic disorders
C) A higher reproductive rate
D) More resistance to diseases
Answer: B) Reduced genetic diversity and higher chances of genetic disorders
Explanation:
Inbreeding, or the mating of closely related individuals, leads to reduced genetic diversity and can increase the likelihood of offspring inheriting genetic disorders.
- The “competitive exclusion principle” states that:
A) Two species competing for the same resources will eventually coexist.
B) One species will always outcompete and drive the other species to extinction.
C) Populations of the same species can coexist by sharing resources.
D) Competition within a species results in population growth.
Answer: B) One species will always outcompete and drive the other species to extinction.
Explanation:
The competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the same limited resources cannot coexist indefinitely; one will outcompete the other and eventually lead to its extinction.
- Which of the following is an example of a density-independent factor that could limit population growth?
A) Disease
B) Food availability
C) Temperature
D) Predation
Answer: C) Temperature
Explanation:
Density-independent factors, like temperature, weather, and natural disasters, affect population growth regardless of the population’s size or density.
- A climax community is:
A) The first stage of ecological succession
B) A community of organisms that is stable and resistant to change
C) The community that follows primary succession
D) A community that is constantly changing and never stable
Answer: B) A community of organisms that is stable and resistant to change
Explanation:
A climax community is a stable and mature community that has reached the final stage of ecological succession, and it remains relatively unchanged unless disrupted by a disturbance.
- What is the relationship between predator and prey populations in an ecosystem?
A) Predator and prey populations are always in equilibrium.
B) Predator populations increase as prey populations decrease.
C) The predator population increases, and the prey population decreases in a cyclic manner.
D) Predators have no effect on prey populations.
Answer: C) The predator population increases, and the prey population decreases in a cyclic manner.
Explanation:
The predator-prey relationship often shows cyclic patterns. As the prey population increases, predators have more food, leading to an increase in predator numbers, which then causes the prey population to decrease.
- Which of the following best describes a “boom-and-bust” cycle?
A) Population growth slows as it approaches the carrying capacity.
B) Population size increases and decreases in an irregular pattern.
C) A population grows at a constant rate, unaffected by environmental factors.
D) A species reaches a stable population size and remains constant.
Answer: B) Population size increases and decreases in an irregular pattern.
Explanation:
A boom-and-bust cycle occurs when a population experiences rapid growth (the boom) followed by a sharp decline (the bust) due to fluctuations in resource availability or environmental conditions.
- What is the significance of “biodiversity” in an ecosystem?
A) It ensures that there are many different species occupying the same habitat.
B) It increases the ecosystem’s stability and resilience to disturbances.
C) It reduces the number of resources available in the ecosystem.
D) It makes the ecosystem more susceptible to disease outbreaks.
Answer: B) It increases the ecosystem’s stability and resilience to disturbances.
Explanation:
Biodiversity enhances an ecosystem’s stability, as a variety of species can adapt to changes and help the ecosystem recover from disturbances.
- Which of the following is a characteristic of a “K-selected” species?
A) They reproduce early, produce many offspring, and provide little parental care.
B) They reproduce later, produce fewer offspring, and invest heavily in parental care.
C) They are typically found in unstable environments.
D) They are small in size and have short lifespans.
Answer: B) They reproduce later, produce fewer offspring, and invest heavily in parental care.
Explanation:
K-selected species are adapted to stable environments, reproduce later in life, have fewer offspring, and invest significant parental care to increase the survival of their young.
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