Ecology Final Exam

What is the order of ecological organization from largest to smallest?

Biosphere → Ecosystem → Community → Population

A trait that cannot evolve by natural selection is a trait that

results from an individual’s life experiences and does not have a genetic basis

Net photosynthesis (net primary production) is the amount of

energy that autotrophs gained by photosynthesis, minus the amount of energy used in cellular respiration

An experiment is defined by

randomization of individuals from the population of interest

In the absence of greenhouse gases, the average temperature of the Earth would be

cooler

Which feature of the earth contribute the least to the difference in average temperature between a tropical rainforest and boreal forest?

Earth rotates on its axis → this causes variation which doesn’t affect average temperature

High productivity in the open ocean would most likely be found in

upwelling zones

If the tilt of Earth’s axis were to decrease, seasonality at the poles would increase

False

What factors is used to classify a biome?

Dominant plants

Tropical rainforest

Hot, very wet, aseasonal

Tropical seasonal forest and savanna

warm year-round with distinct rainy and dry seasons

Desert

extremely dry, can be hot or cold

Temperate grassland

moderately dry with warm summers and cold winters

Temperate shrubland and woodland

mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, seasonal drought

Temperate deciduous forest

all four seasons, moderate precipitation

Temperate evergreen forest

mild, moist climates, less seasonal than deciduous (doesn’t vary as much)

Boreal forest

cold, long winters and short, cool summers, low precipitation

Tundra

extremely cold, low precipitation, short growing season

How does a plant reduce radiant heat gain?

The leaves of the plant are coated with white hairs which reflect the sunlight

Conduction

Heat exchange with physical contact

Convection

Heat exchange with circulation