Practice Quiz - Life on Earth - Biosphere, Populations, Ecology, Ecosystems

In the northern hemisphere, ocean currents circulate _______ and hurricanes circulate _______.

clockwise; counterclockwise

Wind is primarily the direct result of:

differential heating of the earth’s surface

Seasons are the result of:

the tilt of the earth’s axis of rotation

There are different climate zones on earth due to the fact that:

the curvature of the earth’s surface (the earth is basically a sphere)

Important component of proteins but not found in simple carbohydrates or lipids

Nitrogen

The “framework” element for many biological molecules

Carbon

Found in carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins

Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon

Comprises most of the atmosphere

Nitrogen

Important component of cellular energy (ATP) but not normally found in carbohydrates,

lipids, and proteins

Phosphorus

Major mineral in bones and teeth

Phosphorus

Is an important component of the hydrophilic “heads” of molecules that make up most of

the cell’s membrane

Phosphorus

. “Usable” forms synthesized by bacteria symbiotic with roots of legumes

Nitrogen

Molecule that comprises most of your body

Water

2 of the 3 numbers normally found on a bag of fertilizer

Nitrogen, Phosphorus

Required by aerobic, but not anaerobic, organisms

Oxygen

Makes up water (not “water”)

Hydrogen, Oxygen

Omnivore

Consumer that consumer both producers and other consumers (and decomposers)

Herbivore

Consumer that consumes producers

Carnivore

Consumer that consumes other consumers (and decomposers)

Territory

That portion of the home range that is defended, especially against conspecifics (and

frequently with regard to gender)

Home Range

The area encompassed in the normal daily activities of an animal or animal

population.

. What is ecological succession?

The natural change/progression in the composition of a

community that leads to a “climax” community.

Give an EXAMPLE (NOT the definition) of –

Primary succession:

Any example in which succession begins from conditions devoid of living

organisms such as after a glacier retreats, new volcanic material, or newly formed barrier islands.

Secondary succession:

Any example in which succession takes place after some (intended or

unintended) event sets back succession such as after fields are abandoned, after a fire, or after a

hurricane or flood.

What is a “keystone species”?

Any species whose impact on a community/ecosystem greatly affects

the survival of other species. If the keystone species were removed, many other species would

struggle to survive.

In relation to individual organisms or populations, what is “habitat”?

The surroundings of an

organism/population.

Altruism

Example in which one organism puts itself at risk (perhaps reducing its reproductive

potential) to benefit another organism.

Commensalism

Example in which one organism benefits with little positive or negative effect on

the other.

Mutualism

Example in which both organisms benefit from the relationship.

Autotroph

Example in which an organism produces its own energy either via photosynthesis

(photoautotroph) or chemical reactions in concert with the environment (chemoautotroph)

Describe energy flow through ecosystems.

Energy enters ecosystems at the producer

(autotroph – see 28 above) level. Energy is passed from producers through the various levels of

consumers and decomposers (heterotrophs). Primary consumers consume producers. Secondary

consumers consume primary consumers, etc. Many organisms may feed at different levels, for

example omnivores. Decomposers consume dead producers and consumers. The amount of energy

transferred “up” between trophic levels is on the order of only about 10% (approximately 90% of

the energy at one trophic level will not be passed along). This limitation in energy transfer accounts

for the reduced biomass at successive trophic levels – resulting in the ecosystem biomass “pyramid”

relative to trophic levels.

Briefly present the three major types of RELATIONSHIPS (growth curves) between population

growth and carrying capacity. (Drawings great with some explanation)

This one you can get on your own. You remember – the 3 curves…exponential (“J-shaped”), logistic

(“S-shaped”), and more complex. See the “Review” PowerPoint!