- For separate ecosystems to be classified as the same type of biome, they must —
- have deciduous forests
- be located along the equator
- have similar organisms and climates
- be at least one hundred square meters in area
- Otters have adaptive traits that allow them to survive by eating shellfish and crustaceans. If changes in biotic factors of the ecosystem result in reduced numbers of shellfish and crustaceans, the otters will most likely —
- experience a population decline
- adapt to a different ecosystem
- change the genetic makeup of their bodies
- increase reproduction rates
(2003) Scientists have spent many years studying the peppered moth, which is a species that has adapted its color from light to dark in reaction to environmental pollution. Which of the following line graphs represents the data from the table?-
(2003) Lemmings are small mammals that experience a population explosion about once every four years. Snowy owls eat lemmings. Which of these statements is supported by the data in this graph?- The snowy owls are becoming extinct.
- Lemmings live much longer than snowy owls.
- The habitat of the lemmings is continuously decreasing in size.
- The snowy owl population increases because of an increase in lemmings.
- (2003) These birds all live in Virginia. One of the bird’s main sources of food is the nectar inside long, trumpet-shaped flowers. A second bird eats mostly rodents. The third bird often is seen pecking into the bark of the local trees to get the insects just inside. Which of the following lists has correctly matched the pictured birds with their diets?
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird–nectar; Red-tailed Hawk–insects; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker–rodents
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird–insects; Red-tailed Hawk–nectar; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker–rodents
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird–rodents; Red-tailed Hawk–nectar; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker–insects
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird–nectar; Red-tailed Hawk–rodents; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker–insects
(2004)Some snapdragon seeds were studied in the experiment above. The seeds were placed in a dish lined with a moist paper towel. Which of these is the independent (manipulated) variable in this experiment?- The type of seed
- The amount of water used
- The number of sprouts
- The temperature of each dish
- (2004) In which of the following environments would you expect to find the greatest number of different species of plants and animals per square mile?
- An island near the South Pole
- A wheat field in North Dakota
- A pasture on a Virginia farm
- A tropical rain forest in Panama
- (2003) Northern garter snakes exhibit a unique behavior in which they gather in deep dens by the hundreds or thousands. They then coil together in a huge ball. This behavior could help to —
- reduce heat loss
- increase camouflage
- locate food sources
- increase oxygen consumption
- (2004) Which biome contains large populations of grazing herbivores, few species of birds, and deep, rich soil?
- A taiga
- A tundra
- A deciduous forest
- A grassland
(2004) Which of these species would be most in danger of becoming extinct if one of their food sources became unavailable?- Brown bear
- Panda
- Polar bear
- Black bear
- (2003) The kangaroo rat is able to get all of the water it needs through its food and, therefore, never needs to drink liquids. This animal has adapted to survive in which biome?
- Forest
- Tundra
- Desert
- Grassland
- (2004) Which of the following are characteristics of the most productive ecological environment?
- Stable temperatures and high rainfall amounts
- Hot temperatures and low rainfall amounts
- Cold temperatures and low rainfall amounts
- Low temperatures and high rainfall amounts
- (2003) Which of these could cause a decrease in the number of squirrels in a population?
- An increase in cooperation with birds in the area
- An increase in the squirrels’ territory
- An increase in competition with other nut-eating animals
- An increase in the squirrels’ food supply
- A coal-burning facility is constructed in an area containing several pond ecosystems. How will this human activity most likely affect the pond ecosystems?
- More nutrients will be available.
- Organism diversity will increase.
- Disease will become less common.
- Water quality will be reduced.
(2004) The picture shows a pond ecosystem. What would most likely happen if all the lily plants were removed from this community?- There would be more oxygen in the air.
- The pond water currents would be slower.
- There would be more kinds of animals in the pond.
- The animals would have fewer places to hide.
- (2003) In which biome would you find the most variety of life?
- Tundra
- Desert
- Grassland
- Rain forest
- There are harvesting regulations for many fish species that limit the number and size of the fish that may be kept. What is the most likely reason these limits have been placed on harvesting these fish?
- To have enough fish for zoo aquariums
- To keep other game fish species populations low
- To have people spend more money on fishing
- To keep a healthy population of adult fish
- Black bears roam over large territories. What effect would building shopping centers in these territories have on the bears?
- Promote an increase in black bear reproduction
- Stabilize the black bear population
- Reduce the black bears’ habitat
- Introduce a new bear population to the area
