Which biological process is depicted in the picture above?

A. Vegetation
Incorrect. Vegetation is the word used to describe plants in general.

B. Transcription
Incorrect. Transcription is a step in protein synthesis.

C. Succession
Correct!

D. Sustainability
Incorrect. Sustainability describes the longevity of an ecosystem.

Which of the following statements best describes what is happening in the picture above?

A. Following a devastating event, the number of species of vegetation increases over time.
Correct!

B. Following a devastating event, the height of the pioneer species increases over time.
Incorrect. The pioneer species are low to the ground and are replaced by taller-growing trees over time.

C. Following a devastating event, the vegetation continues to grow taller until new forest is formed.
Incorrect. The forest is not growing taller, but taller growing plants inhabit the land.

D. Following a devastating event, the numbers of one species increase and create a wave effect.
Incorrect. The total number of species increases over time.

What type of succession is shown above?

A. Primary succession
Incorrect. Primary succession happens where new land is formed, such as after a volcanic explosion.

B. Secondary succession
Correct! This picture shows secondary succession.

C. Both primary and secondary succession
Incorrect. This is not primary succession.

D. Neither primary nor secondary succession
Incorrect. One of these is the correct answer.

A population of small birds living in Bastrop, Texas before the wildfire in 2011 fed on the seeds found in cones of pine trees. After the pine trees burned, the birds resorted to eating the much harder seeds found in the area. How could this change affect the bird population in Bastrop?

A. The population will increase, as the harder seeds will make the birds stronger over time.
Incorrect. Seed hardness does not affect strength.

B. Birds with genetically weaker beaks will have more reproductive success. The population will eventually have an increased frequency in birds that eat pinecone seeds.
Incorrect. Weak beaks will not help the birds eat harder seeds. This will probably cause weak-beaked birds to decline in number.

C. Birds with genetically stronger beaks will have more reproductive success. The population will eventually have an increased frequency in birds with stronger beaks.
Correct!

D. Predators in the newly burnt forest will see birds with brighter colored feathers. This will allow the dull-colored birds to reproduce and increase in population numbers.
Incorrect. This statement does not pertain to beak strength.

The ‘Akepa is a small, tree cavity-dwelling bird found on the island of Hawaii. It is an endangered species that lives in old growth forests on the island. Hawaii is also home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, the Kilauea Volcano. Should the lava path cover the old growth Koa forests in the near future, what can be predicted about the population of ‘Akepas?

A. The lava path could cause an area of secondary succession that could cause a decline in ‘Akepa nesting areas, possibly causing them to go extinct.
Incorrect. Volcanoes create new land and therefore are an example of primary succession.

B. The lava path could cause an area of primary succession that could cause a decline in ‘Akepa nesting areas, possibly causing them to go extinct.
Correct!

C. The lava path could cause an area of secondary succession that could cause an increase in reproductive fitness in order to keep them from going extinct.
Incorrect. Volcanoes create new land and therefore are an example of primary succession.

D. The lava path could cause an area of primary succession that could cause an increase in reproductive fitness in order to keep them from going extinct.
Incorrect. The loss of habitat would not increase reproductive rates.

The Rafflesia is a flower found in the rain forests of Indonesia. It lacks roots, stems, and leaves therefore it cannot perform water transport or photosynthesis. In order to obtain nutrients, it attaches itself to Tetrastigma vines where it absorbs water and sugars needed to survive. This is an example of which type of community interaction?

A. Commensalism
Incorrect. In commensalism, one organism benefits while one is unaffected. Both are affected in this case.

B. Predation
Incorrect. Predation is a relationship where one organism is killed in the process. This is not the case here.

C. Parasitism
Correct! The Rafflesia flower and Tetrastigma vine relationship is an example of parasitism.

D. Mutualism
Incorrect. Mutualism is where both organisms benefit. The Tetrastigma vine is losing nutrients.

In tide pools, sea anemones will fight over limited resources, such as space. The picture above shows two sea anemones are fighting over territory, which is an example of —

A. commensalism
Incorrect. In commensalism, one organism benefits while one is unaffected.

B. competition
Correct! This is an example of competition.

C. parasitism
Incorrect. Parasitism requires a host organism that is harmed in the relationship.

D. mutualism
Incorrect. Mutualism is where both organisms benefit.

The bobtail squid, Sepiola atlantica, has a symbiotic relationship with a bioluminescent bacterium called Vibrio fischeri. The bacteria live inside of the squid and feed on sugars and amino acids produced by the squid. The squid are able to use the bioluminescent light produced by the bacteria to hide from predators. This relationship is called —

A. commensalism
Incorrect. In commensalism, one organism benefits while one is unaffected. In this case, both organisms benefit from the relationship.

B. predation
Incorrect. Predation is a relationship where one organism is killed in the process. This is not the case here.

C. parasitism
Incorrect. Parasitism requires a host organism that is harmed in the relationship.

D. mutualism
Correct! The bobtail squid and Vibrio fischeri’s relationship is an example of mutualism.

Looking closely at the picture above, a small pseudoscorpion can be seen attached to the legs of a fly. The pseudoscorpion benefits by receiving transportation over long distances while the fly is unaffected by its presence. This is an example of —

A. commensalism
Correct!

B. predation
Incorrect. Predation is a relationship where one organism is killed in the process. This is not the case here.

C. parasitism
Incorrect. Parasitism requires a host organism that is harmed in the relationship.

D. mutualism
Incorrect. Mutualism is where both organisms benefit. Only one is being benefitted in this case.

The Titan triggerfish moves large rocks around allowing smaller fish opportunities to feed. There does not seem to be any benefit to the triggerfish. This is an example of —

A. commensalism
Correct! This is an example of commensalism.

B. competition
Incorrect. Organisms in competition fight over limited resources.

C. parasitism
Incorrect. Parasitism requires a host organism that is harmed in the relationship.

D. mutualism
Incorrect. Mutualism is where both organisms benefit. Only one is being benefitted in this case.

How would the flow of energy be disrupted if the insects in the food chain went extinct?

A. The energy would continue to flow through the food chain regardless of the presence of insects.
Incorrect. Removing an organism from a food chain would hypothetically make it collapse.

B. The food chain would collapse and organisms above the insects would perish.
Correct!

C. The plants in the food chain would overpopulate the area and the number of toads present would increase.
Incorrect. The plants would increase but the toad population would decrease.

D. The terrestrial food chain would morph into a marine food chain in order for survival of species to continue.
Incorrect. Terrestrial organisms would not survive in a marine environment.

As one of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie has a thriving ecosystem that supports many species of plankton, mollusks, insects, and fish. Above is a complex food web that shows predatory relationships between these organisms. The primary source of the energy for this food web is —

A. white bass
Incorrect. The white bass is not a source of energy for any member of this food web other than the parasitic lamprey.

B. green algae
Incorrect. The green algae are at the base but it is not the original source of energy.

C. the sun
Correct!

D. rotifers
Incorrect. Rotifers are near the base but it is not the original source of energy.

In the energy pyramid shown above, what would be the expected amount of energy transferred to the primary consumer level?

A. 383 kCal/m²
Incorrect. This is the energy at the secondary consumer level. The answer should be around 10 percent of the producer level.

B. 2289 kCal/m²
Correct!

C. 20,810 kCal/m²
Incorrect. This is the energy at the producer level. The answer should be around 10 percent of the producer level.

D. 11 kCal/m²
Incorrect. The answer should be around 10 percent of the producer level.

In marine environments, energy from the sun is captured by photosynthetic phytoplankton. Phytoplankton is the base of the energy pyramid in a marine ecosystem. Phytoplankton are –

A. primary consumers
Incorrect. Primary consumers do not capture energy from the sun.

B. secondary consumers
Incorrect. Secondary consumers do not capture energy from the sun.

C. decomposers
Incorrect. Decomposers do not capture energy from the sun.

D. producers
Correct!

According to the researchers at the observatory in Mauna Loa, Hawaii, carbon dioxide levels are increasing every year. This is thought to be one of the major factors in climate change, including rising global temperatures. Which of the following is a valid statement?

A. An increase in carbon dioxide levels could impact the types of local plants that grow in a region. This could affect all members of the food web either directly or indirectly.
Incorrect. This is a valid statement but there is a more complete answer.

B. Carbon dioxide levels are only increasing in Hawaii. Therefore, only species that are Hawaiian in origin will be affected.
Incorrect. Carbon dioxide levels are increasing worldwide.

C. If carbon dioxide levels continue to cause an increase in temperatures, ecosystem stability could be threatened.
Incorrect. This is a valid statement but there is a more complete answer.

D. A and C are correct.
Correct!

The Salina Grande is a saltwater lake found on the island of Isla Mujeres in eastern Mexico. If the salinity levels increased drastically due to drought on the island, what would be a possible outcome?

A. Saltwater lakes are unaffected by drought because the organisms only need the salt in order to survive.
Incorrect. Marine organisms need both the salt and water to survive.

B. Increased salinity could negatively affect the number of native plant species available. If the plant is a food source for a food web, the entire ecosystem could be affected.
Correct!

C. Increased salinity could cause a need to import salt from the ocean in order to increase productivity in the lake
Incorrect. Increased salinity describes a rise in salt to water ratio. Adding more salt would compound the problem.

D. The organisms in the lake are more buoyant due to the saltwater. Increased salinity would mean that these organisms could not survive there.
Incorrect. Organisms are more buoyant in salt water but that does not affect survival in most cases.

Which of the following will most commonly cause an ecosystem to become unstable?

A. Competition among organisms
Incorrect. This commonly takes place in stable ecosystems.

B. Discovery of new species
Incorrect. The species lived there already and would not interrupt the stability.

C. Organisms choose to leave the area
Incorrect. This rarely happens and is usually a result of environmental change when it does take place.

D. Environmental change
Correct!

If the amount of carbon dioxide in the air reached levels that were toxic to the insects in this community, how would the ecosystem be impacted?

A. The birds and toads would decrease in number and, as a result, the higher organisms would lose a valuable food source.
Correct!

B. The leaves would increase in number, allowing the toads to thrive and reproduce.
Incorrect. The leaves would increase but the toads would go extinct since insects are their only food source.

C. The rabbits would need to find a new food source since their primary source has been drastically reduced.
Incorrect. The insects are not a food source for the rabbits.

D. The bear population would decline. No other organisms would be affected in this food web.
Incorrect. Most of the food web would be affected, not just the bears.

What will happen to the carbon cycle if humans continue to practice deforestation?

A. The amount of dead organisms and waste products would increase and overtake the community.
Incorrect. The trees do not affect decomposition.

B. Animal respiration would increase causing the trees to dies from excess carbon.
Incorrect. Trees will not die from excess carbon in the atmosphere since it is a reactant for photosynthesis.

C. Auto and factory emissions would decrease which would raise carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Incorrect. Auto and factory emissions would stay the same or possibly increase due to processing the deforested wood.

D. There will not be enough foliage to perform photosynthesis at a high enough rate to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Correct!

Which of the following are ways that nitrogen can be fixed in the environment?

A. Bacteria
Incorrect. This is valid but it is not the most complete answer.

B. Lightening
Incorrect. This is valid but it is not the most complete answer.

C. Both A and B
Correct!

D. Neither A nor B
Incorrect. There is a single correct answer.

Turtles are reptiles that have adapted to life in multiple environments. Which of the organisms pictured is best adapted for an aquatic environment?

A. A, due to the markings on its shell
Incorrect. The markings do not allow survival in an aquatic environment.

B. B, due to its proximity to water
Incorrect. Being near the water does not make it suitable to survive in aquatic environments.

C. C, due to its thick shell
Incorrect. Thickness of the shell does not contribute to success in the water.

D. D, due to its flippers
Correct!

Which of these bears is best adapted to an arctic environment?

A. Ursus arctos, due to its increased height to escape predators
Incorrect. Height does not indicate survival in an arctic environment.

B. Ursus thibetanus, due to its muscular stature as indicated in the picture
Incorrect. Being muscular does not indicate survival in an arctic environment.

C. Ailuropoda melanoleuca, due to its dark eye patches to increase its ability to hunt prey
Incorrect. This does not indicate survival in an arctic environment.

D. Ursus maritimus, due to its ability to camouflage in its environment
Correct!

Some types of Archaebacteria called chemophiles live near hydrothermal vents near the ocean floor. What purpose do they serve to other members of their ecosystems?

A. They are decomposers who allow crabs and fish to break down decaying organisms.
Incorrect. Chemophiles convert energy from chemicals found near the vent like methane.

B. They are producers that serve as the primary energy source for the food web since sunlight does not reach the ocean floor at great depths.
Correct!

C. They fix nitrogen that coral reefs need to thrive.
Incorrect. They are not nitrogen fixing like Rhizobia are.

D. They are primary consumers that consume sea grasses.
Incorrect. They are not consumers.

Which of the following are ways that bacteria are beneficial?

A. Bacteria fix nitrogen in the soil.
Incorrect. This is valid but there is a more complete answer.

B. Bacteria break down decaying organisms.
Incorrect. This is valid but there is a more complete answer.

C. Bacteria aid in digestion.
Incorrect. This is valid but there is a more complete answer.

D. All of the above.
Correct!

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic phytoplankton that lives in the first six inches of the water column. Cyanobacteria are important in maintaining _____________ in the atmosphere.

A. temperature
Incorrect. Photosynthesis does not change the temperature in the atmosphere.

B. nitrogen
Incorrect. Photosynthesis does not change the nitrogen in the atmosphere.

C. oxygen
Correct!

D. carbon monoxide
Incorrect. Photosynthesis does not change the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

A community of organisms responds to a decrease in water supply. Which factor are they reacting to?

A. A biotic factor
Incorrect. Water is non-living.

B. An abiotic factor
Correct!

C. An adaptation factor
Incorrect. This is not an actual factor.

D. A and B are correct
Incorrect. Water is non-living so only one can be correct.

A population of deer in Texas becomes reliant on a type of plant that thrives in wet conditions. The deer population declines after a summer under drought conditions. Which statement best describes what happened in this ecosystem?

A. The deer are undergoing natural selection and will soon evolve into a new species.
Incorrect. This would not directly cause speciation.

B. A population will always find a way to survive and reproduce.
Incorrect. Populations do not always survive.

C. Water is the driving factor in the migratory success of deer.
Incorrect. This situation does not address migration patterns.

D. Long-term survival of a species is dependent on limited resources.
Correct!

Which of the following is a valid statement concerning bacteria?

A. Bacterial diseases cannot be cured but can be prevented with vaccines.
Incorrect. They can be cured using antibiotics.

B. Bacteria can cause illnesses but most can be cured using antibiotics.
Correct!

C. Bacteria in human saliva help breakdown food.
Incorrect. It is the enzyme amylase that is in saliva to break down food.

D. Bacteria from the soil can cause athlete’s foot infections.
Incorrect. A fungus causes athlete’s foot.