Test Bank For Economy of Nature, 6th Edition

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NameTest Bank Chapter 01DescriptionInstructionsThe following questions challenge you to think about how ecologists study andlearn about the natural world. The emphasis of these questions is on applicationof the scientific method. Imagine that you are following up on some pioneeringresearch carried out in the 1930s by the entomologist V. G. Dethier on feedingbehavior of swallowtail butterflies. Dethier observed that larvae of certainswallowtail butterfly species feed selectively on plants belonging to the carrotfamily (Apiaciae). He wondered how the larvae were able to locate such plants.Using simple but cleverly designed experiments, Dethier was able todemonstrate that these larvae recognize their preferred food plants based ontheir odors.Question1EssayQuestionDethier and other entomologists have spent considerable timewatching the behaviors of butterfly larvae as they move about in naturalhabitats and select different plants to eat. Dethier recorded his observationsuntil he felt he could identify trends that might lead to an understanding of theprocesses underlying larval food selection. Which component of the scientificmethod did this aspect of Dethier's research represent?Answerobservation and descriptionQuestion2EssayQuestionDethier proposed that swallowtail larvae locate their preferred foodplants using their sense of smell. In other words, he believed that the larvaewere able to discriminate among various kinds of plants by detectingparticular kinds of volatile chemicals released by the plants. Whichcomponent of the scientific method did this aspect of Dethier's researchrepresent? Answer: development of hypotheses and explanationsAnswerdevelopment of hypotheses and explanationsQuestion3EssayQuestionDethier conducted experiments to determine if his explanation ofhow swallowtail larvae locate their host plants might be correct. Whichcomponent of the scientific method did this aspect of Dethier's researchrepresent?Answertesting of hypothesesQuestion4EssayQuestionYou are interested in studying the role of olfaction (using the senseof smell) in location of host plants by larvae of a particular species ofswallowtail butterfly. You hypothesize that these larvae detect their preferredhost plants in the carrot family by olfaction. Following Dethier's methodology,

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you establish the following experiment. Extracts obtained from various kindsof plants (including some belonging to the carrot family) are used to moistensmall pieces of paper arranged randomly under a wire screen. Other piecesof paper are simply moistened with water. Swallowtail larvae are allowed tocrawl about on the wirescreen, but the larvae cannot come into directphysical contact with the pieces of paper. Why do you not simply present thelarvae with a choice among various plants in this experiment?AnswerYou want to vary the volatile chemicals presented to the larvaewithout giving the larvae other cues as to the "identity" of the plantsfrom which these chemicals are extracted. Since all the pieces ofpaper look alike, you can eliminate the possibility that the larvae usevisual cues to recognize the pieces of paper moistened with extractsfrom plants in the carrot family. Separating the larvae from thepieces of paper also ensures that the larvae cannot use their senseof taste. The scientific method typically involves manipulating one ora small number of variables independently of others to reveal theireffects.Question5EssayQuestionIn your experiment, why do you include pieces of paper moistenedwith extracts from plants in other plant families or moistened with water,among those moistened with extracts from plants in the carrot family?AnswerYou expect that the larvae will orient themselves toward the piecesof paper moistened with extracts from plants in the carrot family.However, you have to ascertain that larvaeare not attracted to justany piece of moistened paper. The pieces of paper moistened withextracts from other plants enable you to determine whether or notlarvae are selective in their orientation to pieces of paper moistenedwith extracts from plants belonging to the carrot family. The piecesof paper moistened with water serve as experimental controls.Question6EssayQuestionIn your experiments with the swallowtail larvae, you indeed findthat these larvae orienttoward pieces of paper moistened with extracts fromplants belonging to the carrot family and not toward pieces of papermoistened with water or extracts of other plants. Does this finding prove youroriginal hypothesis?AnswerMost scientists agree that it is never possible to prove anyhypothesis in the strictest sense. Although the results of yourexperiment are consistent with the predictions of your hypothesisand offer strong support for it, they do not prove the hypothesis. Inthe case described,it would be desirable to subject the hypothesisto further testing. It would be important, for example, forexperimenters in another laboratory to repeat your experiment todetermine if similar results occur consistently at other times andplaces. Other explanations for these results would also have to beconsidered and eliminated by further experimentation. It would alsobe important to conduct investigations aimed at determining themechanism of causation. If the hypothesis held up after additionalevaluation, then it would become more widely accepted by thescientific community.

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Question7EssayQuestionDoes your study of the feeding preferences of swallowtail larvaeaddress a "how" or a "why" question?AnswerThisstudy clearly focuses on a "how" question. You are interestedprimarily in answering a question dealing with a physiologicalprocess involving sensory perception.Question8EssayQuestionGiven your answer to the preceding question, decide whether thekind of question you identified ("how" or "why") addresses aproximateorultimatefactor.AnswerThis study clearly focuses on a "how" question dealing with aphysiological process, orproximatefactor.Question9EssayQuestionFormulate at least one hypothesis to address a "why" questionapplicable to the subject of your study. State your question, then yourhypothesis (or hypotheses).AnswerThere are many possible questions.One might ask, "Why do larvaeof swallowtail butterflies select plants belonging to the carrot familyas their food?" There are several possible hypotheses that wouldaddress this question. For example, one might speculate that thelarvae of swallowtail butterflies are capable of safely eating anyplants belonging to the carrot family, but that certain plantsbelonging to other plant families might be toxic. One might alsospeculate that the larvae of swallowtail butterflies can sequester intheir bodies certain toxic chemicals contained in their preferred plantfoods. Such chemicals could then be used defensively by the larvae.Question10EssayQuestionGiven your answer to the preceding question, decide whether thekind of question you identified ("how" or "why") addresses aproximateorultimatefactor.AnswerThis is clearly a "why" question dealing with costs and benefits toindividuals, orultimatefactors that guide evolution.Question11EssayQuestionPlants and animals exchange energy and materials with theirphysical environments. These exchanges occur across surfaces. In animals.these surfaces (lungs, for example) tend to be internal, while in plants, thesesurfaces tendto be external (leaves, for example). Discuss the principalreason for this important difference.AnswerConsider energy acquisition. Animals obtain energy by extracting itfrom foods they consume. This absorption is best accomplishedinternally, where foods can be subjected to appropriate conditions(presence of enzymes, physical processing, acidic pH, etc.) that

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release molecules to be taken up across large areas of absorptivestructures. Plants, in contrast, obtain energy from sunlight, and thusmust expose relatively large external absorptive surfaces (typicallyleaves) to sunlight in order to obtain this energy. Internal absorptionof energy is simply not an option for plants.Question12EssayQuestionA living system is characterized by maintenance of a dynamicsteady state. This steady state represents an internal equilibrium (inputsbalanced by outputs). However, the living system is typically not inequilibrium with its surroundings. As an example, consider a warm-bloodedorganism maintaining a constant temperature different from that of itssurroundings. For this organism, what is the cost associated withmaintenance of the dynamic steady state, and how is this cost met?AnswerTo maintain a system in disequilibrium with its environment requiresexpenditure of energy. A warm-blooded animal in cold surroundingsmust acquire food and use the metabolic energy released from thatfood to maintain its temperature higher than that of its surroundings.Question13EssayQuestionScientists ask questions about how the natural world works. Thesequestions can usually be classified as "how" questions and "why" questions.Compare and contrast these fundamentally different kinds of questions; inparticular, explain clearly the attributes that make each kind of questiondistinctive. Present an example of related "how" and "why" questions.AnswerAlthough both questions focus on the functioning of the naturalworld, they are fundamentallydifferent. The "how" questions, whichrequire proximate explanations, usually address physical orbiological processes. Our understanding of physiological ormetabolic processes is usually enhanced by asking "how" questions.The "why" questions, which require ultimate explanations, usuallyaddress the evolutionary significance of structures, processes, orbehaviors. When we ask why an organism does something, weusually expect to learn how a behavior, for example, leads toenhanced survival or reproductivesuccess. A good example ofrelated "how" and "why" questions might involve a homeostaticprocess, such as thermoregulation. One might askhowanimalsmaintain constant body temperatures (seeking physiologicalexplanations) andwhyanimals maintain constant bodytemperatures (seeking evolutionary explanations).Question14EssayQuestionUsing an example from a natural ecosystem, show how humansare an important part of the biosphere. In your example, indicate how humanactivities may have a pervasive influence on the structure and function ofecological systems.AnswerSeveral suitable examples are provided in Chapter 1. For example,one might discuss the example of human intervention in the naturalecosystem of Lake Victoria, which led to catastrophic failure of thefishery based upon native cichlid fishes.

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Question15EssayQuestionWhile it may be said that many human activities have resulted innegative impacts on the structure and function of ecological systems, there isreason to be hopeful that humans will eventually be able to come to gripswith environmental problems. Briefly discuss some recent events thatindicate the ability of humans to respond in a positive and successful way toenvironmental problems.AnswerSeveral suitable examples are provided in Chapter 1. For example,one might discuss efforts made to save endangered species fromextinction. Public laws, such as the U.S. Endangered Species Act,contribute to thiseffort, as do specific interventions, such as thebreeding of endangered species in captivity.Question16Multiple ChoiceQuestionDo ecological studies support the idea of a balanced natural worldthat exists in a pristine state?AnswerA)Yes, ecological studies support this idea.B)No, ecological studies show historical variationin nature and the pervasive influence of humanactivities.Question17Multiple ChoiceQuestionHow can ecology best help each of us understand the role ofhumans in nature?AnswerA)Ecology provides a reference point of unspoilednature.B) Ecology provides a set of moral precepts.C) Ecology provides a set of values.D) Ecology provides a scientific understanding of hownatural systems work and how humans function as partof the natural world.Question18Multiple ChoiceQuestionThe word "ecology" is derived from the Greekoikos,which means:Answermoney or currencyoceanhouseroot or origin

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Question19Multiple ChoiceQuestionWho gave the word "ecology" its current broad meaning?Answerthe German zoologist Ernst Haeckelthe Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeusthe English naturalist Charles Darwinthe American ecologist Rachel CarsonQuestion20Multiple ChoiceQuestionOf the following fields, all except one focus on the application ofecological understanding to solve problems concerning the environment andits inhabitants. Which is the exception?Answerenvironmental scienceapplied ecologyconservation biologyecologyQuestion21Multiple ChoiceQuestionIn Chapter 1, Dr. Ricklefs states: "No smaller unit in biology, suchas the organ, cell, or macromolecule, has a separate life in the environment."To which level of ecological organization is he referring?AnswerorganismpopulationcommunityecosystembiosphereQuestion22Multiple ChoiceQuestionWhich of the following systems is comprised of assemblages oforganisms together with their physical and chemical environments?AnswerorganismpopulationcommunityecosystembiosphereQuestion23Multiple ChoiceQuestionGray whales feedin the Bering Sea, then migrate far to the south,reproducing in the Gulf of California. Feeding conditions in the Bering Seainfluence the reproductive success of these animals in their breeding area.Reproductive success, in turn, modifies the impact ofthe gray whale onmarine ecosystems in the Gulf of California. What important principle do

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these processes illustrate?AnswerAll ecosystems are ultimately linked together in a singlebiosphere.All ecosystems are tightly bounded and poorly linked withother ecosystems.Question24Multiple ChoiceQuestionIt may be said that the approach taken by an ecologist to the studyof the natural world depends on the level of ecological organization studied.For example, an ecologist who takes thepopulationapproach to the study ofecology would most likely be interested in:Answeradaptations of individual organisms that suit them for life intheir environment.changes in numbers, resulting from births and deaths, ofindividuals belonging to a particular species in a particularplace.the number and relative abundances of species living in aparticular place.activities of organisms as well as physical and chemicaltransformations of energy and materials in the soil,atmosphere, and water.transport of energy and materials at the global scale.Question25Multiple ChoiceQuestionAs a rule, terrestrialplants and animals differ in which of thefollowing ways?AnswerTerrestrial plants usually are larger than terrestrial animals.Terrestrial plants usually live longer than terrestrial animals.Terrestrial plants usually need a more continuous supply ofwater than terrestrial animals.Terrestrial plants usually live in warmer climatesthan terrestrialanimals.Question26Multiple ChoiceQuestionWhich of the following kinds of organisms typically assumes athreadlike growth habit, which may exist as a loose network or may coalesceinto a reproductive structure?AnswerplantsanimalsfungiprotistsbacteriaQuestion27Multiple Choice

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QuestionThere are many examples in nature of cooperation amongorganisms, such as the bacteria that inhabit the root nodules of leguminousplants. Typically such cooperative associations develop because eachorganism can provide its partner with something the partner lacks or needs.When such partnerships exist between organisms that live in closeassociation, these are called:AnswernetworkscommunitiessymbiosesassemblagesQuestion28Multiple ChoiceQuestionWhich of the following best defines thehabitatof an organism?Answerthe place, or physical setting, in which the organism livesthe organism's role in the ecological systemQuestion29Multiple ChoiceQuestionThe Peruvian rhinoceros katydid (Copiphora rhinoceros) isspecialized for chewing leaves. This information helps us better understandwhich of the following?Answerits habitatits nicheQuestion30Multiple ChoiceQuestionThunderstorms and hurricanes. Unusually cold winters and glacialepochs. Each of these pairs of phenomena illustrates an important generalprinciple that applies to temporal variation in the environment. Whichof thefollowing is the best statement of this principle?AnswerAll events occur with about the same severity andfrequency.The more severe or extreme the event, the less frequent itis.The more severe or extreme the event, the more frequent itis.There is no relationship between severity and frequency ofevents.Question31QuestionIs a particular scale of spatial variation equally important to allorganisms?AnswerYes, all organisms respond in a similar fashion to spatialvariation at a particular scale.No, each organism experiences spatial variation at a particular

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scale in a unique way.Question32QuestionAre scales of spatial and temporal variation in the environmentrelated in any way?AnswerYes, temporal and spatial scales of environmental variation arecorrelated; the area affected by an event is roughly proportionalto its duration.No, temporal and spatial scales of environmental variation areunrelated.Question33QuestionFor a given spatial scale (equivalent to the area of North America,for example), terrestrial, oceanic, and atmospheric systems undergo changesat dramatically different rates. From the choices below, correctly rank thesesystems from least to most rapid rate of change:Answeroceanic, atmospheric, terrestrialoceanic, terrestrial, atmosphericterrestrial, atmospheric, oceanicterrestrial, oceanic, atmosphericQuestion34QuestionMost scientific investigations begin with a set of facts about nature.These facts are obtained by which of the following steps?Answerobservation and descriptiondevelopment of mathematical modelsdevelopment of hypothesesexperimental testing of hypothesesQuestion35QuestionThe formulation of hypotheses represents a critical step in thescientific process.In the simplest terms, what is an hypothesis?Answeran explanationan experimentanobservationa proven factQuestion36QuestionMarquis and Whelan conducted research on the role of birdpredation in reducing the consumption of plants by insect herbivores. Whichof the following features did they incorporate into their experiment?

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Answercontrols reproducing all aspects of the experiment except forthe variable of interestadditional controls for assessing experimental effectsreplication to ensure that results were repeatableall of the aboveQuestion37QuestionEcologists sometimesstate hypotheses in a special way,representing the system as a set of equations. What is this special kind ofhypothesis called?Answera controla mathematical modela null hypothesisan alternative hypothesisQuestion38QuestionEcologists using global carbon-balance models wereoverestimatingthe rate of increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Thisdiscovery led these ecologists to:Answerdiscard their models.switch to modeling of other phenomena.conclude that increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is not aserious environmental problem.search for evidence of other carbon dioxide "sinks" in theglobal cycle of carbon.Question39QuestionWhat approximate percentage of the biological productivity of thebiosphere do humans currently usurp?Answerclose to 0%about 5%about 10%about 50%close to 100%Question40QuestionMany ecosystems are sensitive to human intervention. Nile Perchwere introduced into Lake Victoria with the intention of providing additionalfood for people living in the area. The ultimate result of this introduction was:Answerno change in the yield of fish to people living in the area.a twofold increase in yield of fish to people living in the area.a tenfold increase in yield of fish to people living in the area.

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destruction of native fish populations and devastation of theentire fishery.Question41QuestionFisherman living along the North Pacific Rim felt threatened byincreased populations of sea otters because sea otters consumecommercially valuable abalone, sea urchins, and spiny lobster. Whatbeneficial aspect of sea otter ecology did these fishermen ignore?AnswerSea otters are consumed by killer whales, which wouldotherwise eat commercially valuable fish.Sea otters catch and eat "trash fish," allowing stocks ofcommercially valuable fish to increase.Sea otters catch and eat sea urchins, thereby protecting kelps,which in turn shelter populations of larval fish.Sea otters have been used in medical research to developvaccines that protect domestic cats from a variety of diseases.Question42QuestionWhich of the following specifically forbids the transport ofendangered species or their products (ivory, for example) across internationalboundaries?Answerthe International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)theConvention on International Trade in Endangered Species(CITES)the Kyoto Protocol on climate changeQuestion43QuestionWhat was accomplished by the Rio Convention on Biodiversity?Answercessation of all poaching of elephantsrecognition of the proprietary interest of countries in their ownbiological heritageaddition of one hundred species to the U.S. Endangered SpeciesListpermanent protection of one million hectares of Brazilian rainforestQuestion44QuestionMany populations of different species living in the same placemake up an ecological ________.AnswercommunityIncorrectFeedbackMany populations of different species living in the sameplace make up an ecological community.

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Question45QuestionThe________ approach to the study of ecology concerns itselfwith the largest scale in the hierarchy of ecological systems.AnswerbiosphereIncorrectFeedbackThe biosphere approach to the study of ecology concernsitself with the largest scale in the hierarchy of ecologicalsystems.Question46QuestionThePlasmodiumorganisms responsible for malaria in humans areconsidered ________ because they make their living by consumingresources from a living host, in this case either humans or mosquitoes.AnswerparasitesIncorrectFeedbackThePlasmodiumorganisms responsible for malaria in humansare considered parasites because they make their living byconsuming resources from a living host, in this case eitherhumansor mosquitoes.Question47QuestionThe attributes of organisms are not fixed, but change through time.This process of change is called ________.AnswerevolutionIncorrectFeedbackThe attributes of organisms arenot fixed, but change throughtime. This process of change is called evolution.Question48QuestionAttributes of an organism that suit it to the conditions of theenvironment are called ________.AnsweradaptationsIncorrectFeedbackAttributes of an organism that suit it to the conditions of theenvironment are called adaptations.Question49QuestionIndividuals well suited to their environment survive and producesuccessfuloffspring, while individuals less well suited to their environment failto survive or produce fewer successful offspring. In this way, inherited traitsthat are more suitable tend to be passed on to successive generations to agreater extent than less suitable traits. The process described in thepreceding sentences is called evolution by ________.Answernatural selectionIncorrectFeedbackIndividuals well suited to their environment survive and producesuccessful offspring, while individuals less well suited to theirenvironment fail to survive or produce fewer successful offspring.In this way, inherited traits that are more suitable tend to be

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passed on to successive generations to a greater extent thanless suitable traits. The process described inthe precedingsentences is called evolution by natural selection.Question50QuestionAll biological and ecological process obey the physical laws of________.AnswerthermodynamicsIncorrectFeedbackAll biological and ecological process obey the physical lawsof thermodynamics.Question51QuestionThe number of species in a biological community tends to remainconstant over time, despite gains and losses of species, resulting frominvasions and extinctions, respectively. This condition (constancy of speciesnumber) is an example of a(n) ________.Answerdynamic steady stateIncorrectFeedbackThe number of species in a biological community tends toremain constant over time, despite gains and losses of species,resulting from invasions and extinctions, respectively. Thiscondition (constancy of species number) is an example of a(n)dynamic steady state.Question52QuestionEcologists find it difficult or impossible to manipulateexperimentally large ecological systems (populations, communities,ecosystems). One way of getting around this problem is to replicate theessential features of such systems in smaller, simplified laboratory orfieldsettings, called ________.AnswermicrocosmsIncorrectFeedbackEcologists find it difficult or impossible to manipulateexperimentally large ecological systems (populations,communities, ecosystems). One way of getting around thisproblem is to replicate the essential features of such systems insmaller, simplified laboratory or field settings, calledmicrocosms.Question53QuestionEcologists sometimes find it necessary to rely on natural variationin the environment to create reasonably controlled experimental treatments.This approach, used in studies of island biogeography, is referred to as a________.Answernatural experimentIncorrectEcologists sometimes find it necessary to rely on natural

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Feedbackvariation in the environment to create reasonably controlledexperimental treatments. This approach, used in studies ofisland biogeography, is referred to as a natural experiment.

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NameTest Bank Chapter 02DescriptionInstructionsIt is particularly concerned about water quality on this tract because the existingpark is widely known for its pristine streams. You visit the tract and beginconducting an on-site assessment of stream water quality. Several importantissues arise as you begin this assessment. Please put your knowledge of theproperties of water to work in answering the following questions about thisassessment.Question1EssayQuestionYou begin by measuring the acidity of one small stream (called SoftBranch) on this tract and find that its pH is 4.5. What would this finding lead youto conclude?AnswerThe stream is abnormally acidic, given that the typical range of pH forsmall ponds and streams is between 6 and 9. The cause of the acidityshould be determined. One might check for the existence ofanthropogenic sources of acidity, such as acidic drainage from miningwastes.Question2EssayQuestionYour survey of the watershed of Soft Branch reveals no unusualsources of acidity, such as old mine tailings. Can you suggest another potentialcause of the stream's acidity?AnswerStreams draining areas with bedrock deficient in calcium andmagnesium (such as granite) may be naturally acidic, and this aciditymay be exacerbated by acidic precipitation. Thus one might wish todetermine the bedrock geology in the watershed of this stream. Dataon the acidity of precipitation in the region might also be useful.Question3EssayQuestionYou discover that populations of mollusks (such as snails, clams,and mussels) are relatively low in Soft Branch, compared with populations ofthese animals in streams of similar size in the adjacent Great SmokyMountains National Park. What is one of the first things you might suspect as acause of the scarcity of mollusks?AnswerThe scarcity of hard-shelled animals might be due to a scarcity ofcalcium, essential for the formation of shells. Acidic streams are "soft,"which means they carry relatively high levels of hydrogen ions (thecase here) and low concentrations of calcium ions. As is the case forthe previous question, one might wish to explore the cause of theacidity and low calcium further.Question4EssayQuestionThe acidity of Soft Branch suggests that soils in the adjacent

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