Reference no: EM134045963
Biology Ecology Test Review Questions
1. Near the poles, the sun's rays are spread over a ____ area and take a ____ path through the atmosphere than near the equator
smaller; shorter
larger; shorter
smaller; longer
larger; longer
2. Biodiversity typically follows a gradient. More species per unit area ____.
near the equator than near the poles
in the western hemisphere compared to the eastern hemisphere
near the poles than near the equator
in the eastern hemisphere compared to the western hemisphere
3. Coral reefs are not found near estuaries. This is because estuaries have certain characteristics that would prevent the establishment of coral reefs. Which of the following would prevent a coral reef from establishing near an estuary?
As marine species, corals need fluctuating salinity levels; salinities near estuaries are typically stable due to the influx of fresh water, which precludes corals from surviving.
Estuaries can have very high turbidity, and corals need high water clarity to thrive.
Temperatures in estuaries tend to be stable, but corals require fluctuating temperatures to thrive.
Estuaries have nutrient-poor water, and corals require nutrient-rich water to prosper.
4. The continental effect results in:
cooler summers and warmer winters along the coast
warmer summers and colder winters along the coast
cooler summers and colder winters along the coast
warmer summers and warmer winters along the coast
5. Why do we find deserts at 30° north and south latitudes?
The meeting of the Ferrel and Hadley cells forms a low-pressure system that dries the air in those latitudes.
The meeting of the northern and southern Hadley cells forms a high-pressure system that dries the air in those latitudes.
The meeting of the Ferrel and Hadley cells forms a high-pressure system that dries the air in those latitudes.
The meeting of the Polar and Ferrel cells forms a high-pressure system that dries the air in those latitudes.
The meeting of the Polar and Ferrel cells forms a low-pressure system that dries the air in those latitudes.
6. Which of the following statements is used to build our conceptual model for atmospheric circulation?
Cold air is unable to hold as much water as hot air
Atmospheric pressure will increase with increasing altitude.
Hot air weighs more than cold air, meaning that cold air rises.
As air expands, it warms up, and as air is compressed it cools down.
When averaged over the year, higher latitudes receive more solar radiation than lower latitudes.
7. Which of the two following traits will likely lead to the highest primary productivity in a terrestrial biome?
Low solar radiation and low precipitation
Low solar radiation and high precipitation
High solar radiation and low precipitation
High solar radiation and high precipitation