Chapt 4

Chapter 4 Biological Communities and Species Interactions
1. Tolerance limits are _______ that limit a species survival.

A. just temperature ranges
B. any environmental conditions
C. population sizes
D. narrow salinity levels
E. undesirable toxin concentrations
Answer: B
Question Classification: Knowledge
2. There is/are usually _______ tolerance limit(s) responsible for limiting the number and location of a species.
However, some organisms have ____________ that limit(s) their distribution.
A. one, a specific critical factor
B. one, other environmental conditions
C. one specific, many factors
D. many, other environmental conditions
E. many, a specific critical factor
Answer: E
Question Classification: Comprehension
3. A species can withstand a wide range of pH as an adult but the juveniles can only withstand a narrow range of pH.
The abiotic factor, pH, would best be described as a
A. stress factor
B. intolerance factor
C. tolerance limit
D. critical factor
E. physical factor
Answer: D
4. Which of the following fish species would be the best indicator of clean, well-oxygenated water?
A. carp
B. largemouth bass
C. catfish
D. rainbow trout
E. sunfish
Answer: D
5. Populations are most critically limited by

A. available food.
C. suitable shelter from the elements.
B. available water.
D. suitable shelter from predators.
E. any of these, depending on the system.
Answer: E
6. Indicator species, such as lichens, generally have a ___________ tolerance range for a ____________.
A. narrow, critical factor
B. narrow, number of physical factors
C. average, number of physical factors
D. broad, number of critical factors
E. broad, critical factor
Answer: A
Use the following example. A species can withstand a narrow range of temperature. Above 100F there are no
species present. In the range from 97F100F and 90F94F there are a few species present. Below 90F there are
no species present.
7. What would you label the range of temperature from 90F to 94F for this particular species?
A. zone of intolerance
B. zone of physiological stress
C. tolerance limit range
D. optimal range
E. range of tolerance
Answer: B
8. What would you label the range of temperature from 95F to 96F for this particular species in the scenario?
A. zone of intolerance
C. tolerance limit range
B. zone of physiological stress
D. optimal range
E. range of tolerance
Answer: D
9. What is the difference in the adaptation of a sled dogs (such as a Husky) thick coat of hair to help it withstand the
cold temperatures of Arctic winters and a dog that adapts to cold temperatures in the fall by growing a thickened
coat? The adaptation of the sled dog best describes adaptation at the ____________ level while the dog exposed to
seasonal colder temperatures has _____________.
A. regional; natural selection at the individual level
B. individual; physiological modifications at the population level
C. population; physiological modifications at the individual level
D. species; natural selection at the population level
E. ecosystem; physiological modifications at the individual level
Answer: C
Question Classification: Application
10. Evolution occurs as a result of
A. the discovery of a desirable characteristic in a population.

B. an individuals physiological modification.
C. environmental change that forces modification in a resident species.
D. better survival or reproduction rates by individuals with a particular characteristic.
E. a populations physiological modification
Answer: D
11. Which of the following is a physiological modification used to adapt to environmental conditions?
A. Young saguaro seedlings sprouting under mesquites.
B. Leaves becoming thick and leathery on a plant growing in a dry, hot climate.
C. Locoweed growing only where selenium is present in soil.
D. Desert pupfish learning to deposit eggs where temperatures are optimal.
E. All of these are examples of physiological modifications used to adapt to environmental conditions.
Answer: B
12. Natural selection will ultimately makes a species

A. more intelligent.
B. physically bigger.
C. more adapted to its environment.
D. more aggressive.
E. less vulnerable to its predators.
Answer: C
13. Regular lawn mowing selects for short-headed rather than tall-headed dandelions because
A. tall flowers spread their seeds farther.
B. tall flowers cannot reproduce.
C. short flowers can reproduce.
D. short flowers spread their seeds farther.
E. short flowers have less competition when the lawn is mowed often.
Answer: B
14. Your friend stated that natural selection would occur at the individual level while evolution and adaptation would
occur at the population level. How would you respond to your friend?
A. I would agree because individuals cannot change their genetic makeup.
B. I would agree because individuals can adapt to their environment.
C. I would disagree because populations cannot change their genetic makeup.
D. I would disagree because populations can adapt to their environment.
E. I would disagree because individuals can adapt to their environment.
Answer: C
15. In the process known as convergent evolution, environmental conditions lead
A. a species to adapt especially quickly.

B. a species to resist the changes of random mutation.
C. a species to branch off and develop into a new species, different from the ancestral species.
D. unrelated species to live together.
E. unrelated species to look like each other.
Answer: E
16. Cheetahs can run extremely fast because

A. they need to run extremely fast in order to catch their prey.
B. an ancestor that was able to run fast had an advantage and passed those genes on to its offspring.
C. over time they gradually built up speed as they adapted to faster and faster prey species.
D. they are competing with stronger lions and hyenas for their food so they need to be fast.
E. All of these are reasons cheetahs can run extremely fast.
Answer: B
17. A generalist is a species that

A. occupies a large habitat range.
B. occupies a variety of ecological niches.
C. can reproduce under highly variable conditions.
D. can reproduce only under specific conditions.
E. None of these are characteristics of a generalist species.
Answer: B
18. Humans can best be described as

A. occupying a narrow niche.
B. an example of convergent evolution.
C. outside the rules of natural selection.
D. specialists.
E. generalists.
Answer: E
19. Most organisms niches are controlled by

A. genetic determinants.
B. lessons learned from parents.
C. behavior learned from others in their social groups.
D. luck.
E. the predators and competitors they encounter.
Answer: A
20. Resource partitioning leads species to

A. feed at different times.
B. migrate to other regions.

C. develop different physiological adaptations.
D. become specialized.
E. All of these would be a result of resource partitioning.
Answer: E
21. Resource partitioning tends to lead to a high degree of _______ in species.

A. specialization
B. evolution
C. convergent evolution
D. generalization
E. divergent evolution
Answer: A
22. Certain night-active moths and day-active birds are specialized nectar feeders. How do these species coexist if
they are using the same resource for food?
A. Since they both use the nectar eventually one of the two species will need to move to a new area.
B. They do not compete for the nectar because they feed at different times of the day.
C. There is enough nectar to supply both the birds and the moths with their feeding needs.
D. Eventually the niche breadth will increase and there will be less competition.
E. None of the above.
Answer: B
23. Predation influences evolution when

A. prey species develop defensive characteristics.
B. individual predators adapt and become more efficient in catching their prey.
C. individual prey adapt and become more efficient in eluding predators.
D. a population of predators develop defensive characteristics.
E. prey species acclimate to the predators in the local ecosystem.
Answer: A
24. A keystone species is a species whose presence

A. is the main reason a community exists.
B. provides food for all other species in a community.
C. is an indicator of environmental health.
D. influences the population size of many other species in its community.
E. is always at the top of the trophic levels as a top predator.
Answer: D
25. A Titmouse and a Chickadee are living in the same territory and are using some of the same resources. The best
way to classify this interaction is as
A. mutualism.
B. intraspecific competition.
C. interspecific competition.
D. symbiosis.
E. commensalism.
Answer: C
26. Intraspecific competition is competition among ________ for resources.

A. predators and prey
B. both plants and animals
C. producers, consumers, and detritivores
D. members of different species
E. members of a single species
Answer: E
27. Which of the following is not a common strategy for successful interspecific competition?
A. Eating prey before they are ready (ripe) for other species.
B. Spreading seeds or offspring far and fast.
C. Producing substances that are toxic to competitors.
D. The life cycle of dragonflies (the larva live in the water).
E. All of these are strategies for successful interspecific competition.
Answer: D
28. An especially effective strategy for reducing intraspecific competition is

A. different ecological niches for juveniles and adults.
B. rapid reproduction.
C. eating prey before they are ready (ripe) for other species.
D. resource partitioning.
E. None of these, are examples for reducing interspecific competition
Answer: A
29. Territoriality is an important form of _________ for many animal species.

A. symbiotic behavior
B. interspecific competition
C. intraspecific competition
D. commensalism
E. resource partitioning
Answer: C
30. In some species, young individuals float freely as plankton while mature members are fixed on the seafloor. This
is an effective strategy because
A. different phases do not compete for food.

B. plankton are more likely to survive.
C. fixed adults are more likely to survive.
D. predators cannot catch plankton.
E. the adults can find mates more readily.
Answer: A
31. Symbiosis means

A. a relationship in which both species benefit.
B. a parasitic relationship.
C. commensalism.
D. living together.
E. a relationship in which one species benefits and the other does not benefit.
Answer: D
32. In a commensal relationship,

A. one species benefits while the other neither suffers nor benefits.
B. one species benefits while the other suffers.
C. two species live together and both suffer.
D. two species live together and neither benefits nor suffers.
E. two species live together and both benefit.
Answer: A
33. In the partnership of a lichen, the fungus provides _________ and the relationship is best described as _______.
A. most of the photosynthesis; symbiosis
B. poisons that deter predation; commensalism
C. structure and moisture-holding ability; mutualism
D. very little to the algal partner; parasitism
E. some of the photosynthesis; commensalism
Answer: C
34. The tall, narrow, buttressed trunks of tropical rainforest trees are evidence of intense
A. parasitism.
B. interspecific competition.
C. commensalism.
D. resiliency.
E. intraspecific competition.
Answer: B
35. Epiphytes growing on tropical trees exemplify

A. mutualism.
B. predation.
C. parasitism.
D. commensalism.
E. intraspecific competition.
Answer: D
36. Which of the following statements is true?

A. In a mutualistic relationship one partner benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped.
B. In a mutualistic relationship both partners benefit from the relationship.
C. In a commensalistic relationship one partner benefits and the other is adversely affected.
D. In a commensalistic relationship both partners benefit equally.
E. In a parasitic relationship both partners are adversely affected.
Answer: B
37. A viceroy butterfly that closely resembles the bad tasting monarch is an example of __________ and the
example of beetles that look like stinging wasps is an example of __________.
A. Batesian mimicry; Batesian mimicry
B. Batesian mimicry; Muellerian mimicry
C. Muellerian mimicry; Muellerian mimicry
D. Muellerian mimicry; Batesian mimicry
E. commensalism; symbiosis
Answer: A
38. A biological communitys productivity is a measure of

A. its number of species.
B. the number of individuals in the community.
C. available solar energy that can be converted to biomass.
D. the amount of biomass produced in the community.
E. All of these are combined in measuring a communitys productivity.
Answer: D
39. Abundance describes the total number of _________ while diversity describes the number of _________.
A. species in a community; individual organisms in a community
B. organisms in a community; species in a community
C. individuals in a niche; niches available to a given species
D. species in a bioregion; trophic levels in a community
E. biomes; habitats available for different species
Answer: B
40. In a biological community where diversity is great, such as a tropical rainforest, the abundance of any one
species is likely to be
A. great.
B. small.
C. widely variable from year to year.
D. the same from year to year.
E. None of these, abundance does not depend on diversity.
Answer: B
41. As a rule, near the Earths north and south poles,

A. diversity is high, and abundance is low.
B. abundance is high, and diversity is high.
C. neither abundance nor diversity is high.
D. abundance is high, and diversity is low.
E. abundance and diversity are about the same.
Answer: D
Relative Biomass Accumulation of

Major World Ecosystems
a.
Ec
osy
ste
m
typ
e
b.
c.
d.
e.
12
16
20
1,000 kcal/m/year
42. When looking at the relative biomass accumulation of major world ecosystems, the greatest variety of niches and
of species is probably in ecosystem __.
A. a
B. b
C. c
D. d
E. types a and e would be nearly equal and have the greatest variety of niches and species.
Answer: D
43. When looking at the relative biomass accumulation of major world ecosystems, ecosystem a is probably
A. desert.
B. tropical rainforest.
C. intensive agriculture.
D. estuaries.
E. temperate deciduous forest.
Answer: A
44. When looking at the relative biomass accumulation of major world ecosystems, ecosystem d is probably
A. desert.
B. tropical rainforest.
C. intensive agriculture.
D. estuaries.
E. either tropical rainforest or estuaries.
Answer: E
45. Complexity in an ecological community has to do with the number of

A. species in the population.
B. species at each trophic level.
C. genetic variations within a species.
D. primary producers available.
E. primary producers relative to the number of consumers.
Answer: B
46. A community with hundreds of different types of primary producers, a few herbivores, and only one carnivore,
has
A. little complexity.
B. little diversity.
C. a great deal of complexity.
D. low productivity.
E. a great deal of productivity.
Answer: A
47. A community that changes very little over time is said to have great
A. renewal ability.
B. complexity.
C. diversity.
D. constancy.
E. connectedness.
Answer: D
48. In the coastal forest of Oregon an area was clear-cut for logging. Trees at the edge of the clearing and 200 meters
into the forest died within a few months after the logging began. What is the best explanation for the death of the
trees?
A. The trees at the edge of the forest were more prone to disease.
B. Abiotic edge effects such as increased herbivory negatively affected the trees.
C. Increased sunlight, wind, and temperature negatively affected the trees.
D. The roots of all of the trees were damaged.
E. Nitrogen fixing bacteria in the roots of the trees were killed.
Answer: C
49. A closed community has a

A. narrow ecotone.
B. gradual transition zone.
C. wide ecotone.
D. very small area.
E. large core area.
Answer: A
50. How does the loss of large predators such as wolves and owls in the United States relate to songbird population
decline?
A. The wolves and owls no longer eat nest parasites such as the brown-headed cowbirds.
B. The loss of owls does not relate to the songbird population decline because owls are songbird predators.
C. The wolves and owls no longer eat songbird predators such as raccoons and opossums.
D. The loss of wolves does not relate to the songbird population decline because wolves are songbird predators.
E. None of these, the decline of songbirds in the US is due to deforestation in developing countries.
Answer: C
51. Primary succession occurs when a community develops ____________ while secondary succession occurs when
one ________.
A. into a climax community, species replaces another
B. and replaces another, ecosystem becomes stable
C. on unoccupied ground, biological community replaces another
D. and then fails, niche changes
E. intraspecific competition, experiences interspecific competition
Answer: C
52. Which of the following are pioneer species?

A. wood warblers
B. dandelions
C. starlings
D. lichens
E. humans
Answer: D
53. As ecological development proceeds, a biological community

A. gradually stagnates.
B. becomes more diverse.
C. goes through repeated secondary succession stages.
D. goes through repeated primary succession stages.
E. becomes less complex.
Answer: B
54. A climax community is one that

A. is relatively stable and long lasting.
B. lasts forever.
C. contains oaks or white spruce.
D. is impervious to disruption.
E. is adapted to periodic disruption.
Answer: A
55. Some communities, such as some grasslands, may never really reach John Clements concept of a climax stage
because
A. ecological succession works too slowly.
B. there is no optimum community for these environments.
C. they are adapted to periodic interruption.
D. their environmental conditions are too unstable.
E. primary succession is a slow process.
Answer: C
56. An equilibrium community is one that

A. is relatively stable and long lasting.
B. lasts forever.
C. contains oaks or white spruce.
D. is impervious to disruption.
E. is adapted to periodic disruption.
Answer: E
57. The most common reason that introduced species cause trouble is because they
A. are larger than native species.
B. disrupt pre-existing niches.
C. are unusually efficient predators.
D. out compete the native species.
E. None of these are correct.
Answer: B
58. Which of the following migrations is likely to cause the extinction of a native species?
A. Migration of a member of a species of island birds to a large continent.
B. Migration of a pack of wolves to a nearby valley.
C. The introduction of a predator onto an island originally free from predators.
D. A seasonal move of large grazers that travel north in the summer and south in the winter.
E. The introduction of a new prey species onto an island originally free from this species.
Answer: C
59. A species realized niche is larger than its fundamental niche.

A. True
B. False
Answer: B
Short Answer/Essay Questions

60. Use specific species examples to explain how generalist species differ from specialist species. In your
explanation, make sure you emphasize the characteristics of the species.
Answer: For a total of 6 points (Note: The numbers can be changed to fit your assessment needs.)
6=
Provided an accurate example for specialist and generalist species; Accurately explained how generalists
differ from specialists; Accurately described the characteristics that make the species a specialist or
generalist; Communicated effectively with a well written analysis
4=
Provided an inaccurate example for specialist and generalist species; Accurately explained how generalists
differ from specialists; Accurately described the characteristics that make the species a specialist or
generalist; Communicated with a fairly well written analysis
2=
Provided an inaccurate example for specialist and generalist species; Inaccurately explained how
generalists differ from specialists; Accurately described the characteristics that make the species a specialist
or generalist; Communicated with a poorly written analysis
0=
Provided an inaccurate example for specialist and generalist species; Inaccurately explained how
generalists differ from specialists; Inaccurately described the characteristics that make the species a
specialist or generalist; Communicated with a very poorly written analysis
61. Consider the following statement: Primary succession and secondary succession are the same in that they both
end in the same community if all other conditions are the same. State whether you agree or disagree with the
statement and support your position using at least three specific examples.
15 =
Supported position with three or more accurate and appropriate examples; Communicated effectively with
a well written analysis
10 =
Supported position with at least two accurate and appropriate examples; Communicated with a fairly well
written analysis
5=
Supported position with one accurate and appropriate example; Communicated with a poorly written
analysis
0=
Supported position with no accurate and appropriate examples; Communicated with a very poorly written
analysis
62. Your roommate has a terrarium with plants, algae, snails, and a lizard. Which of the following terms best
describes the terrarium: community, population, environment, ecosystem, and habitat? Explain your reasoning.
10 =
Identified an appropriate term; Supported choice of term with accurate and appropriate explanation;
Communicated effectively with a well written analysis
5=
Identified an inappropriate term; Supported choice of term with accurate and appropriate explanation;
Communicated with a fairly well written analysis
0=
Identified an inappropriate term; Supported choice of term with inaccurate and inappropriate explanation;
Communicated with a poorly written analysis
63. Draw a graph that depicts the range of a species that cannot tolerate pH below 4 or above 8. The species does not
mate and exhibits other indicators of stress from pH 4 to 5 and from pH 7 to 8. Label the graph appropriately.
20 =
Used appropriate/accurate labels for both axes; Used appropriate/accurate scale for both axes; Used
appropriate/accurate labels for graph; Drew accurate graph
15 =
Used inappropriate/inaccurate labels for both axes; Used appropriate/accurate scale for both axes; Used
10 =
Used inappropriate/inaccurate labels for both axes; Used inappropriate/inaccurate scale for both axes; Used
5=
inappropriate/inaccurate labels for graph; Drew accurate graph
0=
inappropriate/inaccurate labels for graph; Drew inaccurate graph

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Chapt 4

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Chapter 4 Biological Communities and Species Interactions

1. Tolerance limits are _______ that limit a species survival.

5. Populations are most critically limited by

10. Evolution occurs as a result of

A. the discovery of a desirable characteristic in a population.

12. Natural selection will ultimately makes a species

15. In the process known as convergent evolution, environmental conditions lead

A. a species to adapt especially quickly.

16. Cheetahs can run extremely fast because

17. A generalist is a species that

18. Humans can best be described as

19. Most organisms niches are controlled by

20. Resource partitioning leads species to

B. migrate to other regions.

21. Resource partitioning tends to lead to a high degree of _______ in species.

23. Predation influences evolution when

24. A keystone species is a species whose presence

26. Intraspecific competition is competition among ________ for resources.

28. An especially effective strategy for reducing intraspecific competition is

29. Territoriality is an important form of _________ for many animal species.

A. different phases do not compete for food.

31. Symbiosis means

32. In a commensal relationship,

35. Epiphytes growing on tropical trees exemplify

36. Which of the following statements is true?

38. A biological communitys productivity is a measure of

41. As a rule, near the Earths north and south poles,

Relative Biomass Accumulation of

45. Complexity in an ecological community has to do with the number of

49. A closed community has a

52. Which of the following are pioneer species?

53. As ecological development proceeds, a biological community

54. A climax community is one that

56. An equilibrium community is one that

59. A species realized niche is larger than its fundamental niche.

Short Answer/Essay Questions

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