Ecology Practice Quiz

*1. After a volcanic eruption has covered an area with lava, which of the following is the most likely order of succession in the repopulation of the area?
lichens → grasses → shrubs → trees
mosses → grasses → lichens → trees
C grasses → trees → mosses → lichens
shrubs → grasses → trees → lichens

*2. Scientists found that, over a period of 200 years, a mountain pond was transformed into a meadow. During that time, several communities of organisms were replaced by different communities. Which of these best explains why new communities were able to replace older communities?
The original species became extinct.
Species in the older community died from old age.
The abiotic characteristics of the habitat changed.
Diseases that killed the older organisms disappeared.

*3. Rabbits introduced into Australia over 100 years ago have become a serious pest to farmers. Rabbit populations increased so much that they displaced many native species of plant eaters. What is the most logical explanation for their increased numbers?
Rabbits have a high death rate.
There are few effective predators.
Additional rabbit species have been introduced.
There is an increase in rabbit competitors.

*4. Scientists found that, over a period of 200 years, a mountain pond was transformed into a meadow. During that time, several communities of organisms were replaced by different communities. Which of these best explains why new communities were able to replace older communities?
The original species became extinct.
Species in the older community died from old age.
The abiotic characteristics of the habitat changed.
Diseases that killed the older organisms disappeared.

*5. Rabbits introduced into Australia over 100 years ago have become a serious pest to farmers. Rabbit populations increased so much that they displaced many native species of plant eaters. What is the most logical explanation for their increased numbers?
Rabbits have a high death rate.
There are few effective predators.
Additional rabbit species have been introduced.
There is an increase in rabbit competitors.

*6. Complete burning of plant material returns carbon primarily to the
herbivores.
water.
vegetation.
atmosphere.

*7. Which of these organisms would most likely be found at the top of an energy pyramid?
clams
sardines
sharks
kelp

*8. Which of these best illustrates natural selection?
An organism with favorable genetic variations will tend to survive and breed successfully.
A population monopolizes all of the resources in its habitat, forcing other species to migrate.
A community whose members work together utilizes all existing resources and migratory routes.
The largest organisms in a species receive the only breeding opportunities.

Score =
Correct answers:

*taken from 2003, 2004, 2005 CDE Released Test Questions-http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/css05rtq.asp

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