LECTURE 4-6 Flashcards by Nebat s

What is an ecosystem?
A) A group of the same species living together
B) A biological community interacting with its physical environment
C) A collection of abiotic factors only
D) A single species’ habitat

B) A biological community interacting with its physical environment

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What is an ecotone?
A) A type of landscape structure
B) A transitional zone between ecosystems
C) A measure of ecosystem productivity
D) A specific type of habitat

B) A transitional zone between ecosystems

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Which of the following is NOT a component of landscape structure?
A) The composition of different elements
B) The configuration of landscape elements
C) The exact number of species in an area
D) The juxtaposition of habitat fragments

C) The exact number of species in an area

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What does an ecological footprint measure?
A) The biodiversity of an ecosystem
B) The amount of land required to sustain a person’s resource use
C) The number of species in a particular biome
D) The total energy consumption of a country

B) The amount of land required to sustain a person’s resource use

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In an ecosystem, which of the following cycles involve gaseous exchanges?
A) Nitrogen and carbon-oxygen cycles
B) Sulfur and phosphorus cycles
C) Magnesium and calcium cycles
D) Potassium and phosphorus cycles

A) Nitrogen and carbon-oxygen cycles

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What is the process in which plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic material?
A) Respiration
B) Photosynthesis
C) Nitrification
D) Eutrophication

B) Photosynthesis

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What must a leaf do to avoid being shed by a plant?
A) Absorb more oxygen than carbon dioxide
B) Maintain an equal balance of respiration and photosynthesis
C) Produce more energy than it consumes (compensation point)
D) Release stored carbon into the atmosphere

C) Produce more energy than it consumes (compensation point)

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What is the primary cause of dead zones in bodies of water?
A) High biodiversity levels
B) Oxygen depletion from excessive nutrient runoff
C) Lack of solar energy for aquatic plants
D) Overpopulation of fish species

B) Oxygen depletion from excessive nutrient runoff

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Which of the following is NOT a level of biodiversity?
A) Ecosystem
B) Genetic
C) Population
D) Species

C) Population

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What is an ecological niche?
A) The physical place where an organism lives
B) The role a species plays within its community
C) The total number of organisms in a habitat
D) A transitional zone between ecosystems

B) The role a species plays within its community

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Which of the following best describes a closed system in an ecosystem?
A) Energy and matter freely enter and leave
B) Only energy is exchanged with the surroundings
C) Matter cycles within the system, but energy enters and exits
D) Both energy and matter are permanently contained within

C) Matter cycles within the system, but energy enters and exits

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What is the primary driver of energy flow in most ecosystems?
A) Wind patterns
B) Solar energy
C) Volcanic activity
D) Ocean currents

B) Solar energy

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What happens to most of the solar energy that reaches Earth?
A) It is absorbed by plants for photosynthesis
B) It is reflected back into space or converted into heat
C) It is stored directly in plant tissue as carbohydrates
D) It is absorbed by animals for metabolic functions

B) It is reflected back into space or converted into heat

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What happens during nitrogen fixation?
A) Nitrogen is directly absorbed from the air by plants
B) Bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants
C) Nitrogen is lost from the ecosystem entirely
D) Decomposers break down nitrogen compounds into nitrogen gas

B) Bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants

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What is eutrophication?
A) A natural increase in biodiversity over time
B) Excess nutrient accumulation in water leading to oxygen depletion
C) The conversion of nitrogen gas into ammonia
D) The process of nutrient cycling in forests

B) Excess nutrient accumulation in water leading to oxygen depletion

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Which process in the nitrogen cycle directly returns nitrogen to the atmosphere?
A) Nitrification
B) Denitrification
C) Nitrogen fixation
D) Photosynthesis

B) Denitrification

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Which of the following best describes net primary productivity?
A) The total solar energy absorbed by an ecosystem
B) The total energy stored in consumers
C) The chemical energy stored in plants after respiration losses
D) The amount of nitrogen available for plants

C) The chemical energy stored in plants after respiration losses

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Why are fragmented habitats a major concern for biodiversity?
A) They increase population sizes of all species
B) They reduce genetic diversity and limit species movement
C) They create stronger ecosystems by separating species
D) They lead to lower ecological footprints

B) They reduce genetic diversity and limit species movement

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How does human activity contribute to the carbon cycle?
A) It removes carbon from the atmosphere through urbanization
B) It releases carbon through activities like deforestation and burning fossil fuels
C) It decreases atmospheric carbon levels through agriculture
D) It has no significant effect on the cycle

B) It releases carbon through activities like deforestation and burning fossil fuels

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What is the biggest concern regarding current extinction rates?
A) Extinction rates have remained constant over time
B) Extinction rates are decreasing due to conservation efforts
C) Extinction rates are increasing and may be accelerating
D) New species are evolving at a faster rate than extinctions

C) Extinction rates are increasing and may be accelerating

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What is a biogeographic realm?
a) A region where a group of associated plant and animal species evolved
b) A large, stable aquatic ecosystem
c) A boundary zone between different ecosystems
d) A region with only one type of vegetation

a) A region where a group of associated plant and animal species evolved

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Which of the following is NOT a biogeographic realm?
a) Nearctic
b) Neotropical
c) Oceanic
d) Mediterranean

d) Mediterranean

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What is the primary characteristic used to define a biome?
a) The presence of invasive species
b) The predominant vegetation type and adaptations of organisms
c) The amount of rainfall in the region
d) The number of ecosystems within the biome

b) The predominant vegetation type and adaptations of organisms

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Which of the following is a subdivision of the forest group?
a) Desert
b) Tundra
c) Rainforest
d) Grassland

c) Rainforest

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What is an ecotone? a) A region where only one species lives b) A boundary zone between different ecosystems c) A type of invasive species d) A region with no biodiversity

b) A boundary zone between different ecosystems

Which of the following is true about Canada’s boreal forest? a) It has the highest rainfall of any biome b) It is the world's largest land-based biome c) It is characterized by deep, fertile soil d) It has the highest biodiversity of any biome

b) It is the world's largest land-based biome

What is a characteristic of grassland biomes? a) They are dominated by trees b) They have deep, fertile soil that supports forests c) They are regions where precipitation supports grasses but not large forests d) They are found only in tropical regions

c) They are regions where precipitation supports grasses but not large forests

Which of the following is an example of an anthropogenic biome? a) Boreal forest b) Coastal temperate rainforest c) Rangelands d) Tundra

c) Rangelands

What is an invasive species? a) A species that is native to a biome b) A species that causes environmental or economic harm when introduced to a new biome c) A species that is always beneficial to the ecosystem d) A species that only lives in aquatic environments

b) A species that causes environmental or economic harm when introduced to a new biome

Which of the following is an example of an invasive species? a) Purple Loosestrife b) Zebra mussels c) Asian carp d) All of the above

d) All of the above

What is the primary factor that determines the type of vegetation in a grassland biome? a) Latitude b) Soil type c) Local climate d) All of the above

d) All of the above

Which of the following is a characteristic of the boreal forest? a) High rainfall b) Shallow acidic soil c) High biodiversity d) Deep fertile soil

b) Shallow acidic soil

What is the primary reason grasses can survive fires in grassland biomes? a) They grow from the top b) They grow from the bottom c) They have deep roots d) They are fire-resistant

b) They grow from the bottom

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the coastal temperate rainforest? a) High biomass b) Low rainfall c) Old growth forests d) Globally significant ecosystem

b) Low rainfall

What is the primary cause of the reduction in tall-grass prairie in Manitoba? a) Climate change b) Urbanization c) Agricultural transformation d) Invasive species

c) Agricultural transformation

Which of the following is an example of an anthropogenic biome? a) Boreal forest b) Coastal temperate rainforest c) Urban areas d) Tundra

c) Urban areas

What is the primary impact of invasive species like purple loosestrife on wetlands? a) Increased biodiversity b) Creation of monocultures c) Improved water flow d) Enhanced habitat diversity

b) Creation of monocultures

Which of the following is a characteristic of zebra mussels? a) They are native to North America b) They improve water quality c) They outcompete native species d) They are beneficial to ecosystems

c) They outcompete native species

What is the primary method of controlling invasive species like Asian carp? a) Introducing more invasive species b) Physical barriers and fishing programs c) Increasing water pollution d) Ignoring the problem

b) Physical barriers and fishing programs

What is the primary impact of the Asian long-horned beetle on trees? a) It improves tree growth b) It disrupts water and nutrient transport c) It increases biodiversity d) It enhances tree health

b) It disrupts water and nutrient transport

What is the primary source of energy for most life processes on Earth? a) Geothermal energy b) Solar energy c) Wind energy d) Nuclear energy

b) Solar energy

What is the solar cycle? a) The periodic variation in the sun’s activity and appearance over time b) The process of nuclear fusion in the sun c) The movement of the sun around the Earth d) The time it takes for the sun to emit solar flares

a) The periodic variation in the sun’s activity and appearance over time

What is the solar wind? a) The movement of air on Earth caused by the sun b) Clouds of electrically charged particles emitted by the sun c) The process of photosynthesis in plants d) The reflection of sunlight off the moon

b) Clouds of electrically charged particles emitted by the sun

What is the primary function of Earth’s magnetosphere? a) To absorb solar radiation b) To deflect the solar wind toward the poles c) To create auroras d) To generate geothermal energy

b) To deflect the solar wind toward the poles

What is the thermopause? a) The outer boundary of Earth’s energy system b) The layer of the atmosphere closest to Earth c) The point where solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth d) The region where auroras occur

a) The outer boundary of Earth’s energy system

What is insolation? a) The solar radiation intercepted by Earth b) The reflection of sunlight off the moon c) The process of photosynthesis in plants d) The movement of air caused by solar heating

a) The solar radiation intercepted by Earth

What is the subsolar point? a) The point on Earth’s surface where insolation arrives perpendicular to the surface b) The point where the sun is farthest from Earth c) The point where solar radiation is reflected back into space d) The point where the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere

a) The point on Earth’s surface where insolation arrives perpendicular to the surface

What is the primary cause of seasonal variations on Earth? a) Changes in Earth’s distance from the sun b) Changes in the sun’s altitude and declination c) Changes in Earth’s magnetic field d) Changes in the solar wind

b) Changes in the sun’s altitude and declination

What is the difference between a solstice and an equinox? a) A solstice occurs when the sun is directly over the equator, while an equinox occurs when the sun is over the tropics b) A solstice occurs when the sun is over the tropics, while an equinox occurs when the sun is directly over the equator c) A solstice is when the sun is closest to Earth, while an equinox is when the sun is farthest from Earth d) A solstice is when the sun emits the most solar flares, while an equinox is when the sun emits the least

b) A solstice occurs when the sun is over the tropics, while an equinox occurs when the sun is directly over the equator

What is the composition of the modern atmosphere? a) Mostly hydrogen and helium b) Mostly oxygen and nitrogen c) Mostly carbon dioxide and methane d) Mostly water vapor and ozone

b) Mostly oxygen and nitrogen

What is the primary cause of solar flares? a) Earth’s magnetic field b) Magnetic storms on the sun’s surface c) Solar wind d) Earth’s rotation

b) Magnetic storms on the sun’s surface

What is the primary effect of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on Earth? a) They cause earthquakes b) They create auroras c) They increase solar radiation d) They decrease Earth’s temperature

b) They create auroras

What is the primary function of the ozone layer in the atmosphere? a) To absorb UV radiation b) To reflect solar radiation c) To generate solar wind d) To create auroras

a) To absorb UV radiation

What is the primary cause of the uneven distribution of insolation on Earth? a) Earth’s rotation b) Earth’s magnetic field c) The tilt of Earth’s axis d) The solar wind

c) The tilt of Earth’s axis

What is the primary effect of the Earth’s magnetic field on solar wind? a) It absorbs solar wind b) It deflects solar wind toward the poles c) It increases solar wind speed d) It reflects solar wind back into space

b) It deflects solar wind toward the poles

What is the primary cause of the seasons on Earth? a) Earth’s distance from the sun b) The tilt of Earth’s axis c) Earth’s rotation d) The solar cycle

b) The tilt of Earth’s axis

What is the primary effect of the thermopause on Earth’s energy system? a) It absorbs solar radiation b) It reflects solar radiation c) It marks the outer boundary of Earth’s energy system d) It generates solar wind

c) It marks the outer boundary of Earth’s energy system

What is the primary effect of the sun’s declination on Earth? a) It causes changes in Earth’s magnetic field b) It causes changes in the length of day and night c) It causes changes in Earth’s rotation d) It causes changes in Earth’s distance from the sun

b) It causes changes in the length of day and night

What is the primary effect of the solar constant on Earth? a) It determines Earth’s temperature b) It determines the amount of solar radiation intercepted by Earth c) It determines Earth’s rotation speed d) It determines Earth’s magnetic field strength

b) It determines the amount of solar radiation intercepted by Earth

What is the primary effect of the Earth’s atmosphere on solar radiation? a) It absorbs all solar radiation b) It reflects all solar radiation c) It scatters and absorbs some solar radiation d) It generates solar wind

c) It scatters and absorbs some solar radiation

What is Earth’s energy balance? a) The balance between solar radiation inputs and outputs of the Earth b) The balance between geothermal energy and solar energy c) The balance between wind energy and solar energy d) The balance between nuclear energy and solar energy

a) The balance between solar radiation inputs and outputs of the Earth

What is the difference between sensible heat and latent heat? a) Sensible heat can be sensed as temperature, while latent heat is the energy gained or lost during a phase change b) Sensible heat is the energy gained or lost during a phase change, while latent heat can be sensed as temperature c) Sensible heat is the energy of motion, while latent heat is the energy of radiation d) Sensible heat is the energy of radiation, while latent heat is the energy of motion

a) Sensible heat can be sensed as temperature, while latent heat is the energy gained or lost during a phase change

What is conduction? a) The transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves b) The transfer of heat by physical mixing or circulation c) The molecule-to-molecule transfer of heat energy d) The transfer of heat through the movement of air

c) The molecule-to-molecule transfer of heat energy

What is convection? a) The transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves b) The transfer of heat by physical mixing or circulation c) The molecule-to-molecule transfer of heat energy d) The transfer of heat through the movement of air

b) The transfer of heat by physical mixing or circulation

What is scattering? a) The reflection of solar radiation back into space b) The bending of solar radiation as it passes through different mediums c) The absorption of solar radiation by atmospheric gases d) The redirection of solar radiation by atmospheric gases, dust, and water vapor

d) The redirection of solar radiation by atmospheric gases, dust, and water vapor

What is albedo? a) The absorption of solar radiation by the Earth’s surface b) The reflective quality of a surface, measured as the percentage of insolation reflected c) The bending of solar radiation as it passes through different mediums d) The scattering of solar radiation by atmospheric gases

b) The reflective quality of a surface, measured as the percentage of insolation reflected

What is the greenhouse effect? a) The process by which solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth’s surface b) The process by which longwave radiation is delayed in the atmosphere, increasing Earth’s temperature c) The process by which solar radiation is reflected back into space d) The process by which solar radiation is scattered by atmospheric gases

b) The process by which longwave radiation is delayed in the atmosphere, increasing Earth’s temperature

What is the urban heat island effect? a) The cooling of urban areas due to increased vegetation b) The warming of urban areas due to human activities and infrastructure c) The cooling of urban areas due to increased cloud cover d) The warming of urban areas due to increased solar radiation

b) The warming of urban areas due to human activities and infrastructure

What is global dimming? a) The increase in solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface b) The decrease in solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface due to pollution c) The increase in solar radiation reflected back into space d) The decrease in solar radiation absorbed by the Earth’s surface

b) The decrease in solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface due to pollution

What is the primary function of clouds in the atmosphere? a) To absorb all solar radiation b) To reflect all solar radiation back into space c) To both cool and warm the Earth depending on cloud type and coverage d) To increase the greenhouse effect

c) To both cool and warm the Earth depending on cloud type and coverage

What is the primary effect of conduction on heat transfer? a) It transfers heat through electromagnetic waves b) It transfers heat through the movement of air c) It transfers heat through molecule-to-molecule contact d) It transfers heat through radiation

c) It transfers heat through molecule-to-molecule contact

What is the primary effect of convection on heat transfer? a) It transfers heat through electromagnetic waves b) It transfers heat through the movement of air or water c) It transfers heat through molecule-to-molecule contact d) It transfers heat through radiation

b) It transfers heat through the movement of air or water

What is the primary effect of scattering on solar radiation? a) It absorbs solar radiation b) It reflects solar radiation back into space c) It redirects solar radiation without changing its wavelength d) It converts solar radiation into heat

c) It redirects solar radiation without changing its wavelength

What is the primary effect of albedo on Earth’s temperature? a) It increases Earth’s temperature b) It decreases Earth’s temperature c) It has no effect on Earth’s temperature d) It reflects solar radiation back into space

d) It reflects solar radiation back into space

What is the primary effect of the greenhouse effect on Earth’s temperature? a) It decreases Earth’s temperature b) It increases Earth’s temperature c) It has no effect on Earth’s temperature d) It reflects solar radiation back into space

b) It increases Earth’s temperature

What is the primary effect of the urban heat island effect on cities? a) It decreases temperatures in urban areas b) It increases temperatures in urban areas c) It has no effect on temperatures in urban areas d) It increases cloud cover in urban areas

b) It increases temperatures in urban areas

What is the primary effect of global dimming on Earth’s climate? a) It increases solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface b) It decreases solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface c) It increases Earth’s temperature d) It decreases Earth’s temperature

b) It decreases solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface

What is the primary effect of clouds on Earth’s temperature? a) They only cool the Earth b) They only warm the Earth c) They can both cool and warm the Earth d) They have no effect on Earth’s temperature

c) They can both cool and warm the Earth

What is the primary effect of aerosols on Earth’s atmosphere? a) They increase solar radiation b) They decrease solar radiation c) They increase Earth’s temperature d) They decrease Earth’s temperature

b) They decrease solar radiation

What is the primary effect of the ozone layer on UV radiation? a) It absorbs UV radiation b) It reflects UV radiation c) It generates UV radiation d) It scatters UV radiation

a) It absorbs UV radiation

What is temperature a measure of? a) The amount of solar radiation absorbed by the Earth b) The average kinetic energy of individual molecules in matter c) The amount of heat reflected by the Earth’s surface d) The amount of heat lost to space

b) The average kinetic energy of individual molecules in matter

What is the normal lapse rate in the troposphere? a) The rate at which temperature increases with altitude b) The rate at which temperature decreases with altitude c) The rate at which temperature remains constant with altitude d) The rate at which temperature fluctuates with altitude

b) The rate at which temperature decreases with altitude

What is the primary difference between land and water in terms of temperature? a) Land heats and cools faster than water b) Water heats and cools faster than land c) Land and water heat and cool at the same rate d) Water heats faster but cools slower than land

a) Land heats and cools faster than water

What is the effect of cloud cover on temperature? a) It raises both daytime and nighttime temperatures b) It lowers both daytime and nighttime temperatures c) It raises nighttime temperatures and lowers daytime temperatures d) It lowers nighttime temperatures and raises daytime temperatures

c) It raises nighttime temperatures and lowers daytime temperatures

What is the difference between a marine climate and a continental climate? a) A marine climate has more extreme temperatures, while a continental climate has more moderate temperatures b) A marine climate has more moderate temperatures, while a continental climate has more extreme temperatures c) A marine climate is colder, while a continental climate is warmer d) A marine climate is warmer, while a continental climate is colder

b) A marine climate has more moderate temperatures, while a continental climate has more extreme temperatures

What is a temperature anomaly? a) The absolute temperature reading at a specific location b) The difference between the observed temperature and the long-term average temperature c) The average temperature over a specific period d) The temperature at the equator

b) The difference between the observed temperature and the long-term average temperature

What is a heat wave? a) A prolonged period of abnormally low temperatures b) A prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures c) A sudden drop in temperature d) A sudden increase in temperature

b) A prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures

What is the humidex? a) A measure of wind chill b) A measure of the impact of high humidity on human comfort c) A measure of solar radiation d) A measure of cloud cover

b) A measure of the impact of high humidity on human comfort

What is dry heat? a) Heat with high humidity b) Heat with low humidity c) Heat with high wind speeds d) Heat with low wind speeds

b) Heat with low humidity

What is wind chill? a) The actual temperature of the air b) The apparent temperature felt on the skin due to wind c) The temperature of the ocean d) The temperature of the land surface

b) The apparent temperature felt on the skin due to wind

What is the primary effect of altitude on temperature? a) Temperature increases with altitude b) Temperature decreases with altitude c) Temperature remains constant with altitude d) Temperature fluctuates with altitude

b) Temperature decreases with altitude

What is the primary effect of ocean currents on coastal temperatures? a) They increase temperature fluctuations b) They moderate coastal temperatures c) They decrease coastal temperatures d) They have no effect on coastal temperatures

b) They moderate coastal temperatures

What is the primary effect of specific heat on water temperatures? a) Water heats and cools faster than land b) Water heats and cools slower than land c) Water and land heat and cool at the same rate d) Water heats faster but cools slower than land

b) Water heats and cools slower than land

What is the primary effect of latitude on temperature? a) Temperatures are highest at the poles b) Temperatures are highest at the equator c) Temperatures are the same at all latitudes d) Temperatures are lowest at the equator

b) Temperatures are highest at the equator

What is the primary effect of cloud cover on nighttime temperatures? a) It lowers nighttime temperatures b) It raises nighttime temperatures c) It has no effect on nighttime temperatures d) It increases solar radiation at night

b) It raises nighttime temperatures

What is the primary effect of land-water temperature differences on climate? a) Land heats and cools faster than water, creating more extreme climates b) Water heats and cools faster than land, creating more extreme climates c) Land and water heat and cool at the same rate, creating moderate climates d) Land and water have no effect on climate

a) Land heats and cools faster than water, creating more extreme climates

What is the primary effect of temperature anomalies on climate studies? a) They measure absolute temperature b) They measure changes in temperature over time c) They measure solar radiation d) They measure wind speed

b) They measure changes in temperature over time

What is the primary effect of heat waves on human health? a) They decrease the risk of heat-related illnesses b) They increase the risk of heat-related illnesses c) They have no effect on human health d) They decrease humidity levels

b) They increase the risk of heat-related illnesses

What is the primary effect of the humidex on human comfort? a) It measures wind chill b) It measures the impact of high humidity on comfort c) It measures solar radiation d) It measures cloud cover

b) It measures the impact of high humidity on comfort

What is the primary effect of wind chill on apparent temperature? a) It increases the apparent temperature b) It decreases the apparent temperature c) It has no effect on apparent temperature d) It increases humidity levels

b) It decreases the apparent temperature

LECTURE 4-6 Flashcards

(100 cards)