Ecology Learning Quizzes for Sixth Form College Biology Year 12

Question 1

Which of the following is not a form of genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Pilus formation

Answer

Point mutation

Answer

Transposable element insertion

Answer

Polyploidy

Question 2

Which process can directly create new genetic material in a population?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic recombination

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 3

Which of the following factors does NOT directly impact the pace of evolution in a population?

Accepted Answer

Migration

Answer

Population size

Answer

Mutation rate

Answer

Natural selection pressure

Question 4

Which factor does NOT contribute to the evolution of a population in nature?

Accepted Answer

Domestication

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 5

Which statement accurately describes a key difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces two diploid daughter cells, while meiosis produces four haploid daughter cells.

Accepted Answer

Mitosis occurs in somatic cells, while meiosis occurs in gametes.

Answer

Both mitosis and meiosis occur continuously throughout an organism's life.

Answer

Mitosis results in genetically diverse daughter cells, while meiosis results in genetically identical daughter cells.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a role of meiosis in sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Repairing damaged DNA

Answer

Producing gametes with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cells

Answer

Introducing genetic variation through independent assortment and crossing over

Answer

Ensuring the correct number of chromosomes in offspring

Question 7

Genetic variation within a population can have various positive outcomes. However, which of the following is a potential negative consequence of genetic variation within a population?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of developing certain genetic diseases

Answer

Enhanced adaptability through natural selection

Answer

Greater reproductive success due to increased genetic diversity

Answer

Reduced competition within a population

Question 8

Which of the following does NOT increase genetic diversity within a population?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutations

Answer

Recombination

Answer

Gene flow

Question 9

Which of the following is not a stage of meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Cytokinesis

Answer

Prophase I

Answer

Metaphase I

Answer

Anaphase I

Question 10

Which stage of meiosis produces four haploid cells?

Accepted Answer

Telophase II

Answer

Prophase I

Answer

Metaphase I

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of DNA as the genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Controlling cell division

Answer

Storing and transmitting genetic information

Answer

Directing protein synthesis

Answer

Regulating gene expression

Question 12

Which enzyme is responsible for breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

DNA helicase

Answer

DNA polymerase

Answer

DNA ligase

Answer

RNA primase

Question 13

Which of these processes DOES NOT lead to the formation of new species?

Accepted Answer

Hybridization between distinct species

Answer

Geographic isolation (Allopatric speciation)

Answer

Ecological differences within the same area (Sympatric speciation)

Answer

Rapid diversification into specialized forms (Adaptive radiation)

Question 14

In the context of genetic engineering, which ethical principle should hold the utmost importance when determining whether to modify organisms?

Accepted Answer

Weighing potential benefits and risks, considering ethical implications and the well-being of modified organisms

Answer

Prioritizing financial gains and commercial viability of genetically modified organisms

Answer

Maintaining absolute opposition to genetic engineering due to inherent risks and ethical concerns

Answer

Allowing unrestricted use of genetic engineering to maximize its potential benefits

Question 15

Which of the following is the key mechanism driving evolution, according to the theory of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with favorable traits have a higher chance of surviving and reproducing

Answer

Mutations occur randomly within a population

Answer

Individuals move between different populations

Question 16

Which statement best describes the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Allele and genotype frequencies remain constant in a population that is not evolving.

Answer

Only occurs in large populations with specific traits.

Answer

Leads to the formation of new species.

Answer

Applies only to asexual organisms.

Question 17

Genetic drift, a random process, can cause variations in allele frequencies within small populations. What is the main reason for genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

Random selection of alleles during gamete formation

Answer

Favourable selection of specific alleles within the population

Answer

High rate of gene mutations within the population

Answer

Movement of individuals into and out of the population

Question 18

During meiosis, crossing-over contributes to genetic variation in gametes by:

Accepted Answer

Creating new combinations of alleles

Answer

Reducing the size of each chromosome by half

Answer

Duplicating the genes on each chromosome

Question 19

Question:

How does genetic recombination, a process that occurs during meiosis, contribute to the increased genetic diversity of offspring?

Accepted Answer

Genetic recombination involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, creating new combinations of alleles.

Answer

Genetic recombination occurs during mitosis and is responsible for separating sister chromatids.

Answer

Genetic recombination is essential for producing genetically identical haploid gametes.

Answer

Genetic recombination primarily affects the phenotype of an organism, not its genotype.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a key concept exclusively studied in population ecology?

Accepted Answer

Energy flow at ecosystem level

Answer

Population size and density

Answer

Carrying capacity

Answer

Species richness

Question 21

What is the term for the relationship between two species where one benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped, such as the relationship between a remora fish and a shark?

Accepted Answer

Commensalism

Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Parasitism

Answer

Predation

Question 22

Which of the following characteristics is typical of a climax ecological community?

Accepted Answer

High biodiversity and stability

Answer

Rapid species turnover

Answer

Early successional stage

Answer

Pioneer species dominance

Question 23

What is the ecological function of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Breaking down dead organic matter and releasing nutrients

Answer

Producing new organic matter through photosynthesis

Answer

Consuming primary producers

Answer

Competing with secondary consumers

Question 24

What is the primary distinction between primary and secondary ecological succession?

Accepted Answer

Primary succession begins on bare rock or newly exposed surfaces, while secondary succession occurs in areas of established vegetation or previously disturbed land.

Answer

Primary succession is faster than secondary succession.

Answer

Secondary succession requires more soil nutrients than primary succession.

Answer

Primary succession is only possible in tropical regions.

Question 25

What is a main advantage of using quadrat sampling in ecological field studies?

Accepted Answer

It provides a quantitative estimate of species abundance and distribution within a defined area.

Answer

It is time-consuming and requires expensive equipment.

Answer

It is only suitable for small-scale studies.

Answer

It can be used effectively in all types of habitats, regardless of vegetation density or terrain.

Question 26

What is the mathematical formula used to calculate the Shannon-Wiener diversity index?

Accepted Answer

H' = -∑(pi * ln(pi))

Answer

H' = (S * N) / 100

Answer

H' = (N * S) / 100

Answer

H' = ∑(pi * ln(pi))

Question 27

What is the primary purpose and legal basis of the Endangered Species Act in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

To protect endangered species, their habitats, and genetic diversity

Answer

To regulate the release of genetically modified organisms.

Answer

To control the spread of invasive species.

Answer

To promote sustainable agriculture practices.

Question 28

What ecological term refers to the maximum population size that an environment can sustain?

Accepted Answer

Carrying capacity

Answer

Population growth rate

Answer

Immigration rate

Answer

Environmental resistance

Question 29

What ecological term describes the diverse roles and ecological niches that species fulfill within a community?

Accepted Answer

Community structure

Answer

Biotic pyramid

Answer

Ecological succession

Answer

Species richness

Question 30

In most ecosystems, what is the primary source of energy?

Accepted Answer

Solar energy

Answer

Geothermal energy

Answer

Chemical energy

Answer

Tidal energy

Question 31

What field of study focuses on preserving and restoring ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Conservation biology

Answer

Environmental science

Answer

Ecological monitoring

Answer

Wildlife management

Question 32

Describe the key stages of ecological succession, explaining how pioneer species pave the way for the establishment of later successional species.

Accepted Answer

Pioneer species prepare the ground for later species by enriching the soil and providing shelter.

Answer

Pioneer species hinder the growth of later species by outcompeting them.

Answer

Later species outnumber pioneer species due to higher birth rates.

Answer

Ecological succession is a random process with no predictable pattern of species establishment.

Question 33

What is the term for the complex network of interactions between different species in a community?

Accepted Answer

Community

Answer

Ecosystem

Answer

Habitat

Answer

Trophic structure

Question 34

In an ecosystem, which of the following is the role of decomposers?

Accepted Answer

To break down organic matter and recycle nutrients.

Answer

To produce food for other organisms.

Answer

To regulate the Earth's atmosphere.

Answer

To provide habitat for animals.

Question 35

How is a population distinct from a community?

Accepted Answer

A population comprises individuals of the same species inhabiting an area, while a community encompasses all species within that area.

Answer

A population comprises all species within an area, while a community encompasses individuals of the same species inhabiting that area.

Answer

There is no distinction between a population and a community.

Answer

A population represents organisms of the same species that interact, while a community includes organisms of different species that interact.

Question 36

Which type of relationship involves mutual benefit between species?

Accepted Answer

Ants and acacia trees

Answer

Predator-prey

Answer

Parasite-host

Answer

Competition between two species

Question 37

What is the term for a group of organisms of the same species that live together in a defined area?

Accepted Answer

Population

Answer

Community

Answer

Ecosystem

Answer

Biome

Question 38

What is the unique role of keystone species in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They have a disproportionately large impact on the ecosystem relative to their abundance.

Answer

They are the most abundant species in the ecosystem.

Answer

They are at the bottom of the food chain.

Answer

They are at the top of the food chain.

Question 39

Which of the following gases does NOT contribute to the greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Answer

Carbon dioxide

Answer

Methane

Answer

Nitrous oxide

Question 40

What process transforms deceased organisms and waste materials into nutrients that can be utilized by living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Combustion

Question 41

What is the primary source of energy that sustains most ecosystems on Earth?

Accepted Answer

The sun

Answer

Fossil fuels

Answer

Chemical energy

Answer

Electrical energy

Question 42

What is the primary purpose of a food chain in ecology?

Accepted Answer

To illustrate the transfer of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem.

Answer

To depict the complex interactions between different species.

Answer

To forecast the abundance of specific species.

Answer

To identify the keystone species in an ecosystem.

Question 43

What is the term for the maximum population size that a given environment can support indefinitely?

Accepted Answer

Carrying capacity

Answer

Population density

Answer

Exponential growth rate

Answer

Environmental resistance

Question 44

Which of the following is an example of a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

A species that plays a disproportionately large role in maintaining ecosystem balance

Answer

A species that is numerically dominant in the community

Answer

A species that is at the top of the food chain

Answer

A species that is highly specialized in its habitat

Question 45

What is the graphical representation of the age structure of a population called?

Accepted Answer

Population pyramid

Answer

Survivorship curve

Answer

Dispersion pattern

Answer

Logistic growth curve

Question 46

What is the primary factor that influences the primary productivity of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Light intensity

Answer

Temperature

Answer

Water availability

Answer

Soil mineral content

Question 47

Which type of symbiosis involves both species benefiting from the interaction?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Predation

Answer

Parasitism

Answer

Competition

Question 48

What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Breaking down dead organisms and recycling nutrients

Answer

Producing food for other organisms

Answer

Consuming living organisms

Answer

Regulating the population size of other species

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a major concept studied in population ecology?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Population size regulation

Answer

Interspecific interactions

Answer

Population growth dynamics

Question 50

In a stable community, the rate of immigration is likely to be:

Accepted Answer

Equal to the rate of emigration

Answer

Greater than the rate of emigration

Answer

Less than the rate of emigration

Question 51

Which of the following is a key factor determining the primary productivity of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Sunlight availability

Answer

Temperature fluctuations

Answer

Herbivore abundance

Question 52

The process by which organic matter is broken down into simpler compounds is known as:

Accepted Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Transpiration

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Nitrogen fixation

Question 53

Which of the following is A consequence of human activities on ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction

Answer

Enhanced nutrient cycling

Answer

Improved air quality

Answer

Increased genetic diversity

Question 54

The term 'symbiosis' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Close and long-term interactions between different species

Answer

The study of how organisms interact with their physical environment

Answer

Competition for resources among individuals of the same species

Question 55

Which of the following sampling methods is most likely to produce a biased sample?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Question 56

The concept of a 'niche' in ecology refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Specific role and requirements of a species within an ecosystem

Answer

Number of individuals of a species in a population

Answer

Physical space occupied by a species

Question 57

The concept of 'carrying capacity' in ecology refers to:

Accepted Answer

The maximum population size that can be sustained by an environment

Answer

The rate of population growth

Answer

The average population size over time

Question 58

In a community, species that occupy the same niche compete:

Accepted Answer

For the same resources

Answer

And never interact

Answer

And always cooperate

Question 59

Which of the following is NOT a primary producer in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Spider

Answer

Mushrooms

Answer

Plants

Answer

Algae

Question 60

The carrying capacity of an environment refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Maximum population size that can be supported indefinitely

Answer

Rate at which the population is growing

Answer

Average population size over time

Answer

Minimum population size that can be supported

Question 61

Which of the following is NOT an example of interspecific competition?

Accepted Answer

A plant and a fungus forming a symbiotic relationship

Answer

A predator and its prey

Answer

Two species of birds competing for nesting sites

Answer

Two members of the same species competing for a mate

Question 62

The process by which nutrients are recycled within an ecosystem is known as:

Accepted Answer

Nutrient cycling

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Primary production

Question 63

The process by which organisms adapt to their environment over generations is known as:

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Question 64

The main threat to biodiversity is:

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Pollution

Answer

Overpopulation