Ecology
What process do plants use to convert solar energy into chemical energy?
Respiration
Digestion
Fermentation
Photosynthesis
In an aquatic ecosystem with declining fish populations, which change would most likely indicate a disruption caused by excessive nutrient pollution?
An increase in algal bloom frequency.
An increase in dissolved oxygen levels at night.
A decrease in aquatic insect emergence cycles.
A decrease in water temperature variation.
How might an increase in ocean temperature most likely affect coral reef ecosystems over time?
Migration of coral polyps toward cooler waters, expanding reef habitats.
Disruption of symbiotic relationships leading to widespread coral bleaching.
Stabilization of reef ecosystems due to reduced pathogenic infections in warmer water.
Increased photosynthesis rates enhancing overall coral growth and health.
If a non-native species that efficiently preys on native herbivores is introduced to an ecosystem, how might this impact the plant communities in the long term?
No significant change due to rapid adaptation of native herbivores.
Increased herbivory causing a decline in all plant populations.
Decreased herbivory leading to certain plant species becoming locally dominant.
Enhanced plant diversity as plants evolve defenses against new predators.
Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor that can cause a disruption to an ecosystem?
A sudden temperature change
A decrease in prey population
An increase in predator population
An introduction of a new plant species
Which genetic concept is most directly related to the variations among individuals in a population that can affect how they respond to changes in the environment?
Genetic drift
Genetic linkage
Gene flow
Genetic diversity
If a non-native plant species with a faster growth rate than native species is introduced into an ecosystem, how might it most likely affect the biodiversity of that ecosystem?
It may reduce biodiversity by outcompeting native plants for resources.
It could increase genetic diversity through hybridization with native species.
It might have no significant impact since ecosystems are resilient to changes.
The non-native plant could become a food source, increasing animal biodiversity.

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How does genetic variation within a population influence resilience against environmental changes?
High genetic variation increases the likelihood that some individuals will have adaptive traits.
High genetic variation reduces cohesion and interbreeding, weakening resilience against environmental changes.
Low genetic variation enhances uniformity, making populations less susceptible to diseases.
Low genetic variation stimulates rapid evolutionary responses due to increased mutational rates.
What is an adaptation in the context of evolution?
A random mutation attributed to environmental pressures
An intentional change in behavior due to competition
A heritable genetic variation that increases an organism's fitness
The process of a species moving into a new ecological niche
When interpreting molecular data, what might suggest that gene flow has occurred between two populations?
An increase in unique mutations exclusive to each separate population group.
Similarities in allele frequencies across different populations' gene pools.
Differences in phenotypic traits observed among individuals within one population.
A decrease in heterozygosity within each population over time.