The model below shows the distribution of two different species of barnacles, Chthamalus and Semibalanus, that both live in coastal tidal zones.
Which of the following is best exemplified by the diagram?
Speciation
Resource partitioning
Mutualism
Carrying capacity
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Which of the following best explains the pattern of distribution of Chthamalus and Semibalanus?
Different species use the same resources at the same time, leading to direct competition.
One species completely outcompetes another, driving it to extinction.
Species evolve to use different parts of a resource or use the same resource at different times to reduce competition.
Predators control the population size of competing species, allowing them to coexist.
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Which of the following describes how the distribution of Chthamalus and Semibalanus barnacles likely be affected by a rise in sea level?
Chthamalus will move to lower tidal zones, and Semibalanus will be forced to deeper waters where they cannot survive.
Semibalanus will expand into higher tidal zones, potentially outcompeting Chthamalus, which may see a reduction in habitat.
Both species will remain in their current zones, as barnacle distribution is not influenced by sea level changes.
Chthamalus will outcompete Semibalanus in all tidal zones, leading to the extinction of Semibalanus.
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Which of the following best describes a symbiotic relationship?
A hawk preying on a rabbit for food.
A lion competing with hyenas for food resources.
A pack of wolves hunting together to catch prey.
A bee pollinating a flower while feeding on its nectar.
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A study observed a decline in sea otter populations in the Aleutian Islands, coinciding with an increase in orca predation. Researchers recorded the following data on sea otter populations and orca sightings over a 10-year period.
Year | Sea Otter Population | Orca Sightings |
|---|---|---|
2000 | 15,000 | 5 |
2002 | 12,000 | 8 |
2004 | 8,500 | 12 |
2006 | 5,200 | 15 |
2008 | 2,900 | 18 |
2010 | 1,200 | 22 |
Based on the data, which of the following best explains the predator-prey relationship between orcas and sea otters?
As the orca population increases, the sea otter population also increases due to better ecosystem balance.
The increase in orca sightings correlates with a decline in sea otter populations, suggesting predation is a major factor in the sea otter decline.
The decline in sea otter populations is likely due to disease, and orca sightings are unrelated to their decrease.
Sea otter populations fluctuate naturally, and the orca presence has no impact on their numbers.
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Which of the following is an example of morphological partitioning?
Nocturnal and diurnal animals hunting at separate times
Plants with shallow and deep root systems accessing different soil layers
Lions and hyenas competing for the same prey during the day
Birds with different beak shapes feeding on various parts of the same plant
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Which of the following is an example of a mutualistic symbiotic interaction?
Bees pollinate flowers by transferring pollen
A lion hunts and eats a gazelle
Fleas feed on a dog’s blood for nourishment
Barnacles attach to whales, providing them with a habitat
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Study the table below and answer the question: Which of the following best describes the ecological concept demonstrated in the table?
Species | Beak Type | Primary Food Source |
Finch A | Short, thick | Seeds |
Finch B | Long, thin | Nectar |
Finch C | Medium, pointed | Insects |
Temporal partitioning
Spatial partitioning
Competitive exclusion
Morphological partitioning
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Which of the following shows the correct increasing order of biological organisation?
Individual → Population → Community → Ecosystem
Individual → Population → Ecosystem → Population
Population → Individual → Community → Ecosystem
Individual → Community → Population → Ecosystem
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Read the passage and answer the following questions:
Competition for resources is a fundamental interaction in ecosystems, influencing population dynamics and species survival. In a dense rainforest, towering trees extend their branches to capture sunlight, preventing smaller plants from accessing the light they need to photosynthesize. Similarly, within a savanna, cheetahs and leopards hunt for gazelles, both species relying on the same prey for sustenance.
In a freshwater lake, frogs of the same species may compete for the best breeding sites, ensuring their offspring have a greater chance of survival. Meanwhile, in an open field, different species of birds may fight over nesting areas, as space is a crucial factor in protecting their young from predators.
Even microscopic organisms experience competition. In an aquatic environment, two species of algae may compete for limited nutrients in the water, each striving to dominate and reproduce more effectively. Similarly, in a desert ecosystem, plants with deep roots may outcompete others by drawing water from greater depths, reducing availability for surrounding vegetation.
Human activities also influence competition. In agricultural fields, crops must compete for soil nutrients, especially if not spaced properly. In urban areas, different species of birds may compete for nesting spaces in trees or buildings, adapting to limited environments.
What type of competition is occurring when different species of birds compete for nesting areas in the same environment?
Intraspecific
Interspecific
Between predators and prey
Between plants and animals
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What type of competition is occurring when frogs of the same species fight over the best breeding sites?
Interspecific
Intraspecific
Between plants and animals
Between prey and predators
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