B.F. Bachelor of Forestry Bachelor of Forestry Forest Ecosystem 2

Question 1

Which biogeochemical cycle is most directly disrupted when forest soils are compacted by heavy machinery?

Accepted Answer

Water cycle

Answer

Soil compaction reduces pore space, impairing infiltration and disrupting the water cycle most immediately.

Question 2

A forest stand shows declining mycorrhizal diversity after repeated prescribed burns. What is the most likely ecological consequence?

Accepted Answer

Reduced nutrient uptake by trees

Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi facilitate phosphorus and nitrogen uptake in tree roots, so their decline impairs nutrient absorption.

Question 3

In a northern hardwood forest, which trophic level contains the greatest total biomass?

Accepted Answer

Producers

Answer

Producers (trees and plants) hold the largest biomass at the base of the trophic pyramid.

Question 4

What is the term for the process by which fallen logs gradually release stored carbon back into the atmosphere through microbial decomposition?

Accepted Answer

Mineralization

Answer

Mineralization converts organic carbon in woody debris into inorganic CO2 via microbial respiration.

Question 5

A forester observes that a riparian buffer strip significantly reduces nitrate concentrations in stream water. Which process is primarily responsible?

Accepted Answer

Denitrification

Answer

Denitrifying bacteria in saturated riparian soils convert nitrate to nitrogen gas, removing it from water.

B.F. Bachelor of Forestry Practice Test

B.F. Bachelor of Forestry Practice Test

B.F. Bachelor of Forestry Bachelor of Forestry Forest Ecosystem 2