CLEP Biology Ecology & Evolutionary Processes 5

Question 1

Which ecological term describes the role and position of a species in its environment, including its diet, habitat, and interactions?

Accepted Answer

Ecological niche

Answer

An ecological niche encompasses all the biotic and abiotic conditions a species needs to survive and reproduce, as well as its functional role in the ecosystem.

Question 2

The bottleneck effect is an example of genetic drift that occurs when:

Accepted Answer

A large population is drastically reduced by a catastrophic event

Answer

The bottleneck effect occurs when a population is sharply reduced by a catastrophe, leaving a small survivor group whose allele frequencies may differ greatly from the original population.

Question 3

In lake ecosystems, the euphotic zone is defined as the area where:

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis can occur due to sufficient light penetration

Answer

The euphotic (photic) zone is the sunlit upper layer of a body of water where light is sufficient for photosynthesis to exceed respiration.

Question 4

Sexual selection that gives one sex an advantage in competing for mates of the other sex is called:

Accepted Answer

Intrasexual selection

Answer

Intrasexual selection involves direct competition between members of the same sex (usually males) for access to mates, often producing weapons like antlers or horns.

Question 5

Which type of interspecific interaction harms both species involved?

Accepted Answer

Competition

Answer

Interspecific competition negatively affects both species because they consume the same limited resources, reducing the fitness of each compared to living without the other.

CLEP Practice Test

CLEP Practice Test

CLEP Biology Ecology & Evolutionary Processes 5