1.
Which of the following natural events would most likely not result in secondary succession?
Correct Answer
B. Thunderstorm
Explanation
A thunderstorm is a short-lived and localized weather event that typically involves heavy rain, lightning, and thunder. While thunderstorms can cause some disruption to the environment, such as uprooting trees or causing localized flooding, they do not typically result in widespread destruction or significant changes to the ecosystem. On the other hand, flooding, tsunamis, and droughts are natural events that can cause more severe and long-lasting impacts on the environment, leading to secondary succession.
2.
The mountain pine beetle can attack and destroy huge numbers of pine trees in a forest. Which of the following is a reason this beetle is now causing so much destruction to BC forests?
Correct Answer
D. The winters are not cold enough to kill beetle larvae, and trees are stressed by overcrowding
Explanation
The winters not being cold enough to kill beetle larvae allows them to survive and continue infesting the trees. Additionally, the overcrowding of trees adds stress to them, making them more vulnerable to beetle infestations.
3.
____________ occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as on bare rock.
Correct Answer
Primary Succession
Primary succession
primary succession
Explanation
Primary succession occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as on bare rock. This process involves the colonization of pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, which gradually break down the rock and create a thin layer of soil. Over time, more complex plants and organisms can establish themselves in this newly formed soil, leading to the development of a stable and diverse ecosystem. Primary succession is a slow and gradual process that can take hundreds or even thousands of years to complete.
4.
The diagram above represents which of the following:
Correct Answer
C. Ecological Succession
Explanation
The diagram above represents ecological succession, which is the process of change in the species composition of a community over time. It shows the progression from bare ground to a mature and stable ecosystem. This process involves the colonization of pioneer species, which are gradually replaced by more complex and diverse species as the environment changes. The diagram illustrates the stages of succession, from early colonization to the establishment of a climax community.
5.
_________________ occurs as the result of a disturbance to an area that already has soil and was once the home of living organisms.
Correct Answer
Secondary Succession
Secondary succession
secondary succession
Explanation
Secondary succession occurs as the result of a disturbance to an area that already has soil and was once the home of living organisms. This type of succession happens when an existing ecosystem is disrupted or destroyed, but the soil and some organisms remain. Over time, new plant and animal species colonize the area, gradually restoring the ecosystem to its original state. Unlike primary succession, which occurs in areas without soil or living organisms, secondary succession is a more rapid process as it builds upon the existing soil and biological legacy of the area.
6.
Pine trees attempt to stop infestations of the mountain pine beetle by releasing large amounts of sticky resin to trap the beetles. How do the beetles often avoid this sticky resin?
Correct Answer
B. Blue stain fungus, carried in the beetle’s mouth, destroys the tree’s ability to use the resin
Explanation
The blue stain fungus, carried in the beetle's mouth, destroys the tree's ability to use the resin. This means that even though the pine trees release large amounts of sticky resin to trap the beetles, the beetles are able to avoid it because the fungus prevents the tree from effectively using the resin as a defense mechanism.
7.
Introduced species are organisms that can take over the habitat of native species or invade their bodies, thus are weakening their immune systems.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Introduced species are organisms that are not native to a particular ecosystem or region. While they can sometimes have negative impacts on native species and ecosystems, it is not accurate to say that they weaken the immune systems of native species. The effects of introduced species can vary widely and may include competition for resources, predation, or habitat alteration, but weakening immune systems is not a universal characteristic.
8.
Not all introduced species are invasive species.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This statement is true because not all introduced species become invasive. Introduced species are those that have been brought to a new location outside of their native range. While some introduced species can become invasive and negatively impact the native ecosystem, many introduced species do not have a significant impact and coexist peacefully with the native species. Therefore, it is accurate to say that not all introduced species are invasive species.
9.
Which of the following best describes reclamation?
Correct Answer
C. A former mine site is developed to match the surrounding landforms, and topsoil that was removed before mining began is replaced
Explanation
Reclamation refers to the process of restoring a disturbed or damaged area back to its original state or a state that is similar to its surrounding environment. In the given answer, a former mine site is developed to match the surrounding landforms, and the topsoil that was removed before mining began is replaced. This process of restoring the mine site to its original condition by replacing the topsoil and matching the landforms is an example of reclamation.
10.
The American bullfrog, brought to British Columbia to supply restaurants with a supply of frog’s legs, were released into the wild when people did not buy the exotic food. What is the primary affect of this invasive species in British Columbia?
Correct Answer
A. The bullfrogs prey upon many native species of frogs
Explanation
The primary effect of the invasive American bullfrog in British Columbia is that they prey upon many native species of frogs.
11.
Which of the following human behaviours would most likely be found in a sustainable ecosystem?
Correct Answer
A. The responsible use of resources, and the preservation of habitats
Explanation
The responsible use of resources and the preservation of habitats would most likely be found in a sustainable ecosystem because these behaviors promote the conservation and protection of the environment. By responsibly using resources, such as reducing waste and practicing sustainable farming methods, the ecosystem can maintain its balance and avoid depletion of resources. Additionally, preserving habitats ensures that the diverse range of species and their interactions are maintained, allowing for a healthy and thriving ecosystem.
12.
Lichens are called “pioneer” species.
Species like these are the first to arrive and successfully survive and ___________ in an area
Correct Answer
reproduce
Reproduce
Explanation
Lichens are referred to as "pioneer" species because they are the first organisms to establish and thrive in a new area. They are able to reproduce successfully, which allows them to colonize and spread in the environment. This ability to reproduce ensures their survival and enables them to establish a stable population in the area.
13.
Why does soil degradation occur in areas that have undergone deforestation?
Correct Answer
C. Topsoil is eroded by wind and water without plants and trees to hold the soil in place
Explanation
When deforestation occurs, the removal of plants and trees leaves the soil exposed to the elements. Without the roots of plants and trees to hold the soil in place, wind and water can easily erode the topsoil. This erosion leads to soil degradation as the nutrient-rich topsoil is lost, making it difficult for new plants to grow and sustain the ecosystem.
14.
The controlled burning of grass and bushes, promote new growth and attracting animals.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Controlled burning of grass and bushes is a common practice in land management. It helps to remove dead vegetation, reduce the risk of wildfires, and stimulate new growth. This new growth provides fresh food sources for animals, attracting them to the area. Therefore, the statement that controlled burning promotes new growth and attracts animals is true.
15.
Purple loosestrife, brought to North America accidentally on cargo ships, reproduces very quickly and aggressively, often crowding out species like the cattail that have been growing in British Columbia. Which of the following terms applies to the purple loosestrife?
Correct Answer
D. Invasive species
Explanation
Purple loosestrife is considered an invasive species because it was brought to North America accidentally and has since reproduced rapidly and aggressively. This species has the ability to outcompete and displace native species, such as the cattail, which can have negative ecological impacts on the local ecosystem.
16.
Which of the following characteristics would be found in an introduced species that was not classified as being invasive?
Correct Answer
B. The introduced species feeds on another introduced species
Explanation
An introduced species that feeds on another introduced species would not necessarily be classified as invasive because it is not directly competing with native species for resources or weakening them. Instead, it is consuming another non-native species, which may or may not have negative effects on the ecosystem. The impact of this feeding behavior on the native species would depend on the specific interactions and adaptations of the introduced and native species involved.
17.
Which of the following would be a sustainable approach to land use to preserve natural habitats in British Columbia?
Correct Answer
C. Some cities are developing industrial areas that include planting native species in parks
18.
The Garry Oak ecosystem is an important ecosystem in the province of British Columbia. Which of the following invasive species is not causing problems in the Garry Oak ecosystem?
Correct Answer
D. Wild boars
Explanation
Wild boars are not causing problems in the Garry Oak ecosystem. This can be inferred from the question as it asks which invasive species is NOT causing problems. The gypsy moth, Scotch broom, and grey squirrel are all invasive species that are known to cause issues in the Garry Oak ecosystem. However, there is no mention or indication that wild boars are causing any problems in this particular ecosystem.
19.
When seasons change, and new plants and animals appear, secondary succession begins again
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Secondary succession does not necessarily begin again when seasons change and new plants and animals appear. Secondary succession refers to the process of ecological succession that occurs in an area that has been previously disturbed or disrupted, such as after a wildfire or human activity. It involves the reestablishment of a community of organisms in an area that previously had a functioning ecosystem. Seasons changing and new plants and animals appearing would typically be part of the natural progression of primary succession, where a community develops in a previously barren or lifeless area.
20.
Lichens and other pioneer species break down rocks into smaller parts, and add to the organic content of the soil as they themselves die and decompose
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Lichens and other pioneer species play a crucial role in the process of rock weathering and soil formation. They release acids that break down rocks into smaller particles, facilitating their decomposition. Additionally, when these organisms die and decompose, they contribute organic matter to the soil, enriching its content. This process is essential for the establishment of a stable ecosystem and the colonization of other plant species. Therefore, the statement is true.
21.
What is the greatest impact of the introduced and invasive European starlings?
Correct Answer
A. They out-compete native birds for food and nesting sites
Explanation
European starlings have a significant impact on native birds by out-competing them for food and nesting sites. This invasive species is known for its aggressive behavior and ability to adapt to various environments. With their large numbers and aggressive feeding habits, European starlings can quickly deplete food sources that native birds rely on. They also take over nesting sites, leaving native birds without suitable places to raise their young. This competition for resources can have a detrimental effect on native bird populations, leading to declines in their numbers.
22.
Purple loosestrife, brought to North America accidentally on cargo ships, reproduces very quickly and aggressively, often crowding out species like the cattail that have been growing in British Columbia. Which of the following terms applies to the cattails?
Correct Answer
C. Native species
Explanation
The term "native species" applies to the cattails in this scenario because they have been growing in British Columbia naturally, without any human intervention. They are not non-native or introduced species that have been brought from other regions or countries. Additionally, they are being crowded out by the invasive and aggressive purple loosestrife, which further supports the idea that they are native to the area.
23.
10 000 years ago, huge glacial ice sheets that covered most of Canada. After melting, the glaciers revealed a barren landscape that did not support life for a long period of time. What process began to occur after the glaciers retreated and temperatures began to rise?
Correct Answer
A. Primary succession
Explanation
After the glaciers retreated and temperatures began to rise, the process of primary succession began to occur. Primary succession is the process of ecological succession that takes place in an area that is completely devoid of life or soil, such as the barren landscape left behind by the melting glaciers. This process involves the gradual colonization and establishment of plant and animal species in the area, starting with pioneer species that can tolerate harsh conditions and gradually giving way to more complex and diverse communities over time. Secondary succession, on the other hand, occurs in areas where there is already soil present, such as after a disturbance like a fire or a landslide. Natural selection and adaptive radiation are concepts related to the evolution and diversification of species, which are not directly relevant to the process of ecological succession.
24.
If people installed tall fences along roads to prevent animals from being struck by passing cars. What is the name of the effect this type of project can have on the original ecosystem?
Correct Answer
D. Habitat fragmentation
Explanation
Habitat fragmentation refers to the process of dividing a large, continuous habitat into smaller, isolated patches. In this scenario, installing tall fences along roads would create barriers that restrict the movement of animals, effectively fragmenting their habitat. This can lead to negative effects on the original ecosystem, such as reduced genetic diversity, limited access to resources, and increased vulnerability to predators.
25.
What does primary succession look like in other parts of the world?
Correct Answer
C. Primary succession is the same in almost every part of the world
26.
Climate change in many parts of Canada has abled foreign species to live. What else has changed in the past 30 years that has made the threat of invasive species in Canada greater than it has been?
Correct Answer
C. International travel allows species to be more easily introduced to our ecosystems
Explanation
In the past 30 years, international travel has become more prevalent, allowing for the easier introduction of species to ecosystems in Canada. With increased travel, there is a higher likelihood of unintentionally bringing in foreign species, either through stowaways or unintentional release. These introduced species may not have natural predators or competitors in their new environment, leading to their rapid proliferation and disruption of the local ecosystem. This has contributed to the increased threat of invasive species in Canada.
27.
The Garry Oak ecosystem is an important ecosystem in the province of British Columbia. Which of the following is an impact of the Scotch broom?
Correct Answer
C. It introduces nitrogen into the soil that many native species cannot survive
Explanation
The impact of the Scotch broom is that it introduces nitrogen into the soil, which many native species cannot survive.
28.
Fungus weakens whitebark pines, whose seeds provide food for the nutcracker.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because fungus weakens whitebark pines, which are a source of food for the nutcracker. This suggests that if the fungus weakens the pines, it could potentially impact the availability of food for the nutcracker. Therefore, the statement is correct.