Question 1

Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain patterns of species diversity based on latitude.Applying one of these hypotheses, where might one expect to find the greatest species diversity, and why?

Accepted Answer

The hypothesis of greater species diversity in the tropics is based on the idea that the warm, stable climate and large area provides more opportunities for speciation and the coexistence of diverse species. Therefore, the best choice is B - Tropics, because of the large area and warm, stable climate.

Question 2

Refer to the graph representing the Wilson-MacArthur theory of island biogeography, which explains the species-area relationship.  According to the graph, the number of species on an island reaches equilibrium when

Accepted Answer

According to the Wilson-MacArthur theory of island biogeography, the number of species on an island reaches equilibrium when the rate of immigration equals the rate of extinction. This is represented in the graph by the point where the two lines intersect, which corresponds to choice B, where immigration and extinction rates are equal. Therefore, the best choice is B.

Question 3

The island of Madagascar, off the southern African coast, has a highly unique endemic biota.Roughly 170 million years ago, Madagascar was landlocked in the middle of the supercontinent Gondwana.Gondwana eventually split by continental drift, forming Africa, South America, India, Australia, and Antarctica.For the past 88 million years, Madagascar has been isolated, but some new species can still reach the island from the coast of Africa.This suggests that the evolution of Madagascar's unique biota is

Accepted Answer

The fact that some new species can still reach Madagascar from the coast of Africa suggests that dispersal has played a role in the evolution of Madagascar's unique biota. However, the isolation of Madagascar due to continental drift also suggests that vicariance has played a role. Therefore, the evolution of Madagascar's unique biota is due to both vicariance from continental drift and dispersal by immigration.

Question 4

The Walter climate diagram below suggests a _______ biome characterized by _______.

Accepted Answer

The Walter climate diagram shows a biome with a long dry season and a short wet season, which is characteristic of temperate grasslands. The diagram also shows temperatures that are not extremely high or low and moderate precipitation, which further supports the identification of a temperate grassland biome. The presence of perennial grasses and forbs is also consistent with this biome.

Question 5

Applying the theory of island biogeography to habitat fragmentation, what would be the best suggestion conservation managers could make to loggers to maintain the highest species diversity possible?

Accepted Answer

The theory of island biogeography suggests that larger and closer islands have higher species diversity. This can be applied to habitat fragmentation by suggesting that larger fragments that are kept near each other will maintain the highest species diversity possible. This will allow species to move between fragments, reducing the negative effects of isolation and increasing genetic diversity. Therefore, the best suggestion conservation managers could make to loggers is to keep fragments large and near each other.

Question 6

Alfred Russel Wallace studied and helped to demonstrate the importance of several processes that determine the species composition of biogeographic regions.Processes studied by Wallace include all of the following except

Accepted Answer

Alfred Russel Wallace did not study the mechanistic basis for continental drift, but rather the consequences and effects of it on biogeography.

Question 7

Following a line of longitude from the equator along the west coasts of the United States and Canada and to the North Pole, a person would pass through biomes in which order?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Following a line of longitude from the...

Question 8

A region along the west coast of North America has mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers.Its major vegetation includes very large conifers, and it occurs at middle to higher latitudes.This region is a part of which biome?

Accepted Answer

The region described matches the characteristics of a temperate evergreen forest. The mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers are typical of this biome, and the presence of large conifers is also mentioned as a major vegetation type. The location at middle to higher latitudes is also consistent with the temperate evergreen forest biome. The other options are not a good fit given the described conditions.

Quiz 53: The Physical Environment and Biogeography of Life

Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain patterns of species diversity based on latitude.Applying one of these hypotheses, where might one expect to find the greatest species diversity, and why?

Refer to the graph representing the Wilson-MacArthur theory of island biogeography, which explains the species-area relationship. According to the graph, the number of species on an island reaches equilibrium when

The Walter climate diagram below suggests a _ biome characterized by _.

Applying the theory of island biogeography to habitat fragmentation, what would be the best suggestion conservation managers could make to loggers to maintain the highest species diversity possible?

Alfred Russel Wallace studied and helped to demonstrate the importance of several processes that determine the species composition of biogeographic regions.Processes studied by Wallace include all of the following except

Following a line of longitude from the equator along the west coasts of the United States and Canada and to the North Pole, a person would pass through biomes in which order?

A region along the west coast of North America has mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers.Its major vegetation includes very large conifers, and it occurs at middle to higher latitudes.This region is a part of which biome?