A biologist wanted to do an experiment involving two species of large cat (species A and species B) around a potential new food source.

He isolated the populations of each cat in a location that closely approximated their natural environment, except this potential new food source was the only food source available to them. 

Experiment 1:

When species A was left alone with the new food source, their numbers decreased rapidly until none were left.

Experiment 2:

When species B was left alone with the new food source, their numbers increased and the species flourished.

Experiment 3:

When an equal number of species A and B were placed with the new food source, both species maintained relatively constant numbers.

Which of the following is true about species A?

There is a certain species of rabbit that is known to reproduce quickly. 250 of these rabbits were introduced into a new environment, and their population was measured in ten year intervals.

Which of the following would be the most accurate conclusion for this experiment?

There is a certain species of rabbit that is known to reproduce quickly. 250 of these rabbits were introduced into a new environment, and their population was measured in ten year intervals.

If this experiment were recreated in an environment in which the rabbits had an even more plentiful source of food, how would that affect the results?

An experiment was done to look at the effects of iodine supplements on the production of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Individuals in the study were divided into categorizes based on the dosage of iodine supplemented. The chart below summarizes the data collected. THY1 is the average amount of thyroxine in the group prior to taking the supplement. THY2 is the average amount of thyroxine in the group after three months of taking supplements.

The results of the experiment show: 

     Species distribution is a key component to analyze ecological systems. Species may inhabit a system in a variety of ways. Several of these types of distribution include the following: clustered, uniformed, and randomized. Clustered groupings are the most common. These species tend to inhabit areas in close packs of three or more organisms. These may consist of mating partners, packs, or families of organisms. Uniformed distribution occurs when organisms of a species inhabit a particular area that is not disrupted by organisms of the same species. This could be accomplished by pheromones, toxins, or aggressive behavior that marks an organism’s territory. Last, the most uncommon species distribution is randomized distribution. This distribution rarely occurs in nature and is classified as a scattering of organisms with no discernible pattern or arrangement.

A species of oak tree grows in deciduous, hardwood forests. This species grows and germinates in close proximity to one another if sunlight and resources can support growing numbers. The trees are interdispersed between other hardwoods including birches and cherries. What type of distribution does this species of oak tree best represent?

     Species distribution is a key component to analyze ecological systems. Species may inhabit a system in a variety of ways. Several of these types of distribution include the following: clustered, uniformed, and randomized. Clustered groupings are the most common. These species tend to inhabit areas in close packs of three or more organisms. These may consist of mating partners, packs, or families of organisms. Uniformed distribution occurs when organisms of a species inhabit a particular area that is not disrupted by organisms of the same species. This could be accomplished by pheromones, toxins, or aggressive behavior that marks an organism’s territory. Last, the most uncommon species distribution is randomized distribution. This distribution rarely occurs in nature and is classified as a scattering of organisms with no discernible pattern or arrangement.

A wildflower releases an amino-acid based chemical that creates a 6 square centimeter plot of infertile ground. What type of distribution is this organism exhibiting?

     Species distribution is a key component to analyze ecological systems. Species may inhabit a system in a variety of ways. Several of these types of distribution include the following: clustered, uniformed, and randomized. Clustered groupings are the most common. These species tend to inhabit areas in close packs of three or more organisms. These may consist of mating partners, packs, or families of organisms. Uniformed distribution occurs when organisms of a species inhabit a particular area that is not disrupted by organisms of the same species. This could be accomplished by pheromones, toxins, or aggressive behavior that marks an organism’s territory. Last, the most uncommon species distribution is randomized distribution. This distribution rarely occurs in nature and is classified as a scattering of organisms with no discernible pattern or arrangement.

A boy scout troop walks through a briar patch. Each boy picks up several briars along the way. As they travel home to various locations, each scout removes the briars and tosses them in his respective yard. If the briars germinate then what type of dispersion does this phenomenon best represent?

     Species distribution is a key component to analyze ecological systems. Species may inhabit a system in a variety of ways. Several of these types of distribution include the following: clustered, uniformed, and randomized. Clustered groupings are the most common. These species tend to inhabit areas in close packs of three or more organisms. These may consist of mating partners, packs, or families of organisms. Uniformed distribution occurs when organisms of a species inhabit a particular area that is not disrupted by organisms of the same species. This could be accomplished by pheromones, toxins, or aggressive behavior that marks an organism’s territory. Last, the most uncommon species distribution is randomized distribution. This distribution rarely occurs in nature and is classified as a scattering of organisms with no discernible pattern or arrangement.

A species of wolf inhabits environments as packs. They utilize pheromones to deter individuals from their same pack as well as competing wolf packs. The wolves migrate randomly based on prey movements and weather. What type of distribution do the wolves best exhibit?

     Criminal and deviant acts have plagued society for many years. Scientists have tried to isolate variables and factors of individuals susceptible to these behaviors. The goal of this research is to create models of individuals most likely to commit deviant acts. Prediction of criminal behavior could reduce crime rates on a grand scale. Three scientists express their views on how to model criminal behavior and predict or prevent criminal acts.

Scientist 1

     Criminal behavior is the result of prehistoric tendencies that favor aggressive and deviant acts for survival. A study of the corpses of criminals revealed that many exhibited prominent brows, strong upper bodies, large chests and other attributes that lend to a physical model of prediction that classifies criminals as "evolutionary throwbacks."

Scientist 2

     Criminal behavior is the result of psychological ills that may be remedied with treatment and hospitalization. Studies have revealed that many criminal men possess an XYY makeup. This means that they contain one extra Y chromosome that results in aggressive, deviant, and criminal behaviors. Further studies have revealed that these genetic abnormalities can alter hormonal secretion and lead to criminally deviant actions and behaviors. Increased serotonin levels can lead to aggressive tendencies while altered dopamine secretion can chemically reward the commitment of deviant acts by stimulating pleasure receptors.

Scientist 3

     Criminal behavior is the result of neurological abnormalities that can be studied and mapped. Studies of criminal and non-criminal persons have revealed inconsistencies in brain scans and neurological makeup. These alterations in brain chemistry and function have resulted in the development of sociopathic and narcissistic tendencies. These tendencies often increase probabilities for deviant and violent outbursts. The best way to predict criminal behavior is to utilize neurological scanning and mapping procedures.

According to Scientist 2, which of the following chemicals leads to aggresssive tendencies?

     A common phenomenon in aquatic plant growth and development is the effects of a limiting nutrient. A limiting nutrient is one that has the ability to stunt or halt plant growth and development if its stores are depleted in the soil or plant itself.  Limiting nutrients include nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients are usually tightly bound to soil particles and not available for direct use. In response, plants produce and release enzymes. Enzymes release bound particles in order for the plant to actively transport nutrients from the soil. Two scientists express their views on enzyme nutrient interactions within an aquatic biome.

Scientist 1

     The reaction is inducible. As the plant senses cues from phosphorus in the soil, it develops and releases enzymes to obtain the nutrients it needs. In this way, the plant obtains nutrients, preserves biological energy, and maintains fitness.

Scientist 2

     The reaction is coincidental. Plants are biologically primed to create stores of phosphatase enzymes in order to obtain environmental nutrients. Therefore, fitness and energy costs are inconsequential.

Assume that Scientist 2's viewpoint on enzymes and fitness is correct. Based on this assumption and information provided, plants would be least lkely to exhibit which of the following features.