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.

     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.

Based on the information in Scientist 1's view which results would be expected in a scientific investigation of phosphatase production and plant fitness?

     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.

The passage explains how plants obtain nutrients in their environments. In an environment rich in soil-bound nitrogen, which of the following would most likely be found in elevated levels within the plants?

     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.

Based on the information within the passages, if an aquatic biome was polluted with free-floating phosphorus, then Scientist 1 would conclude which of the following?

     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.

A pollutant is introduced into the environment. It acts as a competitive inhibitor to phosphatase. Therefore, it renders the phosphatase enzyme ineffective to obtain nutrients from the soil. The plant adapts to this change and produces another enzyme that is unaffected by the new pollutant. The next generation of plants possess decreased fitness and decreased reproductive success due to low numbers of offspring. Which scientist would expect these results.

Passage I

An endocrinologist is a doctor who studies, diagnoses, and treats patients with hormone imbalances. There are many hormones involved in daily functioning. Two of the most important hormones for digestion are insulin and glucagon. These hormones are secreted by the pancreas. Insulin is released after a meal to help body cells take in sugar and covert it to energy. Glucagon is released when the body needs more energy, such as during exercise, and causes body cells to secrete sugar into the blood. A team of endocrinologists performed the following experiments:

Experiment 1

Five participants were given 15 grams of pure glucose (sugar). The participants had not eaten for four hours prior to the experiment. All five participants were healthy and had no serious medical conditions. A team of endocrinologists monitored the blood sugar and insulin levels of the participants over time. Figure 1 is a graph of the average levels in the five participants.

Experiment 2

Two participants were given 15 grams of pure glucose (sugar). The participants had not eaten for four hours prior to the experiment. One participant was healthy and the other had a hormone disease. Figure 2 is a graph of the blood sugar levels of the participants over time.

What is the most reasonable explanation for a delay between an increased level of blood glucose and an increased level of insulin?

Passage I

An endocrinologist is a doctor who studies, diagnoses, and treats patients with hormone imbalances. There are many hormones involved in daily functioning. Two of the most important hormones for digestion are insulin and glucagon. These hormones are secreted by the pancreas. Insulin is released after a meal to help body cells take in sugar and covert it to energy. Glucagon is released when the body needs more energy, such as during exercise, and causes body cells to secrete sugar into the blood. A team of endocrinologists performed the following experiments:

Experiment 1

Five participants were given 15 grams of pure glucose (sugar). The participants had not eaten for four hours prior to the experiment. All five participants were healthy and had no serious medical conditions. A team of endocrinologists monitored the blood sugar and insulin levels of the participants over time. Figure 1 is a graph of the average levels in the five participants.

Experiment 2

Two participants were given 15 grams of pure glucose (sugar). The participants had not eaten for four hours prior to the experiment. One participant was healthy and the other had a hormone disease. Figure 2 is a graph of the blood sugar levels of the participants over time.

If you were an endocrinologist, what would you recommend to Participant B?