AP Biology : Ecology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Understanding Eco Chemical Cycles

Which of the following is required for water to change states within the water cycle?

Possible Answers:

Energy exchange

Ionization

Hydrolysis

None of these

Correct answer:

Energy exchange

Explanation:

Energy is needed for water to enter different stages of the water cycle (condensation, precipitation, and evaporation). This leads to a change in temperature. 

Example Question #61 : Ecology

Which of the following describes the precipitation stage of the water cycle?

Possible Answers:

Flow of water from surface into the ground

Condensed water vapor falling to Earth

Conversion of liquid water to gaseous water

Runoff produced by melting snow

Correct answer:

Condensed water vapor falling to Earth

Explanation:

The precipitation stage of the water cycle is when condensed water vapor falls to Earth. Precipitation exists in various forms that include rain, snow, and hail.

Example Question #33 : Understanding Eco Chemical Cycles

Which of the following is not a type of precipitation?

Possible Answers:

Rain

Snow

Runoff

Sleet

Correct answer:

Runoff

Explanation:

Precipitation is when condensed water vapor falls to Earth. Common types of precipitation include rain, sleet, and snow. In contrast, runoff is water flow across the Earth’s surface.

Example Question #61 : Ecology

Which of the following impedes the precipitation stage of the water cycle?

Possible Answers:

Snowmelt

Runoff

Interception

Infiltration

Correct answer:

Interception

Explanation:

In the precipitation stage of the water cycle, condensed water vapor falls to the Earth’s surface; however, a tree canopy, for instance, may block this precipitation, preventing the precipitation from reaching the Earth’s surface. The intercepted precipitation then evaporates back into the Earth’s atmosphere.

Example Question #62 : Ecology

Which of the following is an impact of snow precipitation?

Possible Answers:

Snowmelt

Advection

Canopy interference

Transpiration

Correct answer:

Snowmelt

Explanation:

Snowmelt is a type of runoff that results from melting snow.

Example Question #61 : Ecology

Which of the following best describes runoff?

Possible Answers:

The flow of water over the Earth's surface

Transformation of water from liquid to gaseous phase

The flow of water underground

The changing of water vapor to ice

Correct answer:

The flow of water over the Earth's surface

Explanation:

Runoff, or surface runoff, is the flow of water over the Earth’s surface. Runoff occurs when there is an excess of water on the surface due to excessive precipitation. The excessive precipitation leads to the full saturation of soil, resulting in water flowing over the surface. 

Example Question #37 : Understanding Eco Chemical Cycles

During the infiltration process of the water cycle, water travels from the ground surface to which of the following locations?

Possible Answers:

Into the soil

Into roots of a plant

Across the land

Atmosphere

Correct answer:

Into the soil

Explanation:

Infiltration is a process in the water cycle in which water on the ground’s surface enters the soil.

Example Question #62 : Ecology

Which of the following best explains the difference between infiltration and subsurface flow?

Possible Answers:

Both infiltration and subsurface flow take place on the ground surface

In infiltration, water moves into the soil and in subsurface flow water moves below the ground surface

Infiltration takes place under the ground surface while subsurface flow takes place on the ground surface

In subsurface flow, water moves into the soil and in infiltration, water moves below the ground surface

Correct answer:

In infiltration, water moves into the soil and in subsurface flow water moves below the ground surface

Explanation:

Infiltration is a process in the water cycle in which water moves from the ground’s surface into the soil. Subsurface flow is another process where water flows below the ground surface; therefore, the difference between the two is the origin of the flowing water.

Example Question #39 : Understanding Eco Chemical Cycles

Evaporation is a stage in the water cycle that involves a phase change of water. Which of the following best describes this phase change?

Possible Answers:

Liquid to gas

Solid to gas

Solid to liquid

Gas to liquid

Correct answer:

Liquid to gas

Explanation:

Evaporation is one of three main stages of the water cycle. In this process, water changes phases from the liquid to the gas phase.

Example Question #63 : Ecology

Which of the following is true regarding the process of sublimation?

Possible Answers:

In sublimation, water doesn't pass through the intermediate liquid phase

All of these

It is an endothermic reaction

It is the conversion of water from a solid to a gaseous state

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Sublimation is the process in which water converts from a solid to a gaseous phase without passing through the intermediate liquid phase. Sublimation is an endothermic reaction: it requires the absorption of energy in the form of heat.

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