Question

AP Environmental Science questions!!!

1. Which of the following is an example of how a biotic factor can affect the population dynamics in an ecosystem?
a. Lack of water during a drought causes many of the individuals in a population to die.
b. Seasonal temperature changes cause a species to migrate between two ecosystems.
c. Excessive rain and flooding cause organisms in an area to relocate.
d.The population of a predator increases following an increase in the population of its prey.

2. Which of the following might result in competition between the organisms?
a. Deer and birds living in the same area
b. Vultures and lions living in the same area
c. Oysters and dolphins living in the same area
d. Woodpeckers and squirrels living in the same area

3. A generalist species
a. can tolerate variable conditions
b. has specific requirements for survival
c. is susceptible to extinction if resources change
d. is unable to survive in compromised habitats

Answer 1

1) D

2) B

3) A

Step-by-step explanation:

1) Since the question asks about biotic (living) factors, we can use the process of elimination and take out the abiotic (non-living) factors. Choices A, B, and C are all abiotic factors, as choice A mentions "lack of water" (abiotic), choice B mentions "seasonal temperature changes" (abiotic), and choice C mentions "excessive rain and flooding" (abiotic). Although choice C does mention organisms relocating and may seem like a correct choice, the question asks for a biotic factor that can affect the population dynamics, so choice D would be the best choice.

2) This question asks about the outcome of competition. We can consider resources and what every organism depends on to survive. Choices A, C, and D are all symbiotic relationships and are mostly mutualism (species that depend on each other for survival) and commensalism (no species benefit or harm each other). However, vultures and lions are both competitors, hunting and depending on similar resources for survival.

3) Generalist species are species that can easily adapt to changes in the environment, like a raccoon. Meanwhile, specialist species are species that are unable to adapt to changes within the environment as quickly, and have a limited food diet--they depend on certain environments and resources to survive and tend to have a risk of extinction if the environment alters.