1) Which of the following statements best illustrates how ecological succession supports diversity in populations?
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1 point
Ecological succession leads to a decrease in biodiversity as pioneer species dominate the environment.
Ecological succession promotes diversity by allowing only a few species to thrive in the environment, thus creating niche specialization.
Ecological succession results in a uniform distribution of species, limiting diversity due to competition for resources.
Ecological succession enhances diversity by providing opportunities for different species to establish and adapt to changing environmental conditions over time.
Ecological succession enhances diversity by providing opportunities for different species to establish and adapt to changing environmental conditions over time.
2) Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies commensalism between two species?
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1 point
A predator capturing and consuming its prey, resulting in a decrease in prey population.
A bird building its nest in the branches of a tree, providing shelter for itself without affecting the tree.
Two plants competing for sunlight and nutrients in a dense forest ecosystem.
A parasite feeding on the blood of its host organism, causing harm and reducing the host's fitness.
A bird building its nest in the branches of a tree, providing shelter for itself without affecting the tree.
3) White clovers, Trifolium repens, are plants that are native to Europe and Central Asia and are able to produce the poison cyanide within their cells. Skunk cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus, is a plant that is native to eastern North America and can produce a chemical that makes it have a strong, foul odor and bitter taste. The chemicals produced by both the white clovers and skunk cabbages are adaptations that allow them to —
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1 point
attract more pollinators
survive a long-term drought
protect against herbivores
grow better in colder habitats
protect against herbivores
4) Some relationships between species found in the Texas Gulf Coast are shown in the food web. Which energy pyramid best models energy flow in the Texas Gulf Coast community?
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1 point
Captionless Image
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4