Unit 5 of 5

Unit 5: Ecology and Population Biology

Study guide for CLEP CLEP BiologyUnit 5: Ecology and Population Biology. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.

85

Practice Questions

20

Flashcards

9

Key Topics

Key Concepts to Study

energy flow and trophic levels
biogeochemical cycles
population growth models
community interactions
biomes and biome characteristics
ecological succession (primary vs secondary)
ecological niche (fundamental vs realized)
stereotyped vs learned animal behavior
social biology (altruism cooperation)

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 85.

Q1MEDIUM

A forest ecosystem is disrupted by a wildfire, resulting in a significant decrease in the population of deer, a primary consumer. Which of the following is the most likely effect on the ecosystem?

A) An increase in the population of plants, due to reduced herbivory
B) A decrease in the population of plants, due to increased competition from other herbivores
C) No significant change in the population of plants, as deer are not a keystone species
D) A decrease in the population of predators, due to reduced prey availability
E) An increase in the population of predators, due to increased availability of other prey
Show Answer

Answer: AReduced deer population leads to less herbivory, allowing plant populations to increase.

Q2MEDIUM

Species in unpredictable environments often exhibit

A) Homeostatic traits
B) K-selected traits
C) Static traits
D) Genetic traits
E) r-selected traits
Show Answer

Answer: Er-selected traits is correct because r-selected species are adapted to unstable environments.

Q3MEDIUM

What is the name of the international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

A) Kyoto Protocol
B) Paris Agreement
C) Basel Convention
D) Montreal Protocol
E) Stockholm Convention
Show Answer

Answer: BWhen you turn on the news and hear about countries working together to combat climate change, you're likely hearing about efforts related to the Paris Agreement. This international agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming. The Paris Agreement is the correct answer because it specifically targets emissions reductions. In contrast, the Kyoto Protocol, while also focused on emissions, is an earlier agreement that the Paris Agreement built upon.

Q4MEDIUM

Environmental unpredictability favors the survival of

A) K-selected species
B) Species with high biodiversity
C) R-selected species
D) Species with low competition
E) Species with high predation
Show Answer

Answer: CR-selected species is correct because r-selected species are adaptable.

Q5MEDIUM

What is the primary cause of biodiversity loss worldwide?

A) Climate change
B) Pollution
C) Overfishing
D) Invasive species
E) Habitat destruction
Show Answer

Answer: EHabitat destruction is correct because human activities like deforestation, land conversion, and urbanization lead to the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats, resulting in population decline and extinction of many species.

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Study Tips for Unit 5: Ecology and Population Biology

  • Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts — CLEP tests application
  • Practice with timed questions to build exam-day speed
  • Review explanations for wrong answers — they reveal common misconceptions
  • Use flashcards for key terms, practice questions for deeper understanding

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