Test Bank for Ecology: Concepts and
Applications, 8th Edition by Manuel C.
Molles – Complete Questions and Verified
Answers for All Chapters
Compiled and Expanded for Comprehensive Study
September 11, 2025
, 1 Chapter 1: Introduction to Ecology: Historical Founda-
tions and Developing Frontiers
1. What is ecology?
The study of relationships between organisms and the environment.
2. What is evolution?
A process by which populations change over time.
3. What is the biosphere?
The portion of the earth that supports life, including the land, waters, and atmosphere.
4. How does the level of ecological organization an ecologist studies influence the ques-
tions he or she poses?
Individual ecology focuses on physiological and behavioral aspects based on evolution-
ary theory. Population ecology examines how processes are influenced by biological
and non-biological components. Interactions look at species relations. Community and
ecosystem study multispecies systems and energy flows. Landscape studies exchanges
among ecosystems. Regional is geographic ecology. Biosphere is the highest level in-
cluding land, water, and atmosphere. Each level adds more external factors to consider.
5. While an ecologist may focus on a particular level of ecological organization, might
other levels of organization be relevant, for example, does an ecologist studying fac-
tors limiting numbers in a population of zebras need to consider the influences of
interactions with other species or the influences of food on the survival of individu-
als?
Yes, factors like competition, predation, and weather must be considered.
6. What is aeroecology?
The interdisciplinary study of the ecology of the earth-atmosphere boundary layer and
the airborne organisms that depend on this environment.
7. What is urban ecology?
The study of urban areas as complex, dynamic ecological systems influenced by biologi-
cal, physical, and social components.
8. What is stable isotope analysis?
Analysis of relative concentrations of stable isotopes, like C-13 and C-12, in materials;
used to study energy and material flow through ecosystems.
9. What is an ecosystem?
All organisms in an area and the physical environment they interact with.
10. What are nutrients?
Raw materials an organism acquires from the environment to live.
11. What are epiphytes?
Plants like orchids and ferns that live on branches and trunks of other plants but are not
parasitic.
12. What is adaptation?
Evolutionary process changing anatomy, physiology, or behavior to increase a popula-
tion’s ability to live in an environment.
1
Applications, 8th Edition by Manuel C.
Molles – Complete Questions and Verified
Answers for All Chapters
Compiled and Expanded for Comprehensive Study
September 11, 2025
, 1 Chapter 1: Introduction to Ecology: Historical Founda-
tions and Developing Frontiers
1. What is ecology?
The study of relationships between organisms and the environment.
2. What is evolution?
A process by which populations change over time.
3. What is the biosphere?
The portion of the earth that supports life, including the land, waters, and atmosphere.
4. How does the level of ecological organization an ecologist studies influence the ques-
tions he or she poses?
Individual ecology focuses on physiological and behavioral aspects based on evolution-
ary theory. Population ecology examines how processes are influenced by biological
and non-biological components. Interactions look at species relations. Community and
ecosystem study multispecies systems and energy flows. Landscape studies exchanges
among ecosystems. Regional is geographic ecology. Biosphere is the highest level in-
cluding land, water, and atmosphere. Each level adds more external factors to consider.
5. While an ecologist may focus on a particular level of ecological organization, might
other levels of organization be relevant, for example, does an ecologist studying fac-
tors limiting numbers in a population of zebras need to consider the influences of
interactions with other species or the influences of food on the survival of individu-
als?
Yes, factors like competition, predation, and weather must be considered.
6. What is aeroecology?
The interdisciplinary study of the ecology of the earth-atmosphere boundary layer and
the airborne organisms that depend on this environment.
7. What is urban ecology?
The study of urban areas as complex, dynamic ecological systems influenced by biologi-
cal, physical, and social components.
8. What is stable isotope analysis?
Analysis of relative concentrations of stable isotopes, like C-13 and C-12, in materials;
used to study energy and material flow through ecosystems.
9. What is an ecosystem?
All organisms in an area and the physical environment they interact with.
10. What are nutrients?
Raw materials an organism acquires from the environment to live.
11. What are epiphytes?
Plants like orchids and ferns that live on branches and trunks of other plants but are not
parasitic.
12. What is adaptation?
Evolutionary process changing anatomy, physiology, or behavior to increase a popula-
tion’s ability to live in an environment.
1
