BIO 123 Final Exam Questions and Answers

BIO 123 Final Exam Questions and Answers A major scientific characteristic that motivates scientists to measure natural phenomenon & process in terms of space, time, and matter is defined as Quantification In Science, which of the following characteristics supports the concept that all possible explanations of the observations should be considered not just the most attractive or more expected Skeptism In Science, the characteristic, which maintains that valuable knowledge originates from human sensory experience, is referred to as: Empiricism In Science the assumption that maintains that certain conditions bring about particular events is referred to as Casuality The highest peak of Leahi crater is located on the SW rim. This peak formed there because tradewinds blew more ash in that direction when it erupted about 50,000 to 100,000 yrs ago. This logical association of cause & effect is based on the following scientific assumption Uniformity On the 1st exam, most students got A's & B's than would be expected. The grade distribution can be explained in several ways. Which of the following is least "parsimonious": unwilling Brilliant students, great teaching A winter storm in one 24 hr period on 11/26 1994 dropped 10 inches of rain is based on the following scientific assumption Fact What is a scientific fact? An objectively verifiable observation Which of the following best defines a theory? A set of assumptions developed to explain other observations The Wakea-Papa, Maui, and Pele legends have been used to explain the origins of the Hawaiian Islands and Hawaiian Volcanoes; all are similar to scientific theories in that: Both legends and scientific theories Volcanic Ejecta is Volcanic material thrown into the air during an eruption On a world-wide basis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur most commonly Where crustal plates collide with subduction zones According to radiometric dating which is the third oldest of the Hawaiian Islands? Oahu There is much discussion about endangered species and organisms becoming extinct. Why all the concern especially in Hawaii? ALL OF THE ABOVE -There appears to be a relationship between species diversity & community stability -Many have traditional cultural significance and are valuable scientific study -One never knows which species may have a potential use in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and ecology -We don't know how species are interrelated in the world so by destroying some we may endanger a host of others upon which we depend In the Hawaiian Islands, climatologists usually think of rainshadow as being associated with Leeward sides of high lands Keoki notices that the climate above about 6000 ft on Halekala Volcano tends to be drier than areas below that elevation. What climatic feature best explains these dry high elevation conditions? Temperature Inversion Which of the following is a major characteristic of the regional climate of the Hawaiian Islands? Relatively low frequency of severe storms When the tradewinds strike the Ko'olau Mountains of Oahu, this causes air to rise up against them and eventually produces condensation and precipitation. This process is called Orographic Effect The Hawaiian Islands are noted for -Its accessible & relatively non explosive volcanoes -Its striking examples of evolutionary -ALL OF THE ABOVE Which of the following alien species were probably accidental Polynesian introductions that occurred in the Pre-Contact (before 1778) Hawaiian period? Geckos and Skinks as unintentional stowaways abroad the double hulled, sailing canoes How many species of amphibians reached the Hawaiian Islands land environments without the help of people? None A characteristic feature of endemic Hawaiian plants is that Few are poisonous and have thorns How have mosquitoes reduced population of native species? Avian Malaria - killed bird populations How did plants reach Hawaii 75%- dispersed by birds 23%- volcanic drift 2%- wond Speciation within a population is most likely to occur if there is an adequate Physical barrier between two segments of the population Darwin referred to a number of facts he used to support the logic of his theory of evolution through the process of natural selection. Which of the following was not one of those facts? There is a struggle for existence within a populaton Regarding the length of time involved in the evolution of a new species the punctuated equilibrium theory maintains that it occurs After long periods of stability, when relatively quick changes in the environment develop In class, your instructor referred to a new ecosystem that has recently been discovered along deep ocean vents where geothermal energy is released. Bacteria in this ecosystem are able to convert geothermal energy into chemical energy. Ecologically, the bacteria may be referred to as: Producers The unusual Native Hawaiian "predatory:" caterpillars which catch and eat native flies can be classified ecologically as: Secondary Consumers A portion of an ohi'a forest was destroyed by lava in the 1969 Kilauea Iki eruption wiping out any trace of the previously existing native forest. The forest has since become partially reestablished. This is an example of Primary Succession The Hawaiian Finches (Honeycreepers) and Darwin's Finches on the Galapagos Islands are both considered to be excellent examples of adapative radiation. A major reason is The variation in bill size and shape correlated with their feeding ecology What is a leading factor Essential resource in least abundance Which of the following species is an indigenous coastal plant in the Hawaiian Islands? Its dispersal mechanism & origin in Hawaii Naupaka-Kahaki, the beach