Skip to ContentGo to accessibility pageKeyboard shortcuts menu
OpenStax Logo
Biology for AP® Courses

Test Prep for AP® Courses

Biology for AP® CoursesTest Prep for AP® Courses
80 .
A researcher has been tracking a population of turtles. The researcher marked 200 young turtles just after hatching. A year later, collection data reveal that about 80% survived. A year after that, collection data revealed that about 60% of the original group was still living. After a third year, about 40% could be found alive. What do these data say about the survivorship curve that would best describe this population? Explain your reasoning.
  1. Type II survivorship curve because the number of survivors decreases by the same value (20%) every year.
  2. Type I survivorship curve because the number of survivors decreases by the same value (20%) every year.
  3. Type II survivorship curve because the number of survivors increases by the same value (20%) every year.
  4. Type IV survivorship curve because the number of survivors decreases by the same value (20%) every year.
81 .
After discovering a new species of salamander in a forest ecosystem, a researcher set traps at many different locations within the forest and collects data from his traps. The researcher’s goal was to determine which types of environments within the forest the salamander is most likely to be found. Construct another scientific question the researcher can answer using the data he has already collected to further refine his study of this species.
  1. What is the population distribution of this salamander species in this ecosystem?
  2. What is the rate of population growth of this salamander species in this ecosystem?
  3. Which animal species prey on this salamander species in this ecosystem?
  4. What abiotic resources are essential for the survival of this salamander species in this ecosystem?
82 .

Two graphs are shown, both with a y axis of Parous females number ranging from 0 to 350, data delineated with x’s for “obs” and a line for “max.” Graph A has an x axis of “Temperature (°C)” ranging from 0 to 40. The data is clustered around 25 degrees and stacks upward toward 100. The curve shoves a steep rise and fall centered around about (27, 300) on the y, dropping to (30, 0). Graph B has an x axis of “Relative humidity (%)” ranging from 0 to 100. The data is clustered around about 90 on the x axis and ranges upward to about 100 on the y. It The curve is broader than the one above, starting at about (40, 10), maxing out at about (80, 330), and dropping to (0,100).

(credit: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical) These graphs summarize data collected in an area of Brazil between 2005 and 2006. Researchers captured mosquitos and counted the number of parous females. Parous females are females that produced viable offspring. Based on the information given, how would mosquito populations change in Brazil if the climate shifted to very hot (above 30°C) and very dry (below 60% humidity) conditions for an extended period of time? Explain your reasoning.

  1. The mosquito populations would decrease at temperatures above 30°C, as this is the upper limit for parous females, leading to a drop in offspring production. Below 60% humidity not much change would be seen in the population of mosquitoes.
  2. The mosquito populations would decrease, possibly reaching zero. As temperatures above 30°C are the upper limit for parous females, offspring production would drop. Drier conditions would do the same.
  3. The mosquito populations would stay the same. This would be because temperature above 30°C and humidity below 60% is close to the favorable conditions of offspring production by parous females.
  4. The mosquito populations would stay the same at temperatures above 30°C as higher temperatures will not affect the production of viable offspring by parous females. Drier conditions, below 60% humidity, would cause a drop in the population, as it is the lower limit for offspring production.
83 .

Four graphs are shown, a vertically arranged whisker plot with three sets of “whiskers,” labeled, “control,” “low,” and “high.” Each also has a y axis of “density (n per km2).” The first is labeled “all birds”; the “control” ranges from 330 to 500 with a mean of 410; the “low” ranges from 350 to 530 with a mean at 560; the “high” ranges from 430 to 700 with a mean at 670. The second is labeled “insect eaters”; the “control” ranges from 260 to 440 with a mean of 340; the “low” ranges from 330 to 590 with a mean at 390; the “high” ranges from 350 to 680 with a mean at 560. The third is labeled “meadow pipit”; the “control” ranges from 60 to 130 with a mean of 95; the “low” ranges from 60 to 140 with a mean at 90; the “high” ranges from 100 to 190 with a mean at 140. The fourth is labeled “meadow pipit”; the “control” ranges from 10 to 35 with a mean of 20; the “low” ranges from 5 to 30 with a mean at 15; the “high” ranges from 20 to 85 with a mean at 40.

(credit: The Royal Society Publishing: Biology Letters) Researchers were interested in answering the question, “How does sheep grazing affect the population densities of wild mountain birds?” To answer this question, the researchers counted population numbers of various birds in areas of low intensity sheep grazing and in areas of high intensity sheep grazing. A third set of data was collected from control areas in which no sheep grazing occurred. The results of this study are shown in these graphs. All of the bird species eat insects as their primary source of nutrition. The group labeled “insect eaters” combines many species because the numbers for individual species were too small to show separately as shown for the meadow pipit and willow grouse, which are both highly abundant. Because all of the birds are insect eaters, construct a scientific question related to this fact that the researchers could ask to refine their study even further. Explain your reasoning.

  1. Does sheep grazing make insects more available to birds? This question refines the question about how sheep grazing affects bird populations because it asks more specifically how sheep grazing changes the food availability for the birds.
  2. How does sheep grazing make insects more available to birds? This question refines the question about how sheep grazing affects insect populations because it asks more specifically how sheep grazing changes the food availability for the insects.
  3. Does sheep grazing make insects more available to birds? This question refines the question about how sheep grazing affects bird populations because it asks more specifically how sheep grazing changes the food availability for the insects.
  4. How does sheep grazing make insects more available to birds? This question refines the question about how sheep grazing affects bird populations because it asks more specifically how sheep grazing changes the food availability for the insects.
84 .
A pond ecosystem in an open field begins to be shaded by the growth of trees around its perimeter. Predict changes in this pond after the trees grow large enough to completely shade the pond.
  1. The population sizes of all organisms will decrease in response to lower energy flowing into the pond.
  2. The population densities of all organisms will increase in response to lower temperatures in the pond.
  3. The population distributions of large organisms will shift from clumped to random in response to lower energy flowing into the pond.
  4. The population distributions of small organisms will shift from uniform to clumped in response to lower temperatures in the pond.
85 .
A researcher has been studying a wildflower population growing in a large meadow. The researcher counted individual plants and mapped their locations. Analysis of the data revealed that the wildflower has a uniform population distribution. This result prompts the researcher to ask a new scientific question to further refine his understanding of the ecology of this plant species. Construct a scientific question the researcher might ask that is directly prompted by his first set of findings.
  1. When does this plant species flower and how does it attract pollinators?
  2. Does this wildflower species have any adaptations that function to defend the plant against herbivores?
  3. Which species of insects and/or birds are pollinators for this wildflower species?
  4. Does this wildflower species secrete any chemical compounds that inhibit growth of others of its species?
86 .
Fruit flies are found in many different areas in the world. Fruit flies that are resistant to cold temperatures tend to have decreased fecundity at early ages compared to flies that are not capable of surviving the cold. Explain a likely reason for why this set of traits is observed. (credit: Anthony Zera Publications)
  1. Flies having traits that traded early reproductive energy for greater storage of energy in their bodies were favored via natural selection because they survived the cold better than flies that did not have these traits.
  2. In cold conditions, flies have less need for reproduction than in warm conditions and so energy normally used for reproduction is diverted to other survival functions.
  3. Flies respond to weather conditions to shift their energy resources to either storage in their bodies in the cold or to reproduction when conditions become warm again.
  4. All fruit flies have the same genetic makeup, but express different patterns of genes under different conditions, which results in expression of certain genes for cold conditions and others for warm conditions.
87 .

A table with Species A and Species B. In Species A, of those that mated females without food, 23.5% of females laid eggs in host, 92.5% of the young were viable, and the female parent lived 2.6 days. In Species A, of those that mated females with food, 83.5% of females laid eggs in host, 95.2% of the young were viable, and the female parent lived 7.8 days. In Species B, of those that mated females without food, 0% of females laid eggs in host, the percent of the young that were viable is unavailable, and the female parent lived 2.0 days. In Species B, of those that mated females with food, 68.9% of females laid eggs in host, 95.3% of the young were viable, and the female parent lived 6.9 days.

(credit: Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology) Female parasitoid wasps lay their eggs inside the bodies of caterpillars. The caterpillars die when the eggs hatch, and the young wasps feed on the body of the caterpillar. Egg-laying females of two species of parasitoid wasps were studied in special growth chambers in which a food source was either provided or omitted. This table summarizes some of the data collected. Identify the statement most consistent with these data.

  1. When energy availability is low, females put more energy than normal into producing offspring.
  2. When energy availability is high, females produce offspring with higher viability.
  3. When energy availability is low, females shift energy away from reproduction and toward their own survival.
  4. When energy availability is high, females cannot both produce viable offspring and maintain their own survival.
88 .
During breeding season, many female elk mate with males, but not all mated females become pregnant. Female elk having body fat less than 6% were found to have greatly reduced chances of becoming pregnant than female elk having body fat above 10%. Explain how natural selection was likely involved in establishing this trait in elk. (credit: USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center)
  1. Through natural selection, female elk that did not have the energy reserves to carry a pregnancy to term and did not become pregnant died whereas those which became pregnant anyway were favored.
  2. Natural selection favored the selection of traits preventing pregnancies in female elk with low fat reserves, so this trait has become predominant in natural elk herds observed today.
  3. Natural selection randomly changes the frequency of genes allowing traits preventing pregnancies in female elk with low fat reserves to be favored.
  4. Natural selection leads to a sudden inheritable change in the genome of the female elk, ensuring female elk with very high fat reserves to effectively carry out pregnancy.
89 .
Research on elk in Yellowstone National Park was conducted to determine how body condition affects survival of the elk over the winter months. It was found that the probability of survival of female elk is greater when they have accumulated 15% or more body fat by the end of fall. Female elk with body fat less than 10% in late fall were found to be at high risk of not surviving the winter. Explain why this pattern is likely to be observed. (credit: USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center)
  1. In winter, the availability of food decreases. So, there needs to be a certain threshold level of energy their bodies store in the form of fat to ensure their survival.
  2. In winter, the availability of food increases. So, there should be a certain threshold level of energy in their bodies stored in the form of fat to ensure their survival.
  3. In winter, elk’s requirement for food increases due to increase in metabolic activities. So, there should be a certain threshold level of energy in their bodies stored in the form of fat to ensure their survival.
  4. Elk release more energy in winter. So, there should be a certain threshold level of energy in their bodies stored in the form of fat to ensure their survival.
90 .

The table has three columns, species, the birth rate in N per year, and the death rate in N per year. For Species A, the birth rate was 1845 and the death rate was 1467. For Species B, the birth rate was 43 and the death rate was 79. For Species C, the birth rate was 2800 and the death rate was 21115. For Species D, the birth rate was 16 and the death rate was 16. For Species E, the birth rate was 933 and the death rate was 1351.

The table contains birth rates and death rates for populations of several species living in the same ecosystem. Analyze the data to identify the population(s) experiencing a negative change in population size.

  1. species A only
  2. species A and species C
  3. species B and species D
  4. species B and species E
91 .

Data is presented in a table with two columns, year after the flood and number of individuals. The data is as follows: year 1, 5 individuals; year 2, 10 individuals; year 3, 16 individuals; year 4, 24 individuals; year 5, 36 individuals; year 6, 58 individuals; year 7, 82 individuals; year 8, 99 individuals; year 9, 110 individuals; year 10, 116 individuals; year 11, 120 individuals; year 12, 122 individuals; year 13, 121 individuals; and year 14, 122 individuals.

These data were collected on the population size of a species of plant growing in a region during the years after a flood destroyed the area. Explain what the data indicate about this population.

  1. The plant population grew exponentially throughout the years as the numbers of individuals increased at an exponential rate. The population eventually became stable after reaching a maximum number of 120 individuals, which could be the carrying capacity of the environment.
  2. The population grew exponentially in the first few years and later became logistic as the rate slowed down. The population eventually became stable after reaching a maximum number of 120 individuals, which could be the carrying capacity of the local environment.
  3. The plant population grew logistically throughout the years as the growth rate of the population slowed down. The population eventually became stable after reaching a maximum number of 120 individuals, which could be the carrying capacity of the environment.
  4. The population grew exponentially in the first few years and later became logistic as the rate slowed down. The population eventually became stable after reaching a number of 116 individuals, which could be the carrying capacity of the environment.
92 .
(credit: modification of work by Grab, Heather, et al./Scientific Reports)

This graph shows the averaged weight of strawberry fruits relative to the abundance of bees in the area.

What is a claim that can be made based on this graph?

  1. A high bee population density increases the average weight of strawberry fruits.
  2. A high bee population density decreases the average weight of the strawberry fruits.
  3. Bee population density and strawberry fruit weight are not related to each other.
  4. Bee abundance may or may not affect strawberry fruit weight. More research is required.
93 .
A conservation group has claimed that the introduction of logging into a forest ecosystem will decrease the carrying capacity of trout living in a stream within the ecosystem. Describe data that could be used to either justify or refute this claim. Explain your reasoning.
  1. The growth rate of trout in the stream before and after logging will give an indication as to whether the claim is justified or not.
  2. Evaluate the death rate of trout in the stream after the introduction of logging, which will be used to justify or refute the claim.
  3. Collect data on number of trout in the stream after the introduction of logging, which will give an indication as to whether the claim is justified or not.
  4. Collect data on the number of trout in the stream before and after logging, which will give an indication as to whether the claim is justified or not.
94 .
Predict how human population change in the next 50 years is likely to affect marine ecosystems.
  1. Humans will decrease their own carrying capacity, which will also decrease the carrying capacities of marine ecosystems.
  2. Decreased fishing can be expected, which will lead to rebounds in fish populations and healthier marine ecosystems.
  3. Increases in greenhouse gas emissions are likely, with increases in ocean temperatures that trigger shifts in marine populations.
  4. Biodiversity of marine ecosystems will increase as humans use engineering to increase food production in the oceans.
95 .
Describe how the quantity of waste from human activities can be expected to change in the next 50 years and why. Explain how that change could impact a specific ecosystem.
  1. The amount of waste generated by human activities will increase exponentially as the human population continues to increase exponentially. Removal of waste would require a decrease in habitats, which will lead to decrease in populations of species dependent on those habitats.
  2. The amount of waste generated by human activities will increase exponentially as the human population continues to increase exponentially. Removal of waste will require an increase in habitats, which will lead to exponential increase in populations of species dependent on those habitats.
  3. The amount of waste generated by human activities will decrease exponentially as the human population continues to increase exponentially. Removal of waste would require an increase in habitats, which will lead to exponential increase in populations of species dependent on those habitats.
  4. The amount of waste generated by human activities will decrease exponentially as the human population continues to increase exponentially. Removal of waste will require a decrease in habitats, which will lead to decrease in populations of species dependent on those habitats.
96 .
A company wants to establish suspended cultures of mussels in a natural estuary from which they can farm mussels in a sustainable enterprise. The suspended cultures would keep the mussels contained for easy capture, but would allow free flow of estuary waters in and out of the cultures. The company wants to know the maximum number of mussels they can farm each month and maintain a sustainable system. A biologist has suggested that the limiting factor for mussels is the amount of phytoplankton that the mussels feed on. Identify data that could best be used to either justify or refute this suggestion.
  1. rates of growth of newly established mussel cultures in a lab under different phytoplankton concentrations
  2. phytoplankton population changes in the estuary as a function of intensity and duration of sunlight exposure
  3. biomasses of natural mussel populations and phytoplankton populations in the estuary determined at many different times
  4. lab measurements of phytoplankton biomass in response to added mussel population numbers
97 .
A non-venomous species of snake has a wide geographical range. In one region, the species has dull coloration and in another region, the species exhibits bright coloration that resembles a local venomous species of snake. A hypothesis has been proposed that the bright coloration is an adaptation to defend against predation, an example of Batesian mimicry. Describe an experimental design that could be used to test this hypothesis.
  1. Run field tests in which dull individuals and brightly colored individuals are captured and switched into the other’s territory to see how many of each survive.
  2. Run field tests in which video cameras are set up to record predators capturing dull individuals and brightly colored individuals in their native territories.
  3. Run laboratory tests in which predators familiar with the poisonous snake are offered dull individuals and brightly colored individuals to see if the predators show a preference.
  4. Run laboratory tests in which predators familiar with the dull colored non-poisonous snake are offered poisonous brightly colored individuals and non-poisonous brightly colored individuals to see if the predators show a preference.
98 .
Frogs are amphibians and spend time both on land and in water. Female frogs are vulnerable to predation by fish when they enter the water to lay eggs. A hypothesis has been proposed that frogs rely on chemical detection of predators in addition to visual detection. In other words, frogs detect the presence of predator fish by chemicals released by fish into the water. Design an experiment to test this hypothesis.
  1. Arrange containers of water in which water can be freely shared between two compartments. Fish are contained within one compartment and frogs in another such that the frogs on one side cannot see or hear fish on other side. Observe and compare the egg laying behavior of female frogs in the presence and absence of predator fish in the fish tank.
  2. Arrange containers of water in which water can be freely shared between two compartments. Fish and frogs are contained within one compartment such that frogs cannot see or hear fish. Observe and compare the egg laying behavior of female frogs in the presence and absence of predator fish.
  3. Arrange containers of water in which water can be freely shared between two compartments. Fish and frogs are contained within one compartment such that frogs can see or hear fish. Observe and compare the egg laying behavior of female frogs in the presence and absence of predator fish in the fish tank.
  4. Arrange containers of water in which water can be freely shared between two compartments. Fish are contained within one compartment and frogs in another such that frogs on one side can see or hear fish on other side. Observe and compare the egg laying behavior of female frogs in the presence and absence of predator fish in the fish tank.
99 .
(credit: modification of work by Thomas Chowns/National Council for Air and Stream Improvement)

The graph shows the results of a research study involving pepper plants. The pepper plants have ant colonies living in them. The ants eat caterpillars which eat the leaves of the pepper plants.

The researchers introduced some beetles to some of the pepper plants. The beetles ate the ants, reducing their numbers. Then the researchers collected data on the leaf surface area of the trees with beetles introduced and trees which did not have beetles.

Make a claim about this research.

  1. The ants and the beetles are in a mutualistic relationship.
  2. The beetles and the caterpillars are in a mutualistic relationship.
  3. The beetles and the pepper trees are in a mutualistic relationship.
  4. The ants and the pepper trees are in a mutualistic relationship.
100 .

A table with the first column indicated snail type and the other two columns give the survival rate of those snails. Of snails released into mottled snail region, 95% of mottled snails survived and 5% of solid snails survive. Of snails released into solid snail region, 5% of mottled snails survive and 95% of solid snails survive.

A species of marine snail is found in shallow waters near coastlines. This snail feeds on detritus on the ocean bottom. Researchers noticed that snails in one area had a mottled appearance, while snails in another area were solid in color. The researchers set up areas in each region for study and then released both mottled and solid snails into the solid snail region and released both mottled and solid snails into the mottled snail region. The survival rate of each variant was measured. Results are summarized in this table. Construct a possible hypothesis that accounts for these data. Explain your reasoning.

  1. A possible hypothesis is that the coloration of the snail is dependent on environmental conditions. Camouflage in both mottled and solid snails is best during optimum environmental conditions and does not change according to the region in which they are placed.
  2. A possible hypothesis is that the coloration of the snail is an adaptation in the form of camouflage to protect the snail from predators in the region it is invading. Mottled snails are best camouflaged in the solid snail region and stand out to predators and suffer greater predation when placed in their native region.
  3. A possible hypothesis is that the coloration of the snail is an adaptation in the form of camouflage to protect the snail from predators in its native region. Mottled snails are best camouflaged in their native region and stand out to predators and suffer greater predation when placed in the region normally occupied by solid snails.
  4. A possible hypothesis is that the coloration of the snail is an adaptation in the form of camouflage to protect the snail from predators in its native region. Solid snails are best camouflaged in mottled snail region and are more obvious to predators when placed in their native region.
101 .

A graph is depicted with x-axis labeled “Types of Food Eaten” and y-axis labeled “Amount of Food Eaten.” 4 different curves are labeled A through D, all shaped like a bell curve, and all with the same distance between end points as well as the same maximum. The A curve starts near zero. The B curve starts slightly right of the A curve’s start. The C curve starts lightly left of the end of the B curve. The D curve starts where the B curve ends.

The graph summarizes data concerning four different species of lizards that inhabit tropical habitats. Predict how these species will be able to coexist if they inhabit the same region of a tropical habitat.

  1. All species will coexist with one another because they consume the same amounts of food.
  2. Species A, B, and C will best coexist because of their similarities in amount and type of food eaten.
  3. Species A and B will best coexist because they have the most overlap in diet.
  4. Species D will best coexist with any one of the other species because this species eats completely different types of food.
102 .

A table with the left most column indicated bird species A and B, and the right columns indicating the percent of various food types that make up their diet. Species A consumes 95% insects, 5% nectar, and 0% worms. Species B consumes 92% insects, 3% nectar, and 5% worms.

Warblers are a group of small songbirds consisting of many species. The table summarizes data collected on the diets of two species of warblers. In addition, both species A and B use the same types of nesting materials and sites for building nests.

A biologist observes that Species A and Species B primarily inhabit different regions of a forest in western Canada. During a forest fire that wiped out the region it inhabited, Species B fled to the region inhabited by Species A. Predict what is likely to happen to these two species in the future. Explain your reasoning.

  1. Both the species will survive because of difference in needs for food and nesting space.
  2. Species A will increase in population whereas species B will remain same due to the overlapping needs for food and nesting space.
  3. Only one of these species will survive in this region due to the difference in needs for food and nesting space. The species that loses will either die off or migrate to another region.
  4. Only one of these species will survive in this region due to the overlapping needs for food and nesting space. The species that loses will either die off or migrate to another region.
103 .
Himalayan blackberries are an invasive species that has spread in the forest of the Pacific Northwest. The plants develop thick tangles of cane covered with thorns that cover ground with a tight mat. Ecologists hypothesized that Himalayan blackberries displace native species of shrubs by reproducing faster and reducing areas available for growth. They recorded the density of blackberries and native salmonberries, a native shrub, along a creek for several years. The percentage areas of ground covered by blackberries and native shrubs were plotted over time. The graph shows a blue line representing the growth of Blackberry shrub density (% area) over time in years, and a red line representing the growth of Salmonberry shrubs (% area) over time in years. The blue representing Blackberry shrub density line starts near zero and rises sharply, crossing the red line and then continuing to rise more slowly. The red line representing Salmonberry shrubs starts very high, near the top of the graph, and falls dramatically, crossing the blue line and then continuing to decrease more slowly. Based on the graph, what statement best explain the role of blackberries on the ecosystem studied?
  1. Blackberries promote the growth of salmonberry shrubs.
  2. Blackberries and salmonberry shrubs do not interfere with each other’s growth.
  3. Salmonberry shrubs prevent the growth of blackberries.
  4. Blackberries displaced salmonberry shrubs.
104 .
Predict how ecosystems in the northernmost land regions will be affected by human population change in the next 50 years.
  1. Biodiversity of these northernmost regions will remain constant as humans will find other more habitable locations to house their growing numbers.
  2. The populations of organisms presently inhabiting these regions will shift as global warming causes many species to decline and new species to move in.
  3. The carrying capacity of these regions for humans will decrease as the human population increases exponentially.
  4. Ecosystems can be expected to remain untouched by humans as new technologies are developed to sustain a growing population.
105 .
A researcher is interested in investigating whether the croaking pattern produced by males in a frog species is a learned behavior or an innate behavior. Which of the following would best help the researcher answer this question?
  1. genetic analyses of adult male frogs raised in isolation and in multigenerational frog communities
  2. field observations of adult frogs in their native habitat during mating season
  3. video recordings of individual frogs raised in large multigenerational frog communities
  4. audio recordings of individual frogs at sexual maturity after being raised in total isolation
106 .
A biologist hypothesizes birds of various species recognize the predator warning calls of other bird species. The biologist has established several feeders in a forest where birds come to feed regularly. They are spread out over a wide area, making it difficult to observe all of the boxes at the same time. Describe how the biologist can use this site to collect data to test his hypothesis.
  1. The biologist can use video cameras to record the behavior of birds coming to the feeders.
  2. The biologist can leave an audio recorder near the feeders.
  3. The biologist can record the behavior of birds by comparing them with other birds using video cameras.
  4. The biologist could observe the birds continually for one month.
107 .

Table with first column describing butterflies. Yellow buntings encountered 9 butterflies with eyespots and fled. Yellow buntings encountered 19 butterflies with eyespots and attacked. There were 28 total encounters with butterflies with eyespots. Yellow buntings encountered 0 butterflies without eyespots and fled. Yellow buntings encountered 18 butterflies without eyespots and attacked. Yellow buntings encountered 18 total encounters.


Yellow buntings are birds that feed on butterflies, including Aglaisurticae, a species of butterfly that has bright circular coloring on its wing called an eyespot. Biologists have hypothesized that eyespots mimic owl eyes. Owls are predators of yellow buntings.


In laboratory experiments using yellow buntings captured from the wild and held in captivity, individual birds were observed during sessions in which they were given butterflies that had either not be treated or had been treated to remove their eyespots. Yellow buntings were scored according to whether they showed fleeing behavior when they encountered butterflies of both types. The data were compiled into a table. How do these data support the claim that one species’ response to information can affect natural selection in another species?

  1. Comparison of the total number of encounters shows that more birds responded to the eyespot, a trait that will likely be selected against in natural populations of the butterfly.
  2. Comparison of the number of birds attacking butterflies with and without eyespots suggests that the presence of an eyespot makes butterflies more visible to predators resulting in selection against the trait.
  3. Comparison of the number of birds fleeing from butterflies with and without eyespots indicates that the eyespot trait has been disfavored because this trait makes the butterflies stand out to predators.
  4. Comparison of the number of birds fleeing from butterflies with and without eyespots suggests that selection has occurred in butterflies in favor of the eyespot trait, which mimics a predator of the bird.
108 .

A table with the first column headed “Calls made by small bird.” Mobbing call has a call sound frequency of 4.5 kHz, small bird hearing range (1–10 kHz) “yes,” and large bird hearing range (1–4 kHz) “yes.” Scolding call has a call sound frequency of 4 kHz, small bird hearing range (1–10 kHz) “yes,” and large bird hearing range (1–4 kHz) “yes.” Warning call has a call sound frequency of 7–8 kHz, small bird hearing range (1–10 kHz) “yes,” and large bird hearing range (1–4 kHz) “no.”

A small bird makes three different kinds of calls: A mobbing call that a group of adults make when mobbing a single predator bird in defense of their nests, a scolding call that a single bird makes to disturb a predator bird perched nearby, and a warning call that a single bird makes to warn other birds when a predator bird flies into the vicinity.

A study analyzed the sound frequencies of different calls. The table summarizes the findings.

Based on this information, make a claim about the calls the small bird makes. (credit: Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology)

  1. A scolding call cannot be heard by other small birds. This is because the scolding call targets a larger bird. There is no advantage in other small birds hearing it.
  2. The mobbing can be heard by large predator birds. Therefore small birds cannot defend their nests without the predators knowing. This is an unfavorable trait and is naturally selected.
  3. The scolding call cannot be heard by large birds. Therefore, the scolding call is not effective in its purpose. This is an unfavorable trait, but the small birds still has it.
  4. The warning call cannot be heard by large predator birds. This gives the small birds an advanced warning. This is a favorable trait that gives birds a survival advantage.
109 .
Which of the following statements most directly supports the claim that Monarch butterfly migration is a regulated event?
  1. Monarch butterflies fly up to 3,000 miles from their summer habitat in North America to their winter habitat in Mexico.
  2. Because the life span of a Monarch butterfly is so short, not every generation of Monarchs migrates.
  3. Monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed while adult butterflies feed on flower nectar.
  4. Changes in day length trigger hormonal and nervous system changes in Monarchs that result in behavioral changes.
110 .
(credit: modification of work by Mduma, S.A.R., et al./Journal of Animal Ecology)

Wildebeests migrate over 1800 miles each year in search of ripe grass. A research study compared the amount of rainfall and the survival rate of adult wildebeests. The graph shows their findings. The bars show the rainfall amount and the line shows the survival rate.

Make a claim based on this information.

  1. The survival curve follows the rainfall with about one month time lag. Rainfall is a major factor that affects survival of wildebeest.
  2. The survival curve is not affected by rainfall. Rainfall is not a factor in wildebeest survival.
  3. The survival curve exactly matches the rainfall curve. This indicates availability of drinking water is a major factor in wildebeest survival.
  4. Wildebeest survival is negatively affected by large amounts of rainfall. This indicates rainfall brings dangers which the wildebeests cannot avoid.
111 .
Some animal behaviors can be modified by experience. Which of the following accurately predicts how an experiential factor is likely to affect an animal’s behavior?
  1. A species of salmon will migrate up the same river regardless of increases in predators that visit these waterways from one year to the next.
  2. Female elk that had difficult deliveries of calves will continue to mate with males in succeeding mating seasons.
  3. Bears that receive food from humans are later more likely to break into human habitations than bears that are not approached by humans.
  4. A bird raised from an egg isolated in a lab environment will give the same alarm call as birds of the same species raised in the wild.
112 .
(credit: modification of work by Rafferty, John P./Encyclopedia Britannica)

The image shows the comparative sizes of an elephant and a brontosaurus, a large dinosaur that was a herbivore.

Based on the form of the brontosaurus, make a claim about its foraging behavior. (Image source: Encyclopedia Britannica)

  1. The brontosaurus would cover large distances in a day, always on the move. Its thick legs would allow it to move its large body with little effort.
  2. The brontosaurus would use its long neck to reach plants in a wide area. It would minimize its body movement because moving such a large body would cost a lot of energy.
  3. The larger and thicker back legs mean the brontosaurus could move very fast. Thus, the brontosaurus would move between patches of plants in a fast gait.
  4. The long neck of the brontosaurus means plants grew leaves much higher than modern times. The brontosaurus would reach to tall locations by extending its long neck and long body.
113 .

A table compares the time spent by test animals in three conditions for a treatment group and a control group. The table has three columns all under the heading, time spent by test animals. From left to right, the column headings are towels wet with tap water, towels wet with injured salamander fluids, and towels wet with noninjured salamander fluids. The upper row is labeled treatment group and the lower row is labeled control group. Two of the columns are shaded rather than containing data: the column for towels wet with noninjured salamander fluids for the treatment group in row 1 and the column for towels wet with injured salamander fluids for the control group in row 2. The data in the rows is as follows. Row 1 treatment group: time spent with towels wet with tap water 17 and time spent with towels wet with injured salamander fluids 3. Row 2 control group: time spent with towels wet with tap water 8 and time spent with towels wet with noninjured salamander fluids 12.

Salamanders produce chemical compounds that function as alarm cues. In a study, some salamanders were injured. Body fluids from injured salamanders were used to moisten paper towels. Then, some boxes were lined at one end with paper towels moist with fluids from injured salamanders and at the other end with paper towels moist with just tap water. Healthy salamanders were placed in the middle of the box and were observed.

Then, the same experiment was done with body fluids from healthy salamanders. The table summarized the results.

Which of the following statements is an accurate analysis of the data?

  1. These salamanders releases chemical compounds during injury that result in avoidance behavior in other salamanders.
  2. These salamanders releases chemical compounds during injury that attract other salamanders.
  3. The chemicals released by injured salamanders do not repel or attract other salamanders.
  4. There is not enough data to find a relationship between the chemicals and how other salamanders behave.
114 .
(credit: modification of work by Frans B. M. de Waal, et al./PNAS)

In a research study, one monkey was given a choice between two tokens. One token gave a reward to the subject monkey. The other token gave the same reward to the subject monkey and also a reward to another monkey. So the selfish token only awarded the subject, while the prosocial token awarded the subject and one other monkey, a case of altruistic behavior. The graph shows the rate of selection of the prosocial token with additional trials.

Make a claim based on this graph.

  1. The subject monkeys have a tendency to show altruism. This tendency stays constant in repeated trials.
  2. The subject monkeys have a tendency to show altruism. This tendency increases in repeated trials.
  3. The subject monkeys have a tendency to show selfish behavior. This tendency stays constant in repeated trials.
  4. The subject monkeys have a tendency to show selfish behavior. This tendency increases in repeated trials.
115 .

A flow chart shows the stimulus a cat experience and the resulting behavior. Footsteps resulted in greeting behavior. Loud noise resulted in hiding behavior. Many trials of footsteps followed by loud noise resulted in hiding behavior.

This representation was created to describe how the behavior of a cat was affected as it was exposed to different stimuli. Identify the term that should be used for the process represented by this diagram.

  1. innate behavior
  2. classical conditioning
  3. operant conditioning
  4. cognitive learning
116 .
Elk migrate from summer feeding grounds in high mountain meadows down into lower valleys during winter. Using the words behavioral changes, physiological changes, seasonal changes, and migration, write the order of events that occur to bring about this migration.
  1. seasonal changes, physiological changes, migration, and behavioral changes, respectively
  2. physiological changes, seasonal changes, behavioral changes, and migration, respectively
  3. seasonal changes, behavioral changes, physiological changes, and migration, respectively
  4. seasonal changes, physiological changes, behavioral changes, and migration, respectively
117 .
Some fish swim in schools, which can respond rapidly by moving quickly away from predator threats. In schools, fish swim in a coordinated pattern without moving chaotically and bumping into one another. Which type of communication between individuals could account for the precisely coordinated movements of all of the fish in a school in response to a threat?
  1. aural signals
  2. pheromone signals
  3. tactile signals
  4. visual signals
118 .
(credit: modification of work by Animal Planet's Meerkat Manor)

This image shows a meerkat looking out to spot predators as other meerkats forage.

Which option describes this behavior?

  1. It is a mating display. Males who can guard without eating are more fit and are more attractive to females.
  2. It is a fixed action pattern. When some meerkats start foraging, the last meerkat keeps repeating this behavior.
  3. It is a kinesis. When multiple meerkats bend down, some meerkats get into the guarding pose in response.
  4. It is altruistic behavior. The meerkat chooses not to eat to increase the chances of its kin surviving.
PreviousNext
Order a print copy
Citation/Attribution

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Attribution information
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, then you must include on every physical page the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/biology-ap-courses/pages/1-introduction
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a digital format, then you must include on every digital page view the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/biology-ap-courses/pages/1-introduction
Citation information

© Sep 19, 2024 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.