(04.05 MC) In the Galapagos islands, the weather causes a variation in algae growth year to year. Marine iguanas eat the algae, and during the years with more algae growth, the marine iguanas lay more eggs. What is the benefit of this overproduction of eggs? (3 points)

(04.01 MC) A species of marine snails have either solid or striped shells. Scientists found that 57 percent of the snail population was striped, and 33 percent was solid. Sea birds are the main predator and when scientists studied their diet, they found that the birds ate more striped snails than solid snails. What could scientists conclude about the snails? (3 points)

(04.05 MC) The fur coat of California sea lions can be different shades of brown due to genetic variation. Suppose that the frequency of each fur color changed in a population as shown on the graph below. How do you expect the population trends to change after 2009 if changes in the aquatic environment make dark brown sea lions more reproductively successful than sea lions with light brown coats? (3 points)

(04.05 MC) A group of scientists wants to test the effects of increased water temperatures on a population of halibut. What result from this experiment would show natural selection in progress? (3 points)

(04.03 LC) Which of the definitions below best defines anthropogenic? (3 points)

(04.06 LC) Where would the highest density of mangrove forests be found? (3 points)

(04.03 MC) Between 1932 and 1968, a chemical factory in Japan released mercury-laden wastewater into Minamata Bay. The mercury was modified to methylmercury by bacteria living in bottom sediments. This resulted in severe mercury poisoning in over 2,000 people. Since people don’t eat bottom sediments, what is the best explanation for how toxic levels of mercury ended up in affected people? (3 points)

(04.06 LC) Mangrove swamps serve as prime nursery grounds for young marine animals. Which population of young animals would most likely live there? (3 points)

(04.06 MC) What prediction can be made about how the distribution of coral reef populations would be affected if the oceans in which they live were to experience significantly more cloudiness of the water? (3 points)

(04.06 MC) The histogram shows the worldwide population densities of killer whales, or orcas, distributed by latitude. According to the graph, how does the population density of killer whales vary around the globe? (3 points) © 2016 NOAA