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Question 1:

What is the purpose of statistics in ecology?

A) To collect and analyze ecological data
B) To make accurate predictions about ecological phenomena
C) To test hypotheses and make inferences about ecological processes
D) All of the above

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Explanation: The correct answer is D) All of the above. Statistics in ecology serves the purpose of collecting and analyzing ecological data, making accurate predictions, and testing hypotheses to make inferences about ecological processes.

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Question 2:

Which statistical test is commonly used to compare means of two groups in ecology?

A) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
B) t-test
C) Chi-square test
D) Correlation analysis

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Explanation: The correct answer is B) t-test. The t-test is commonly used in ecology to compare the means of two groups and determine if they are significantly different from each other.

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Question 3:

What does p-value represent in statistical hypothesis testing?

A) The probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true
B) The probability of accepting the alternative hypothesis when it is true
C) The significance level of the statistical test
D) The measure of effect size

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Explanation: The correct answer is A) The probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true. The p-value represents the probability of obtaining the observed data or more extreme results if the null hypothesis is true. A small p-value indicates strong evidence against the null hypothesis.

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Question 4:

What is the purpose of regression analysis in ecology?

A) To examine the relationship between two or more variables
B) To compare means of different groups
C) To test for differences among categorical variables
D) To assess the normality of data distribution

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Explanation: The correct answer is A) To examine the relationship between two or more variables. Regression analysis is used in ecology to determine the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables, allowing researchers to understand and predict the effect of changes in the independent variables on the dependent variable.

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Question 5:

What is the purpose of a null hypothesis in statistical testing?

A) To establish a baseline expectation
B) To define the alternative hypothesis
C) To assess the power of the statistical test
D) To provide a reference for calculating effect size

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Explanation: The correct answer is A) To establish a baseline expectation. The null hypothesis in statistical testing represents the assumption of no effect or no difference between variables. It serves as a reference against which the alternative hypothesis is tested to determine if there is sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis and support the alternative hypothesis.