Midterm Review

Front

Which of the following is an abiotic factor? Water, Rocks, Plants, Air

Back

Air

Answer explanation

Air is an abiotic factor as it is a non-living component of the environment. In contrast, water, rocks, and plants are also abiotic, but the question specifies air as the correct answer.

Front

What defines a biotic factor in an ecosystem?

Back

Living organisms

Answer explanation

A biotic factor in an ecosystem refers to living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, that interact with each other and their environment. Non-living components like soil and water are abiotic factors.

Front

What is the highest level of organization in an ecosystem?

Back

Ecosystem

Answer explanation

The highest level of organization in an ecosystem is the ecosystem itself, which encompasses all living organisms and their physical environment, interacting as a system. Other levels like individual, population, and community are part of it.

Front

Population

Back

A group of organisms of the same species living in an area

Answer explanation

A population is defined as a group of organisms of the same species living in an area. This distinguishes it from other options, which refer to different species, nonliving surroundings, or a broader ecological context.

Front

Which tree is characteristic of the Pine Barrens?

Back

Pine

Answer explanation

The Pine Barrens are characterized by their sandy soil and dry conditions, which support the growth of pine trees. Therefore, the correct answer is Pine, as it is the dominant tree species in this unique ecosystem.

Front

Which of these describes a solid?

• Particles move freely
• Particles vibrate in place
• No definite shape or volume
• Weak particle attraction

Back

Particles vibrate in place

Answer explanation

In a solid, particles are closely packed and can only vibrate in place, maintaining a definite shape and volume. This distinguishes solids from liquids and gases, where particles move more freely.

Front

What happens to particles when they are heated?

Back

The space between them increases

Answer explanation

When particles are heated, they gain energy and move faster, causing the space between them to increase. This is why the correct answer is that the space between them increases.

Front

How do gases differ from liquids?

Back

Have weak particle attraction

Answer explanation

Gases have weak particle attraction, allowing them to spread out and fill their container. Unlike liquids, which have stronger attractions and maintain a definite volume, gases do not have a definite shape or volume.

Front

In a liquid, particles:

Back

Move past each other

Answer explanation

In a liquid, particles are not tightly packed like in solids; they can move past each other while remaining close. This allows liquids to flow and take the shape of their container, making 'move past each other' the correct choice.

Front

Cooling particles results in:

• Expansion
• Slowing down
• Increased energy
• Weaker attraction

Back

Slowing down

Answer explanation

Cooling particles causes them to lose energy, leading to a decrease in their motion. This results in the particles slowing down, making 'Slowing down' the correct answer.