Ecosystem Stability SCA Review

Front

What is the general name of organisms that form the bottom trophic level and produce their own food, usually by photosynthesis?

Back

Producers

Answer explanation

Gisselle and Jaime are learning about autotrophs, which are organisms that produce their own food. The general name for these organisms is "Producers," as they form the base of the trophic levels.

Front

Mr. Dean and Miguel are studying an ecological pyramid in their biology class. They learn that matter is transferred through different trophic levels and is recycled by decomposers and detritivores. This process also adheres to the 10% rule. What does this represent?

Back

Flow of matter

Answer explanation

The 10% rule refers to the flow of energy through trophic levels, where only about 10% of energy is transferred to the next level. However, the question focuses on matter, which is recycled by decomposers and detritivores.

Front

Parts of an ecosystem that are not living. Examples: water, soil, sunlight, temperature, altitude.

Back

Abiotic Factors

Answer explanation

Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as water, soil, and sunlight. In contrast, detritivores and herbivores are living organisms, while biotic factors refer to living components. Thus, the correct answer is abiotic factors.

Front

What is the ultimate source of energy in any food chain?

Back

The sun

Answer explanation

The ultimate source of energy in any food chain is the sun. It provides the energy that producers, like plants, convert into food through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

Which statement describes an autotroph?

Back

It is an organism that makes its own food.

Answer explanation

An autotroph is defined as an organism that makes its own food, typically through processes like photosynthesis. This distinguishes it from heterotrophs, which consume other organisms or organic matter.

Front

During a long period without rainfall, a mountain lion may temporarily leave its usual hunting territory to drink from a farm pond. What is this behavior probably due to?

Back

the change in an abiotic factor in its environment

Answer explanation

This behavior is likely due to the change in an abiotic factor, specifically the lack of rainfall, which reduces water availability. The mountain lion seeks water to survive, prompting it to leave its usual territory.

Front

Analyze the positions of the plants and the animals in the food web pictured above. What type of impact could occur if there were a sudden decrease in the snake population?

Back

There will be an increase in the number of rabbits and shrews.

Answer explanation

If the snake population decreases, their prey, such as rabbits and shrews, would have less predation pressure. This would likely lead to an increase in the populations of rabbits and shrews, as they would thrive without snakes.

Front

Dodder plants consist of tangled masses of yellow, leafless vines and contain few chloroplasts. The vines twist around and grow into the stems of other plants, absorbing water and nutrients from them. Which statement best describes this relationship?

Back

Dodder plants are parasitic, relying on host organisms for resources.

Answer explanation

Dodder plants are parasitic because they lack chloroplasts and rely on other plants for water and nutrients, absorbing resources directly from their hosts.

Front

An increase in which factor would likely prevent the rabbit population from steadily increasing? Options: food, mates, predators, prey.

Back

predators

Answer explanation

An increase in predators would likely prevent the rabbit population from steadily increasing, as more predators would lead to higher mortality rates among rabbits, limiting their population growth.

Front

Relationship between ringworm and humans

Back

parasite/host

Answer explanation

Ringworm is caused by a fungus that lives on the skin, making humans its hosts. The correct relationship is parasite/host, as the fungus benefits at the expense of the host's health.