Ecology Review 1 (Ad Bio B)

In general, the total biomass in a terrestrial ecosystem will be greatest for which trophic level?

• herbivores

• producers

• tertiary consumers

Why are ecological pyramids the shape they are?

• top carnivores & secondary consumers have a more general diet than producers

• as matter passes through ecosystems, some of it is lost to the environment

• at each step, energy is lost from the system as a result of keeping the organisms alive

The high levels of pesticides found in birds of prey is an example of

• biological magnification

• chemical cycling through an ecosystem

• predation

Which of the following terms includes all of the others

• ecosystem diversity

• species richness

• biodiversity

What is the term for a top predator that contributes to the maintenance of species diversity among its animal prey?

• keystone species

• primary consumer

• tertiary consumer

Which of the following most directly relates to the current biodiversity crisis?

• habitat destruction

• ozone depletion

• increased atmospheric carbon dioxide

Which of the following best explains why there are usually no more than 5 trophic levels in a food chain?

• Energy is lost at each trophic level.

• There is too much competition at the lower levels to support animals above it.

• There are not enough organisms to fill more than 5 levels.

Which of the following is not an abiotic factor?

• decomposers

• temperature

• water

Which includes all of the others?

• ecosystem

• community

• population

Many poisonous animals are brightly colored (red or orange) as a warning to predators. The special coloration is called

• mutualistic coloration

• Mullerian mimicry

• aposematic coloration