Ecology and Environmental Science Quiz

What is an abiotic factor?

• A living factor that influences an ecosystem

• A non-living physical factor that influences an ecosystem

• A measure of dissolved oxygen in water

• A type of community of organisms

What does BOD stand for?

• Biochemical organic demand

• Biological oxygen demand

• Biochemical oxygen demand

• Biological organic demand

Which term refers to the mass of organic material in organisms or ecosystems?

• Biodiversity

• Biomass

• Biotic factor

• Ecosystem

What is the definition of biodiversity?

• The genetic variation within a species

• The variety of habitats in an ecosystem

• The total number of organisms in a community

• The amount of biological diversity per unit area

What is a biome?

• A measure of species diversity

• A stable community of organisms

• A collection of ecosystems sharing similar climatic conditions

• A group of populations interacting in a habitat

What is the carrying capacity of an environment?

• The rate of natural increase in a population

• The total biomass of an ecosystem

• The maximum number of individuals of a species that can be supported sustainably

• The maximum number of species that can coexist

What does the term 'climax community' refer to?

• A community that has just begun to develop

• A community that is unstable and constantly changing

• A community that is in equilibrium with environmental conditions

• A community with the highest biodiversity

What is the definition of competition in ecology?

• The relationship between two species where one benefits

• The process of natural selection

• The demand by organisms for limited resources

• The interaction between different species in a habitat

What is the crude birth rate?

• The number of births per thousand individuals per year

• The total fertility rate of a population

• The average lifespan of individuals in a population

• The number of deaths per thousand individuals per year

What does the term 'demographic transition' describe?

• The change in species diversity over time

• The changing levels of fertility and mortality in a population

• The impact of human activities on ecosystems

• The process of natural selection