Ecosystems Mid Unit Review

Meadow voles are small mouse-like animals that eat plants and insects. Their niche in an ecosystem is a

• herbivore

• omnivore

• carnivore

• scavenger

An organism that breaks down dead plants and animals, returning matter back into the soil, is called a

• scavenger

• decomposer

• composer

• herbivore

The main function of a producer in an ecosystem is to

• absorb minerals from the soil.

• change water vapor into a liquid.

• make sugar through photosynthesis.

• break down dead plant and animal matter.

Decaying plants and animals are important to an ecosystem because they

• cause disease in living organisms.

• reduce soil erosion.

• recycle oxygen to the air.

• returns nutrient to the soil.

Which is most responsible for recycling dead plants and animals in an ecosystem?

• water

• bacteria

• fish

• insects

Which is an example of a decomposer?

• hawk (predator)

• mouse (prey)

• flower (producer)

• mushroom (fungi)

Which will most likely cause a decrease in predator populations?

• an increase in prey populations

• a decrease in prey populations

• a decrease in decomposers

• an increase in producers

Tyler is classifying organisms according to their source of energy. Based on the food chain above, which organism would be considered a carnivore?

• sun

• ant

• bird

• mushroom

Which gets all of its energy from the sun?

• producer

• consumer

• decomposer

• scavenger

Which describes a consumer in a pond ecosystem?

• catfish

• cattail

• water lily

• sunlight