Organism Interactions in Ecosystems

The graph here shows the populations, over several years, for two animals that share a habitat. Lynxes are mammals that hunt for food, and snowshoe hares are a common prey animal for the lynx. According to the data, in which year did the population of lynx increase that is most likely a result of an increase in the availability of a source of food?

• 1925

• 1905

• 1885

• 1855

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A decrease in population of an organism would most likely be associated with which of the following?

• A decrease in the prey of the organism.

• An increase in the prey of the organism.

• More habitat available to the organism.

• A decrease in predators of the organism.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What data would be MOST helpful to support the claim that the population of a certain animal is dependent on the amount of area available in its habitat.

• The number of offspring (babies/children) born in a certain year, along with the amount of area available to the animal.

• The population information over several years, along with the amount of area available to the animal.

• The number of animals that died over a period of years, along with the amount of area available to the animal.

• The number of predators that are found over a period of years, along with the amount of area available to the animal.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Aphids are an insect found on many plants in many parts of the country. Ladybugs prey on aphids. Based on the relationship between plants, aphids, and ladybugs, which of the following trends would be predicted when looking at data on the populations of these three organisms?

• Population decrease in ladybugs should follow a population increase of aphids.

• Population of ladybugs should remain the same following a population increase of aphids.

• Population increase in aphids should follow a population increase of ladybugs.

• Population decrease in ladybugs should follow a population decrease of aphids.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

The graphs provides data on the populations of four organisms that share a habitat. The data supports that which two organisms depend on each other?

• Organism 1 and Organism 2

• Organism 2 and Organism 3

• Organism 3 and Organism 4

• Organism 4 and Organism 1

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

What biotic factor is directly necessary for the survival of a lion in its habitat?

• shelter

• zebra

• water

• plant

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Termites are insects that may sometimes live in mounds, and eat plants, including trees and grass. How do the termites depend on the trees and grass in their habitat?

• food source

• shelter

• protection

• competition

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

A graph showing the population of wolves and moose in a given environment over a fifty year period is shows in the picture. How many more moose are there than wolves during the peak (think of a mountain peak shape) of the wolves population? (Hint: Pay attention to all sides of the graph)

• 25

• 1450

• 35

• 700

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1