Ecology and Environment Unit 2 Lessons 3-5

Which of the following organisms is most likely to be a pioneer species in an ecosystem?

• a tall tree

• moss

• a shrub

• a mouse

Which ecosystem most likely has the greatest biological diversity?

• a tank that includes several goldfish

• a tundra region that has many penguins

• a pine tree in which three groups of birds live

• a rain forest that has many different types of plants and animals

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NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Which statement best describes ecosystems?

• They can never change once they are established.

• They constantly change in different ways over time.

• Ecosystems always revert back to their original state.

• Each ecosystem can exist for only a specific length of time.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

How is secondary succession different from primary succession?

• Secondary succession occurs after a disturbance in an area that was previously uninhabited.

• Secondary succession occurs after a disturbance in an area in which the soil has remained intact.

• Secondary succession occurs over a longer period of time than primary succession.

• Secondary succession occurs when animals are introduced to an area that had only plants.

Which term best describes the number and variety of organisms in a given area during a specific period of time?

• carrying capacity

• biodiversity

• succession

• eutrophication

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

How do pioneer species make ecological succession possible on an island formed from volcanic eruptions?

• They use chemicals to produce food.

• They establish homes in which animals can live.

• They break down rock into soil in which plants can grow.

• They adjust the climate by altering the average temperature in a region.

How would the introduction of an exotic species most likely affect an ecosystem?

• It would pollute the water or land.

• It would increase the available resources.

• It would compete with native species for resources.

• It would cause the size of the ecosystem to increase.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Farmers often give their crops more nutrients by applying chemical fertilizers to the soil. Which of the following describes how this activity is most likely to affect water quality in nearby water bodies?

• If the fertilizers run off into the water, they can cause eutrophication.

• If the fertilizers run off into the water, the nutrient level may be decreased.

• If the fertilizers run off into the water, the water will be able to support a greater diversity of organisms.

• Applying chemical fertilizers to soil is unlikely to affect water quality in nearby water bodies.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What happens when resource depletion occurs?

• chemicals are spilled or dumped into water

• nutrients are added to an aquatic ecosystem

• a large fraction of a specific resource is used up

• materials are changed in form so they can be reused

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which of the following strategies is most likely to help conserve natural resources?

• spraying chemical fertilizers on crops

• investing in power plants that burn fossil fuels

• leaving electronic devices running when not in use

• taking buses or subways to work rather than driving cars

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3