Introduction to Ecology

Which of the following is an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?

• fallen leaves

• a bluebird

• raindrops

• a wildflower

Which of the following would be classified as a population?

• a pile of fallen leaves

• a group of deer that live in a 5-acre territory

• birds, insects and earthworms in your backyard

• an oak tree

In ecology, a biological community is

• all of the organisms in a given area.

• the organisms in a given area that interact directly with one another.

• all of the animals in a given area.

• all of the organisms and the abiotic factors in a given area.

An ecosystem is different from a community in that

• an ecosystem focuses on a smaller area than a community.

• an ecosystem focuses on a larger area than a community.

• an ecosystem includes abiotic factors, but a community does not.

• a community includes abiotic factors, but an ecosystem does not.

All of the ecosystems on Earth are collectively known as the

• environment.

• biodome.

• biosphere.

• geosphere.

How many parts are there in the scientific name of an organism?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Which of the following is not true about populations in ecology?

• Populations are geographically based.

• Populations include only a single species.

• The number of individuals in any single population is the same.

• Species that consist of only one or very few populations are particularly vulnerable to extinction.

Studying how the presence of tall trees affects the number of nests of a particular species of birds would be a the _____________ level of ecology.

• individual

• population

• community

• ecosystem

Which of the following would not be part of the study of an ecosystem?

• The amount of rainfall.

• The effect of worms on the soil.

• The type of insects that are present.

• None of the above. (All of these are part of the study of an ecosystem.)