Investigating Ecosystem Interactions 5.9A/5.9B/5.9C

Kudzu, a plant native to eastern Asia was introduced into America in 1876. In 1935, kudzu was planted along southern roadways to control soil erosion. Adding a foot of vine a day in the spring and summer, kudzu quickly grew out of control. Why can introducing a new species to an existing ecosystem of be a disaster?

• The new species an harm native organisms and damage the ecosystem

• The new species can eventually become extinct

• The new species can be so interesting that people ignore the needs of native species

• The new species can rapidly evolve into a dangerous subspecies that cannot be destroyed

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Sierra went on vacation for four weeks. When she returned, most of the plants on her windowsill were dead. The plants that were still alive were probably those best able to-

• take in air

• grow quickly

• conserve water

• absorb sunlight

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American alligators are common in Florida wetlands. They are known to eat frogs, turtles, fish, mice, and birds. What role does an American alligator fill in its ecosyste,?

• consumer

• decomposer

• scavenger

• producer

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Courtney knows that some organisms get the energy they need from other organisms. Courtney looks at the food web shown. Which organism in this food web gets all of its energy from eating plants?

• thrush

• fox

• frog

• grasshopper

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Jasmine made a simple food web of some animals that live in the Arctic. Based on Jasmine's food web, which organism is the main source of energy for the Arctic wolf?

• grass

• caribou

• polar bear

• Arctic hare

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The picture show a pill bug. Pill bugs are small organisms that feed on animal waste. Pill bugs recycle the nutrients from the waste back into the environment. What best describes the role of the pill bugs in their environment?

• consumer

• decomposers

• predators

• prey

An ocean food chain is shown. How does energy flow through this food chain

• The fish give energy to the shrimp

• The seal depends directly on sunlight for energy

• The orca supplies energy to the whole food chain

• The plankton supply energy to the rest of the food chain

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Karina moved into a house in a forest. When she first moved in, Karina would often see red foxes. As new houses were built, fewer and fewer foxes were seen. What is the most likely reason the number of foxes decreased?

• The fox habitat was destroyed

• People kept the foxes as pets

• Predators moved into the area

• Cutting down trees reduced oxygen

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Coyotes roam over large areas of land in Texas. What effect would building a mall in the coyotes' territory have on these animals?

• The coyote population would increase

• The size of the coyote population would remain unchanged

• The size of the coyotes' habitat would decrease

• The coyotes would have more resources

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Shaun sees a goldfinch and a junco in a tree at the school. These birds will most likely have to compete with one another for

• food

• mates

• nests

• oxygen

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