Ecology 8th Grade Science Review

Which of these is an abiotic element of a desert ecosystem?

• sand

• cactus

• lizard

• scorpion

Which statement describes a harmful effect of clearing rainforests for farmland?

• makes more land available for local farmers

• removes valuable habitat for local species

• increases local groundwater levels

• provides income for local residents

A food web for a grassland ecosystem is shown.

Organisms living in an ecosystem often have to compete for food. In the food web, which two animals are competing for the same food?

• the mouse and the toad

• the hawk and the rabbit

• the praying mantis and the rabbit

• the garter snake and the grasshopper

A food web showing some of the connections between organisms is shown.

If a disease decreased the population of cottontail rabbits for a short period of time, which animal populations would experience an increase in competition with each other for food?

• frogs and insects

• hawks and coyotes

• frogs and white-tailed deer

• white-tailed deer and coyotes

In Florida, black bears are found in only a few regions. Roads and highways cross all of these regions. If new road construction continues through the regions occupied by bears, how will black bear populations MOST likely be affected?

• populations will increase as the bears spread out to other areas.

• populations will increase because other herbivores will move out.

• populations will decrease due to pollution caused by cars and trucks.

• populations will decrease as they have less area to find food and shelter.

How can a shipwreck that is left in place on the ocean floor benefit marine life?

• the fossil fuel in its engines can become food for algae and fish

• its interior can release oxygen from the surface to the deep ocean

• it can provide a hard surface where organisms can attach and live.

• plastics in the ship can break down and be released to the open ocean

An event that occurs over a long period of time that leads to adaptation of an organism

• Adaptation

• Extinction

• Long-term environmental change

• Short-term environmental change

An event that occurs in a short period of time that leads to extinction or migration

• Adaptation

• Extnction

• Long-term environmental change

• Short-term environmental change

They are able to transform the energy from the Sun to make food

• Producers

• Decomposers

• Food webs

• Sun

They break down plant and animal remains and waste into molecules that producers reuse to make energy

• Producers

• Decomposers

• Food web

• Sun