Unit 9 PA

During the 1930s the southern plains of the United States experienced a severe drought. This decade in history is often referred to as the Dust Bowl. Due to lack of water, farmers were unable to grow crops. What most likely happened as a result of the changes in the ecosystem?

• The remaining plants died due to lack of water.

• Herbivores, such as livestock, were unable to find grass to eat.

• The dry soil was blown away, making it difficult for farmers to plant crops.

• All of the above.

Answer explanation

Without water, all of the answer options are possible!

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The sun plays a vital role in many different processes. It powers the water cycle, plays a major role in the development of winds, and provides heat to Earth. What role does the sun play in the flow of energy within an ecosystem?

• The sun plays no role in how energy flows within an ecosystem.

• The sun provides energy for the plants to complete the photosynthesis process.

• The sun provides light for the animals to hunt.

• The sun provides energy to consumers so they can make their own food.

Answer explanation

While the sun could absolutely provide light for animals to hunt, when it comes to the energy flow of a system - the sun is a necessary part of photosynthesis!

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Consumers are dependent on other organisms for:

• food

• carbon dioxide

• shelter

• water

Answer explanation

Consumers get energy in an ecosystem by eating another organsims!

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Desert sages and cacti are examples of producers in a desert ecosystem, while diamondback rattlesnakes and kangaroo rats are examples of consumers. In an ocean ecosystem, which of the following would NOT be classified as a consumer?

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• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Kelp is a producer, not a consumer! It can produce its own food.

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What do most producers need to make their own food?

• sunlight, oxygen, soil

• sunlight, water, carbon dioxide

• sunlight, carbon dioxide, soil

• sunlight, water, oxygen

Answer explanation

Sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide are all necessary for photosynthesis!

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A simple investigation to determine if a plant needs water to make its food is to:

• use two different plants, but water only one

• use two identical plants, but water only one

• use one plant, but do not water it

• use one plant, and provide it with water

Answer explanation

This one was potentially tricky - you would need two identical plants to compare in the experiment, where one would get watered and the other one wouldn't so you could see if water is necessary or not!

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Which organism would be labeled as a consumer?

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• 
• 

Answer explanation

The flower is a producer, and both the mushrooms and cockroach are decomposers!

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What organism would be labeled as a decomposer?

• mushroom

• grizzly bear

• fish

• silver maple

Answer explanation

The mushroom is the decomposer. The grizzly bear and fish are consumers and the silver maple is a producer!

Which animal in the food web is an apex predator?

• snake

• bees

• mountain lion

• rabbit

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What animal in the food web is a primary consumer?

• hawk

• bird

• mouse

• grasshopper

Answer explanation

A primary consumer is an organism that eats the producers in a food web!

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