Unit 1 Environmental Systems Review

Fluctuations in the hydrologic cycle could negatively affect a desert biome in all these ways except ―

• change in seasonal cycles causes animal populations to migrate or hibernate

• animals breed at a time when there are limited resources available

• fluctuation causes species loss

• formation of a new ecosystem

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The prickly pear cactus was originally imported into eastern Australia in the 18th century for gardens and was later used as natural agricultural fencing. The cactus quickly became widespread, eventually covering 101,000 sq mi (260,000 km ) of farming land in a 20 ft high jungle of cactus. Farmers were forced to leave their homes as their land was overgrown. In 1925, a moth from South America whose larvae eat the cacti was introduced. The moths eventually wiped out the cactus population, returning the land to its normal balance.According to the above information, which of the following statements is not a possible consequence of introducing a foreign moth?

• The moth could have further altered the food chain by eating native plant species besides the prickly pear.

• The moth could have failed to control the prickly pear cactus in this ecosystem.

• The moth could have brought diseases from South America to other insect populations.

• The moth could have mutated the prickly pear cactus.

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Refer to the above image and dichotomous key. A student attempting to identify a conifer sample notices that it contains needle-like leaves.

What should the next step be in identifying the organism?

• Count the number of needles in the bundle.

• Determine the color of the needles.

• Determine the length of the needles.

• See if needles are attached singly or in bundles / clusters.

Which of the following should be considered when completing a cost-benefit analysis for this project?

• I and II

• I and III

• II and III

• I, II, and III

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Which of the following human activities would have the most positive effect on the environment?

• Using a dragnet to gather large amounts of fish efficiently and minimize the time that a boat is at sea

• Using a small personal watercraft instead of a large boat to enjoy a day on the lake

• Issuing fishing regulations and licenses based on local conditions and fish population dynamics

• Visiting countries on different continents to observe their endangered species and learn about local efforts to preserve them

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Which of the following are Abiotic factors?

• plants

• weather

• predators

• sunlight

• temperature

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A teacher decides to have her students plant trees to help restore the habitat of a local forest.  It is most important for students to ―

• remove all other plants in the area to give the trees a chance to grow

• remove all decaying organic material to prevent contamination of the soil

• plant the same native trees that were previously in the forest to avoid disruption of the ecosystem

• release native animals into the forest simultaneously to restore the entire ecosystem

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• increases

• decreases

• double over time

• increases by 10% with each level

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What role might the newly established eucalyptus forest play in this ecosystem?

• Food source

• Shelter

• Source of oxygen

• Increased biodiversity

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Which of the following are examples of parasitism?

Select TWO correct answers.

• a tapeworm feeding off a human intestine

• A bird building a nest in a tree

• fleas feeding on the blood of a dog

• a remora attaches to a shark to get transportation and protection

• a scorpion feeding on a moth late at night