G10 ESS Quiz 1: Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?

• Temperature

• Soil pH

• Precipitation

• Bacterial population

Answer explanation

Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem, such as temperature, soil pH, and precipitation. Bacterial population is a living, or biotic, component.

In a food web, which trophic level consists of primary producers?

• First trophic level

• Second trophic level

• Third trophic level

• Fourth trophic level

Answer explanation

Primary producers, such as plants, form the base of the food web and are considered the first trophic level.

Which of the following is a key component of personal protective equipment (PPE) for conducting a soil sample analysis in the field?

• Sunglasses

• Gloves

• Flip-flops

• Baseball cap

Answer explanation

Gloves are essential for protecting hands from potential contaminants and irritants when handling soil samples.

Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor in an ecosystem?

• Soil type

• Wind speed

• Plant species

• Rock composition

Answer explanation

Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem, such as plant species. Soil type, wind speed, and rock composition are abiotic factors.

In a typical ecosystem, how much energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next?

• 10%

• 25%

• 50%

• 75%

Answer explanation

According to the 10% rule, only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next, with the rest lost as heat.

Which of the following nutrient cycles does not include a gaseous phase?

• Carbon cycle

• Nitrogen cycle

• Phosphorus cycle

• Water cycle

Answer explanation

The phosphorus cycle does not include a gaseous phase, as phosphorus is primarily cycled through the Earth's crust, water, and living organisms.

What is the term used to describe the variety of life in a particular ecosystem or on Earth as a whole?

• Biotic index

• Ecological diversity

• Biodiversity

• Species richness

Answer explanation

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a given area, encompassing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

Which factor does NOT affect species distribution?

• Temperature

• Food availability

• Predation

• Color of the organism

Answer explanation

Species distribution is influenced by biotic and abiotic factors such as temperature, food availability, and predation. The color of an organism does not directly determine its distribution.

Which term describes a non-native species that causes harm to native species and ecosystems?

• Endemic species

• Invasive species

• Indicator species

• Endangered species

Answer explanation

Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause harm to native species and ecosystems by outcompeting them for resources or altering the environment.

Which human activity is a leading cause of habitat loss and fragmentation?

• Deforestation

• Urbanization

• Climate change

• Overfishing

Answer explanation

Deforestation is a major cause of habitat loss and fragmentation, as it removes large areas of forest and disrupts the connectivity of ecosystems.