VA Ecosystem Review Quiz

What makes up an ecosystem?

• Living things only

• Non-living things only

• Both living and non-living things

• Plants and animals

Answer explanation

An ecosystem is made up of both living and non-living things. Living things include plants, animals, and microorganisms, while non-living things include elements like water, air, sunlight, and soil. These components interact with each other in an ecosystem. Therefore, the answer is not limited to only living things or plants and animals, but includes non-living things as well.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What does an organism's habitat provide?

• Food, water, shelter, and space

• Sunlight, air, and water

• Food, sunlight, and space

• Shelter, air, and water

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Food, water, shelter, and space'. An organism's habitat provides all the basic necessities for its survival. This includes food for nourishment, water for hydration, shelter for protection against environmental conditions, and space to move and grow. Other options are partially correct but they miss out on one or more essential elements that a habitat provides.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What do all the organisms in a forest make up?

• A forest community

• A pond community

• A food web

• A producer

Answer explanation

The organisms in a forest make up a forest community. This includes all the living things, from the smallest insects to the largest trees, that interact with each other and their environment. A pond community, a food web, or a producer do not accurately represent all the organisms in a forest.

What do all the interrelated food chains in an ecosystem make up?

• A forest community

• A pond community

• A food web

• A producer

Answer explanation

The interrelated food chains in an ecosystem make up a food web. A food web is a system of interlocking and interdependent food chains. It's a more accurate representation of how energy moves through an ecosystem, showing the complexity of who eats whom. It's not a forest community, a pond community, or a producer.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the process by which plants make their own food?

• Photosynthesis

• Decomposition

• Consumption

• Cycling

Answer explanation

The process by which plants make their own food is called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This process is essential for plant growth and survival, as it provides them with the energy they need to carry out their life processes. The other options, decomposition, consumption, and cycling, are not related to the process of plants making their own food.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

What is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy?

• Photosynthesis

• Decomposition

• Consumption

• Cycling

Answer explanation

The process by which plants convert sunlight into energy is called photosynthesis. In this process, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. Photosynthesis is essential for plant growth and life on Earth, as it provides oxygen and serves as the basis for the food chain. The other options, decomposition, consumption, and cycling, are not related to the conversion of sunlight into energy in plants.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the primary source of energy in most ecosystems?

• Sunlight

• Water

• Soil

• Air

Answer explanation

The primary source of energy in most ecosystems is sunlight. This is because sunlight provides the energy needed for photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy. This energy is then transferred through the ecosystem via consumption by herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers. Water, soil, and air are essential for life, but they do not serve as the primary energy source in ecosystems.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• They break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients

• They produce food through photosynthesis

• They consume other organisms for energy

• They help in the pollination of flowers

Answer explanation

Decomposers play a crucial role in an ecosystem by breaking down dead organisms and recycling nutrients back into the environment. This process helps maintain the nutrient cycle and supports the growth of new organisms. Unlike producers that use photosynthesis or consumers that obtain energy from other organisms, decomposers are responsible for recycling organic matter and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the term for a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area?

• Population

• Community

• Ecosystem

• Biome

Answer explanation

The term for a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area is called a 'Population'. A 'Community' refers to different species living in the same area, while an 'Ecosystem' includes both living organisms and the nonliving environment. A 'Biome' is a large region characterized by specific types of vegetation, animals, and climate.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

What is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas?

• Evaporation

• Condensation

• Precipitation

• Transpiration

Answer explanation

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas is called Evaporation. This is a type of vaporization that occurs on the surface of a liquid as it changes into the gas phase. The other options, Condensation, Precipitation, and Transpiration, are different processes related to the water cycle but do not describe the transition from liquid to gas.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4