Ecosystems

Which is an abiotic factor that most limits the number of frogs living in a pond? 

• the color of the water 
• the number of predators 
• the temperature of the water 
• the populations of producers 

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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Field mice are the primary food source for horned owls in an area. Due to a drought, many field mice left the area. Which result would this drought most likely have on the horned owls?

• The horned owl population will consume more field mice.
• Horned owls will follow the field mice to a different area.
• The horned owl population will increase in the area.
• Horned owls will change to a plant-based diet.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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Which population would be most affected if there is a decrease in the population of aquatic insects?

• elk
• frog
• moose
• squirrel

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Which species are best able to occupy the same space?

• those that eat the same foods
• those that compete for the same resources
• those that have a predator/prey relationship
• those whose needs differ significantly from each other

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Which best describes a way photosynthesis provides resources to animals?

• Photosynthesis produces carbon dioxide, decreasing the animal’s need for oxygen.
• Photosynthesis increases plant growth, providing places for many animals to live
• Photosynthesis produces excess moisture from the plants, reducing the need for a water supply.
• Photosynthesis increases plant growth, providing food for carnivores and eliminating the need to hunt.

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Deer are introduced into a grassland ecosystem and their population increases considerably. If the deer population continues to grow, which is the most likely outcome for the ecosystem?

• Biodiversity would decrease, and sustainability would decrease.
• Biodiversity would decrease, and sustainability would increase.
• Biodiversity would increase, and sustainability would increase.
• Biodiversity would increase, and sustainability would decrease.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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Which species would be most affected by the overfishing of Alaskan salmon?

• bears
• crayfish
• lobsters
• opossum

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A baby kit fox grows to become an adult with a mass of over 3.5 kg. What factor will have the greatest influence on this kit fox’s survival?

• the size of the fox’s ears
• the conditions of the fox’s habitat
• the average number of fox offspring
• the social behaviors within the fox population

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Below is an example of a simple food chain.

Acorn → Squirrel → Fox → Mountain Lion 

What will most likely happen if squirrels are removed from the food chain?

• The fox will eat acorns
• The fox population will decrease
• The trees will produce fewer acorns.
• The mountain lion population will increase

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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A rainforest area is experiencing a severe drought. As a consequence, the insect population has decreased. What will the insect-eating birds most likely do as a result of the drought?

• stop searching for food until it begins to rain
• begin reproducing to increase population
• move to a new area to find food
• start the process of hibernation

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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