Ecosystem Test

Which statement best describes both forest and grassland ecosystems?

• Both are aquatic (water-based) ecosystems.

• Both are terrestrial (land-based) ecosystems.

• Both are made up of mostly trees.

• Both are always found in cold places.

How are estuaries different from ponds, lakes, and oceans?

• Estuaries contain only salt water.

• Estuaries contain only freshwater.

• Estuaries contain a mixture of both salt water and freshwater.

• Estuaries are terrestrial (land-based) ecosystems.

How are mushrooms, bacteria, and worms best classified in a terrestrial (land-based) ecosystem?

• They are best classified as decomposers.

• They are best classified as producers.

• They are best classified as consumers.

• They are best classified as both producers and consumers.

What information does a food chain represent about an ecosystem?

• The flow of water through an ecosystem.

• The flow of food between animals.

• The flow of food between decomposers.

• The flow of energy from the sun, to producers, to a series of consumers.

In a grassland ecosystem, mice and rabbits eat plants. Hawks eat mice and rabbits. Suppose a disease kills many of the rabbits in the grassland. Which of the following is most likely to occur?

• The mice will move to another grassland.

• The hawks will eat more mice.

• The mice will run out of food.

• The hawks will begin to eat plants.

How are plants and algae best classified in an aquatic (water-based) ecosystem?

• Plants and algae are best classified as producers.

• Plants and algae are best classified as consumers.

• Plants and algae are best classified as decomposers.

• Plants and algae are best classified as abiotic (nonliving).

Bison, prairie dogs, and grasshoppers live in an area with fertile soil and tall grasses. In which ecosystem to they live?

• salt marshes

• ponds

• forests

• grasslands

What information does a food web represent about an ecosystem?

• The flow of food between animals.

• The flow of energy through an ecosystem.

• The flow of water through an ecosystem.

• The flow of food between decomposers.

When animals breathe, they give off a gas called carbon dioxide. How does carbon dioxide cycle through an ecosystem?

• Plants take in carbon dioxide for the process of photosynthesis.

• Other animals take in carbon dioxide to breathe.

• The carbon dioxide spreads plant pollen.

• Fish take in carbon dioxide to breathe.

Which statement best describes how organisms get energy?

• Decomposers get energy directly from the sun.

• Consumers eat only other consumers for energy.

• Consumers eat only producers for energy.

• Decomposers feed on decaying organisms and wastes for energy.