Unit 16 Test Prep 2024 Ecology

In any ecosystem, organisms interact with biotic and abiotic parts of the environment. As a result of all of the interactions, the matter within the system is

• produced when plants grow.

• recycled when organisms die.

• lost when animals and plants die.

• formed when new animals are born.

Mushrooms are classified as decomposers.

What will most likely happen after decomposition?

• Matter will be used by producers.

• Scavengers will be consumed decomposers.

• Energy will be transferred to primary consumers.

• Decomposers will be broken down living organisms.

Which interaction within an ecosystem is characterized by gradual change from one community of organisms to another?

• symbiosis

• food webs

• energy pyramids

• succession

Which statement correctly describes a soil interaction in the carbon cycle?

• Microbes breaking down organic matter in the soil release carbon dioxide.

• Decaying organisms in the soil absorb carbon dioxide.

• Plants growing in the soil release carbon dioxide.

• Plowing of the soil absorbs carbon dioxide.

Temperature affects the development of sea-turtle eggs. Eggs that are incubated at warmer temperatures are more likely to become females. Eggs incubated at cooler temperatures are more likely to become males. How would higher atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations most likely affect sea turtle populations?

• Earth’s climate would be warmer, so the percentage of female turtles would increase.

• Earth’s climate would be cooler, so the percentage of female turtles would increase.

• Earth’s climate would be warmer, so the percentage of female turtles would decrease.

• Earth’s climate would be cooler, so the percentage of female turtles would decrease.

A forest was cleared for the building of a resort, but before construction began, secondary succession set in. Which of these describes why secondary succession appeared so rapidly?

• The clearing allowed mosses to grow quickly.

• Rock weathering occurred for lichens to grow.

• Exposed substrates allowed microbes to grow.

• The soil components remained for plants to grow.

After which event will primary succession most likely occur?

• thunderstorm

• crop harvest

• volcanic eruption

• urban development

A rural area was cleared down to bare rock for constructing a road, but the road was never built. The area began to regrow. Which organisms most likely reappeared first?

• trees

• shrubs

• lichens and mosses

• weeds and crabgrass

After a forest fire, which type of organisms will begin secondary succession?

• small shrubs

• mature oaks

• evergreens

• wildflowers

The first organisms to occupy an area after a prairie fire are known as

• primary species.

• secondary species.

• succession species.

• pioneer species.