Biodiversity Quiz

Skunk vine is an invasive plant that was brought to Florida in the 1860s. This plant has the ability to grow both on the ground and high in the trees. The skunk vine will grow up a tree and eventually cover the treetops.

How will this plant MOST likely affect the environment it invades?

• It will produce hybrids with the native plants in the area.

• It will increase the number of carnivores living in the area.

• It will kill native plants by preventing light from reaching the plants leaves.

• It will add to the amount of carbon dioxide through increased photosynthesis.

Which ecosystem would most likely survive if the grasses were destroyed by a plant virus?

• Ecosystem 1, because there is a variety of producers that support the ecosystem.

• Ecosystem 2, because the grasses could grow back quickly.

• Ecosystem 1, because there are fewer primary consumers.

• Ecosystem 2, because there are not many predators.

Which statement below best describes how biodiversity contributes to the sustainability of an ecosystem?

• A variety of plant and animal species allows for more survivors of a natural disaster like a flood, fire or drought.

• Having more species in an ecosystem allows the human population to increase in size

• Low biodiversity reduces the competition for resources, which helps native species survive.

• Fewer species in the ecosystem reduces the likelihood that disease spreads through the ecosystem

Which of the following situations contributes to the sustainability of an ecosystem?

• Increase in biodiversity

• Decrease in biodiversity

• Extinction of a population from the ecosystem

• Removal of many populations of organisms

Why is a decrease in biodiversity due to loss of plant populations especially destructive to an ecosystem?

• Plants have the most biomass.

• Plants are resistant to disease.

• Plants are primary producers.

• Plants are part of the food web.

Adaptations help improve an animal’s chances of survival and reproduction. They can be behavioral or structural.

Which choice describes an animal best suited for a cold environment?

• eyes and nostrils on the top half of the head, outer covering of scales

• special feet with flattened, webbed toes for climbing up smooth surfaces

• torpedo body shape for fast swimming

• two layers of fur: inner layer insulates, outer layer sheds moisture and protects from wind

Where are you most likely to find the greatest variety and numbers of animal life?

• On a newly mowed lawn

• In a pond, a few meters away from the water’s edge

• Close to a pond with rocks, water, and several types of plants

• Next to a paved surface

The food webs below show relationships among organisms in two ecosystems.

Students were asked to make a claim supported with evidence to answer the question,

"Which ecosystem would be most sustainable if all the grasses died from severe drought?" What claim is valid and supported by the evidence

• The forest ecosystem is most sustainable because there are more top predators. 

• The grassland ecosystem is most sustainable because there are fewer organisms that eat grass. 

• The forest ecosystem is most sustainable because most of the animals can eat other organisms. 

• The grassland ecosystem is most sustainable because there is less competition
  for food. 

Which biome is located along the equator, has no dry season, and is the most biodiverse biome?

• taiga

• tundra

• tropical rainforest

• desert

What is the definition of sustainability?

• The variety of living things in a given place

  
  

• A small area that differs from the surrounding habitat.

• Areas of the earth that have similar plants, animals, and climate

• The ability to endure and survive