Ecological Relationships & Limiting Factors Quiz

Which of the following best describes the relationship between a lion and a zebra?

• A relationship where both species benefit from each other.

• A relationship where one species hunts and eats the other species.

• A relationship where two species compete for the same resources.

• A relationship where one species provides a home for the other species.

Answer explanation

A predator-prey relationship is a relationship where one species hunts and eats the other species, making it the correct choice.

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What is an example of competition for resources in an ecosystem?

• A lion eating a zebra.

• A bird building a nest in a tree.

• Two squirrels racing to get the same acorn.

• A bee pollinating a flower.

Answer explanation

Competition for resources in an ecosystem is exemplified by two squirrels racing to get the same acorn, as they are both vying for the limited food source.

Which of the following is NOT a type of symbiotic relationship observed in the natural habitat of Lily's backyard garden?

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Parasitism

• Predation

Answer explanation

Predation is not a type of symbiotic relationship because it involves one organism consuming another, unlike mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism which involve interactions between different species.

Imagine a wildlife reserve that Anika, Benjamin, and Zoe are studying. What does the term 'carrying capacity' refer to in this context?

• The maximum number of predators in the wildlife reserve.

• The maximum population size of a species that the wildlife reserve can sustain indefinitely.

• The total amount of water in the wildlife reserve.

• The number of different species in the wildlife reserve.

Answer explanation

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

During a field trip, Scarlett, Noah, and Kai observed various elements in a forest ecosystem. Which of the following did they identify as a biotic factor?

• Temperature

• Plants

• Water

• Rocks

Answer explanation

A biotic factor refers to living organisms in an ecosystem. Plants are living organisms, so they are considered a biotic factor in an ecosystem.

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Emma is studying ecosystems for her science project. She learned that the prefix "a" means not. Which of the following would she classify as an abiotic factor in her study?

• Bacteria

• Humidity

• Insects

• Fungi

Answer explanation

The prefix 'a' means not, so an abiotic factor would be something non-living. Humidity is a non-living factor, making it the correct choice.

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How does the introduction of wolves into a forest ecosystem affect the deer population?

• It increases the deer population.

• It decreases the deer population.

• It has no effect on the deer population.

• It increases genetic diversity in the deer population.

Answer explanation

Predation decreases the prey population by consuming individuals, leading to a decline in numbers within the ecosystem.

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In a mutualistic relationship between bees and flowers, how do the organisms involved benefit?

• Only the bees benefit by getting nectar, while the flowers are harmed.

• Both bees and flowers benefit; bees get nectar, and flowers get pollinated.

• Both bees and flowers are harmed by the relationship.

• Bees benefit by getting nectar, and the flowers are unaffected.

Answer explanation

In a mutualistic relationship, both organisms benefit from the relationship, gaining advantages such as protection, food, or other resources.

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What can lead to competition among animals in an ecosystem?

• An abundance of food.

• A decrease in the number of predators.

• Limited resources.

• An increase in the number of shelters.

Answer explanation

Competition among animals in an ecosystem is primarily caused by limited resources, as individuals must compete for necessities like food, water, and shelter.

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Considering a forest ecosystem, which of the following best defines the carrying capacity for deer?

• The number of deer that have been historically recorded in the forest.

• The maximum number of deer that the forest can support based on available resources like food and water.

• The average number of deer born each year in the forest.

• The total number of deer that can be hunted in the forest each year.

Answer explanation

The carrying capacity of an ecosystem for a species is the maximum number of individuals that the ecosystem can support based on available resources, making it the best definition among the options provided.

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