Ecosystems: Cycling of Matter and Flow of Energy

Which components are involved in the cycling of matter and flow of energy in an ecosystem?

• Abiotic components only

• Neither biotic nor abiotic components

• Biotic components only

• Both biotic and abiotic components

Answer explanation

The correct answer is both biotic and abiotic components because they are both involved in the cycling of matter and flow of energy in an ecosystem.

What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?

• Wind

• Water

• The Sun

• Geothermal heat

Answer explanation

The primary source of energy for most ecosystems is the Sun, as it provides light and heat necessary for photosynthesis and drives the food chain.

Which of the following best describes energy flow in an ecosystem?

• Energy flows in a linear path from producers to consumers

• Energy is recycled within an ecosystem, similar to matter

• Energy flows in a circular path, returning to the sun

• Energy flows in one direction, from the sun to producers and then to various levels of consumers

Answer explanation

Energy flows in one direction, from the sun to producers and then to various levels of consumers

In the energy pyramid below, which organism has the least amount of energy available?

• Producers

• Herbivores

• Carnivores

• Top Predator

Answer explanation

The Top Predator has the least amount of energy available in the energy pyramid as energy is lost as it moves up the food chain.

In an ecosystem, primary consumers are also known as:

• Herbivores

• Carnivores

• Omnivores

• Decomposers

Answer explanation

Primary consumers in an ecosystem are also known as herbivores, as they primarily feed on plants.

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

• They produce their own food through photosynthesis

• They consume living plants and animals

• They break down dead material and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem

• They regulate the population of other species

Answer explanation

Decomposers play a crucial role in an ecosystem by breaking down dead material and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Animals and plants use aerobic cellular respiration to release energy for biological processes, CO2 is release. What is this process called?

• macromolecules

• combustion

• cellular respiration

• photosynthesis

Answer explanation

The correct process where CO2 is released during the release of energy through aerobic cellular respiration is called cellular respiration.

Which process converts inorganic raw materials from the environment into organic molecules?

• Aerobic Respiration

• Anaerobic Respiration

• Photosynthesis

• Homeostasis

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis is the process that converts inorganic raw materials from the environment into organic molecules by using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.