Ecosystem Dynamics

Which of the following are NOT true about ecosystems?

• Biotic and abiotic factors depend on each other

• Each ecosystem is made from an environment which is all the abiotic factors

• Biotic factors include plants, fungi, animals and bacteria.

• Abiotic factors include plants, fungi, animals and bacteria.

Answer explanation

Abiotic factors do not include plants, fungi, animals, and bacteria. They are non-living components like sunlight, water, and soil.

What is the best definition of diversity?

• The different kinds of species in an ecosystem

• The different types of the same species showing minor differences.

• The different biotic factors in an ecosystem

• The different kinds of insects like butterflies, beetles and moths

Answer explanation

The best definition of diversity is the different types of the same species showing minor differences.

What is the difference between populations and communities?

• A population is the different communities together in an ecosystem.

• A community is the different populations together in an ecosystem.

• A community is made of the same species within an ecosystem.

• A population is a number of organisms of the same species within an ecosystem

Answer explanation

A community is the different populations together in an ecosystem, while a population refers to the number of organisms of the same species within an ecosystem.

What do we know is NOT true about the keystone species.

• It is always the producer because it makes all the energy

• it is any species that has the most significance

• It keeps the primary consumers from overeating the producers

• It saves the ecosystem from collapse

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that a keystone species is not always the producer because it makes all the energy, which is false. Keystone species can be any species that has significant impact.

Which of the following do we not identify in a biome description?

• weather and climate

• Geological locations on Earth

• The types of landforms that shape the biome

• The different species interactions

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The different species interactions' as it is not typically identified in a biome description, unlike weather, climate, geological locations, and landforms.

Which of the following is NOT true about food webs?

• Energy transfers from predator to prey

• Arrows signify the movement of energy to consumer

• There can be many consumers that eat a to a producer

• There can be many producers that get eaten by a consumer

Answer explanation

The statement 'Energy transfers from predator to prey' is NOT true about food webs. In reality, energy transfers from prey to predator in a food web.

Which of the following is true about the APEX predator?

• It has common predators

• It is near the top of the food chain

• it is a primary consumer

• its diet is mainly other consumers and not producers

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'its diet is mainly other consumers and not producers' because an apex predator feeds on other consumers and occupies the top of the food chain.

What do we know about this species interaction: MUTUALISM?

• When one species benefits and the other is harmed

• When one species benefits and the other is not harmed

• When one species benefits and the other is not harmed or benefits

• When one species benefits and helps the other benefit too.

Answer explanation

Mutualism is when one species benefits and helps the other benefit too, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

What do we know about this species interaction: COMMENSALISM

• When one species benefits and the other is harmed

• When one species benefits and the other is not harmed

• When one species benefits and the other is not harmed or benefits

• When one species benefits and helps the other benefit too.

Answer explanation

Commensalism is a species interaction where one species benefits while the other is not harmed or benefits, making the correct answer choice: 'When one species benefits and the other is not harmed or benefits'.

What do we know about this species interaction: PARASITISM

• When one species benefits and the other is harmed

• When one species benefits and the other is not harmed

• When one species benefits and the other is not harmed or benefits

• When one species benefits and helps the other benefit too.

Answer explanation

The correct choice for parasitism is when one species benefits and the other is harmed.