Dynamics

Imagine that all the plants in a particular area died. Which prediction best describes what would happen to the animals in that area?

• The animals that eat plants would all die. The animals that eat only animals would live.

• Some of the plant-eating animals would die. Others would live by switching to eat other animals.

• All of the animals would eventually run out of food and die.

• All of the animals would survive by eating other foods.

Answer explanation

Some of the plant-eating animals would die. Others would live by switching to eat other animals.

What might be a visible sign of ecosystem change from community A to community B?

• Fewer birds

• Clearer water

• More ducks and vegetation

• Increased pollution

Answer explanation

More ducks and vegetation can indicate a visible sign of ecosystem change from community A to community B, showing a shift in the biodiversity and habitat structure.

What is ecological succession?

• The process of a community's population increasing

• The process of one ecological community gradually changing into another

• The process of animals adapting to urban environments

• The process of water evaporating from ecosystems

Answer explanation

The process of one ecological community gradually changing into another

What is the final stage of ecological succession called?

• Ecological peak

• Biodiversity maximum

• Climax community

• Succession end-point

Answer explanation

The final stage of ecological succession is called the climax community, where the ecosystem reaches a stable state of equilibrium.

What type of succession occurs in new areas of land with little or no soil or vegetation, such as on a lava flow?

• Secondary succession

• Tertiary succession

• Primary succession

• Quaternary succession

Answer explanation

Primary succession occurs in new areas of land with little or no soil or vegetation, such as on a lava flow.

What happens to molten lava during a volcanic eruption in the context of primary succession?

• It forms new mountains

• It cools and hardens into bare rock

• It evaporates into the atmosphere

• It remains molten and forms rivers

Answer explanation

During a volcanic eruption, molten lava cools and hardens into bare rock, which is the initial stage of primary succession in the formation of new land.

How do lichen spores contribute to ecological succession?

• By attracting wildlife to the area

• By cooling the surrounding air

• By breaking down rock and adding nutrients to the soil

• By increasing water flow in the area

Answer explanation

Lichen spores contribute to ecological succession by breaking down rock and adding nutrients to the soil.

What role do airborne spores from mosses and ferns play in ecological succession?

• They purify the air

• They add to the soil when they die

• They prevent erosion

• They block sunlight to slow plant growth

Answer explanation

Airborne spores from mosses and ferns play a role in ecological succession by adding to the soil when they die, contributing to soil fertility and supporting plant growth.

What is a climax community?

• A temporary ecological stage

• A community that no longer undergoes major ecological changes

• A newly formed ecological area

• A community at the beginning of succession

Answer explanation

A climax community is a community that no longer undergoes major ecological changes, representing a stable and mature stage in ecological succession.

What is secondary succession in ecology?

• The process where existing ecosystems are disturbed and new communities develop.

• The initial formation of an ecosystem.

• The unchanging state of a mature ecosystem.

• The introduction of invasive species into a new ecosystem.

Answer explanation

The process where existing ecosystems are disturbed and new communities develop.