Ecology Quiz

Which of the following best describes the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• They produce their own food through photosynthesis.

• They consume living plants and animals for energy.

• They break down dead material and waste, recycling nutrients.

• They regulate the population of other species by predation.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Imagine a small pond ecosystem. If the population of algae suddenly decreases, what is the most likely immediate effect on the water quality?

• The water clarity will increase, improving the quality.

• The water will become more turbid due to increased erosion.

• The oxygen levels in the water will decrease.

• The pH of the water will increase, making it more acidic.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Which of the following best explains why biodiversity is important for ecosystem stability?

• Biodiversity ensures that only the strongest species survive.

• Biodiversity allows for a variety of foods for humans.

• Biodiversity increases the resilience of an ecosystem to disturbances.

• Biodiversity leads to a more uniform distribution of species.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Consider a food web consisting of grass, rabbits, foxes, and hawks. If a disease significantly reduces the rabbit population, what would be the most likely effect on the fox population?

• Increase, as there would be less competition for food.

• Decrease, due to a reduction in available food.

• Remain stable, as foxes will switch to eating hawks.

• Increase, as hawks will hunt fewer foxes.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What role do wetlands play in supporting a healthy ecosystem?

• They primarily provide recreational areas for humans.

• They act as natural water filtration systems.

• They increase the global temperature through methane emissions.

• They are the primary habitat for most terrestrial species.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

How does deforestation most directly affect the carbon cycle?

• Increases the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the soil.

• Reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

• Increases the amount of carbon stored in the form of wood.

• Reduces the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Why are invasive species often able to outcompete native species?

• They are usually smaller and require less food.

• They have no natural predators in the new environment.

• They reproduce less frequently than native species.

• They are less susceptible to diseases in the new environment.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Predict the impact on a coastal ecosystem if the sea otter population declines.

• The population of sea urchins, their prey, would decrease.

• Coral reefs would begin to grow at an increased rate.

• The population of sea urchins, their prey, would increase, harming kelp forests.

• Fish populations would decline due to increased algae.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What is the primary reason that tropical rainforests have high levels of biodiversity?

• They are located on large landmasses that support many species.

• They have consistent, year-round warm temperatures and high humidity.

• They are isolated from human activities.

• They receive less sunlight than other ecosystems.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

How would an increase in global temperatures most likely affect the distribution of species in mountainous areas?

• Species would migrate to lower altitudes where it is cooler.

• Species would migrate to higher altitudes seeking cooler conditions.

• Species would remain in their current locations but increase in number.

• Species would become extinct at a rapid rate.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking