Ecosystem Review

Which of the following organisms would receive the least amount of energy from the producer? Look at the food chain below.

• Grasshopper

• Mongoose

• Mouse

• Snake

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Which statement best describes a parasitic relationship?

• A parasitic relationship happens when the parasitic organism consumes the host organism for food.

• A parasitic relationship happens when the parasitic organism benefits while harming the host organism.

• A parasitic relationship happens when the parasitic organism supplies resources that the host organism needs.

• A parasitic relationship happens when the parasitic organism takes up space where the host organism would live best.

Two plant species (P and Q) flower simultaneously and depend on a single pollinator species (X). Species X prefers plant species P over Q for pollination. This causes a negative impact on flowering in plant species Q. Which option correctly describes the relationships among the species?

• species P and Q: mutualism; species P and X: mutualism

• species P and Q: competition; species P and X: mutualism

• species P and Q: mutualism; species P and X: competition

• species P and Q: competition; species P and X: competition

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During a biology class, Abigail and Elijah are discussing which statement accurately describes an interaction between plants and animals. Which statement should they choose?

• Animals release CO2, required for photosynthesis.

• Plants provide humans with atmospheric nitrogen.

• Plants provide humans with CO2 for respiration.

• Animals release O2, required for plant survival.

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Anika and Noah are studying the impact of clear-cutting forests on the environment. How will clear-cutting of forests affect the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

• It will decrease because of increased respiration.

• It will decrease because of decreased photosynthesis.

• It will increase because of decreased photosynthesis.

• It will remain constant as respiring animals remove the carbon dioxide.

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Anika and Liam are studying the basic needs of a robin. Which environmental change would be harmful to the survival of a robin?

• Prairie dogs digging tunnels in the ground

• Beavers building a dam to create a pond

• Humans clearing forests to build houses

• Ants building large anthills in a schoolyard

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During a school field trip, Luna and Ethan observe a field that has transformed into a forest over time. Hardwood trees have become the dominant species in the ecosystem, and grasses are no longer able to compete as well in the forested environment. Which is MOST likely the limiting factor that inhibits the growth of the grasses in the forest?

• thin layers of topsoil on the forest floor

• low levels of sunlight reaching the forest floor

• low levels of humidity near the forest floor

• slow rates of decomposition on the forest floor

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William and Nora are studying desert ecosystems. They learn that days are hot and nights are cold. Water is scarce, so animals seek water wherever possible. The spines of a cactus are actually leaves adapted to conserve water. The cactus plants have also adapted to live in thin, sandy soil. Which of the following is a biotic component of a desert ecosystem?

• the thin, sandy soil

• the wide temperature range

• the scarcity of water

• the spiny cactus leaves

Abigail noticed different symbiotic relationships during her nature walk. Which of the following would not be considered mutualistic?

• ticks feeding on a dog

• bees transporting pollen from flowers

• pilot fish swimming under sharks

• birds eating the insects from the back of a hippopotamus

In a suburban area, predators such as wolves and coyotes - and even bears - are moving closer and closer to neighborhoods where people like Rohan and Aria live. This is posing an increased danger to people, so predator populations are being culled (reduced in number). This can have a devastating effect on the ecosystem because without this natural control ...

• prey will also be reduced

• prey will be kept in check

• prey will become overpopulated

• vegetation will be overgrown

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