Understanding Ecosystems and Food Webs

What is a trophic level?

• A measure of the number of species in an ecosystem

• A classification of organisms based on their feeding relationships

• The total biomass of an ecosystem

• A level of biodiversity in a habitat

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How is a food web different from a food chain in Mason's garden ecosystem?

• A food chain shows a single pathway of energy flow, while a food web illustrates multiple interconnected pathways.

• A food web is always longer than a food chain.

• A food chain includes decomposers, while a food web does not.

• A food web is a simplified version of a food chain.

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During a science class, Benjamin learned about biomagnification. What is biomagnification?

• The increase in the number of organisms at higher trophic levels

• The accumulation of toxins in organisms as they move up the food chain

• The process of energy transfer between trophic levels

• The growth of plant biomass in a habitat

If a herbivore consumes a plant that has absorbed a toxic substance, what is the likely outcome for the herbivore?

• The herbivore will not be affected because it only eats plants.

• The herbivore will become a predator and hunt other animals.

• The toxic substance may accumulate in the herbivore's body, potentially affecting its health.

• The herbivore will detoxify the substance and excrete it without harm.

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In a restored prairie habitat, which of the following organisms would be considered a secondary consumer?

• Grass

• Grasshopper

• Rabbit

• Hawk

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How might littering plastic food wrappers in the prairie habitat affect the local ecosystem?

• It will have no effect since plastic is not biodegradable.

• It can lead to microplastics entering the food web, affecting organisms at various trophic levels.

• It will only affect the plants, as animals do not consume plastic.

• It will enhance the habitat by providing new materials for birds to build nests.

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In Arjun's garden, which of the following statements best describes the role of decomposers in the food web?

• They produce energy for the ecosystem.

• They consume primary consumers.

• They break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil.

• They compete with primary producers for resources.

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If a prairie ecosystem is disturbed by human activity, what is a potential consequence for the trophic levels?

• All trophic levels will remain unaffected.

• The primary producers may decline, leading to a ripple effect throughout the food web.

• Only the top predators will be impacted.

• The ecosystem will become more balanced.

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Why is it important to understand the concept of bioaccumulation in relation to environmental health?

• It helps predict the number of species in an ecosystem.

• It allows us to understand how pollutants can concentrate in organisms and affect food safety and health.

• It shows how energy is transferred in an ecosystem.

• It indicates the productivity of an ecosystem.

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In a food web, which of the following would be the most affected by a decrease in primary producers?

• Decomposers

• Primary consumers

• Secondary consumers

• All trophic levels would be equally affected.

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