Biodiversity Study Guide

What is the smallest level of organization that ecologists study?

• Ecosystem

• Species

• Biome

• Biosphere

Answer explanation

The smallest level of organization that ecologists study is the species. A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, making it the fundamental unit of ecological study.

Which level of organization includes multiple populations interacting in an area?

• Community

• Biome

• Ecosystem

• Species

Answer explanation

A community is defined as multiple populations of different species interacting in a specific area. This distinguishes it from other levels like ecosystem or biome, which encompass broader interactions or larger areas.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

What level of organization is characterized by a large area with similar climate and ecosystems?

• Biome

• Species

• Population

• Community

Answer explanation

A biome is a large area characterized by similar climate and ecosystems, such as forests or deserts. It encompasses multiple communities and populations, making it the correct answer to the question.

order the levels of organization in between organism to biosphere. (Smallest to Largest)

• Species

• Community

• Ecosystem

• Population

• Biome

What is an organism?

• A group of ecosystems

• An individual living thing

• A community of species

• A type of habitat

Answer explanation

An organism is defined as an individual living thing, which can be a plant, animal, or microorganism. The other options refer to broader ecological concepts, not the definition of an organism.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

What does the term "niche" refer to in ecology?

• The physical space an organism occupies in its ecosystem

• The status of an organism within its environment and community

• The genetic makeup of an organism

• The food chain position of an organism

Answer explanation

In ecology, a "niche" refers to the status of an organism within its environment and community, encompassing its role, interactions, and how it fits into the ecosystem, rather than just its physical space or food chain position.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

What is a population?

• A group of individuals from different species living in the same area

• A group of individuals that belong to the same species and live in the same area

• A single individual living in an area

• A group of individuals that belong to different species and live in different areas

Answer explanation

A population is defined as a group of individuals that belong to the same species and live in the same area. This distinguishes it from other options that include different species or single individuals.

What is an example of a population?

• A single bison in a field

• A herd of bison in a field

• A forest with many types of animals

• A lake with fish and birds

Answer explanation

A herd of bison in a field is a population because it consists of multiple individuals of the same species living in a specific area. The other options describe either single animals or mixed species, which do not qualify as a population.

What is a community in ecological terms?

• A single species in a location

• A group of various species in a shared location

• A group of non-living factors in an environment

• A single organism in its habitat

Answer explanation

In ecological terms, a community refers to a group of various species living together in a shared location, interacting with each other and their environment. This distinguishes it from a single species or non-living factors.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

A species includes only what kind of factors?

Answer explanation

A species includes biotic factors, which are the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Abiotic factors, like temperature and water, are not included in the definition of a species.