H.M.H. Unit 4 lesson 1 Explore explain 2

What is a producer in an ecosystem?

• An organism that eats other organisms

• An organism that makes its own food using sunlight

• An organism that breaks down dead matter

• An organism that only eats plants

Answer explanation

A producer in an ecosystem is an organism that makes its own food using sunlight, typically through photosynthesis. This distinguishes it from consumers, which eat other organisms, and decomposers, which break down dead matter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Which of the following is an example of a consumer?

• Grass

• Rabbit

• Mushroom

• Algae

Answer explanation

A consumer is an organism that eats other organisms for energy. The rabbit is a herbivore that consumes plants, making it a consumer. Grass and algae are producers, while mushrooms are decomposers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

What do decomposers do in an ecosystem?

• Produce energy from sunlight

• Consume only plant matter

• Break down dead organisms and waste

• Hunt and eat other animals

Answer explanation

Decomposers play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organisms and waste, recycling nutrients back into the soil, which supports plant growth. This process is essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following organisms is a decomposer?

• Elephant

• Earthworm

• Koala

• Panda

Answer explanation

The earthworm is a decomposer, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. In contrast, elephants, koalas, and pandas are primary consumers that feed on plants.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the primary source of energy for producers?

• Water

• Soil

• Sunlight

• Carbon dioxide

Answer explanation

The primary source of energy for producers, such as plants, is sunlight. Through photosynthesis, they convert sunlight into chemical energy, which fuels their growth and sustains the ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Which of the following is NOT a role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• Recycling nutrients back into the soil

• Producing glucose from sunlight

• Breaking down dead organisms

• Decomposing waste materials

Answer explanation

Decomposers recycle nutrients, break down dead organisms, and decompose waste materials. However, producing glucose from sunlight is a role of producers, not decomposers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What type of consumer is a rabbit?

• Herbivore

• Carnivore

• Omnivore

• Decomposer

Answer explanation

A rabbit is classified as a herbivore because it primarily consumes plant material, such as grass, leaves, and vegetables, rather than meat or a mix of both.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Which of the following organisms uses photosynthesis to make food?

• Frog

• Shark

• Plant

• Bear

Answer explanation

Plants are the only organisms listed that use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into food. Frogs, sharks, and bears are consumers that rely on other organisms for their nutrition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

What do consumers rely on for their energy and matter?

• Sunlight

• Other organisms

• Soil nutrients

• Water

Answer explanation

Consumers, such as animals, rely on other organisms for their energy and matter through processes like eating plants or other animals. This interdependence is crucial for survival.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which of the following is a characteristic of producers?

• They eat other organisms

• They decompose dead matter

• They make their own food

• They only eat plants

Answer explanation

Producers, such as plants, are organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis. This distinguishes them from consumers, which eat other organisms, and decomposers, which break down dead matter.