Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems

A ______ is all of the different populations that live in a specific area and interact with one another.

• ecosystem

• habitat

• ecology

• community

Answer explanation

A community consists of all the different populations in a specific area that interact with each other. In contrast, an ecosystem includes both living organisms and their physical environment, while a habitat refers to the natural home of an organism.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

What are tundra and desert examples of? 

• ecosystems

• biomes

• habitats 

• communities 

Answer explanation

Tundra and desert are examples of biomes, which are large ecological areas defined by their climate, vegetation, and wildlife. Ecosystems and habitats are smaller components within biomes, making 'biomes' the correct choice.

Which biome is characterized by low temperatures and low amounts of rainfall?

• tundra

• desert

• temperate deciduous forest

• tropical rain forest

Answer explanation

The tundra biome is known for its cold temperatures and low precipitation, making it distinct from deserts, temperate deciduous forests, and tropical rainforests, which have different climate characteristics.

Which biome, because of its climate, has the largest number of species of plants and animals?

• tundra

• desert

• tropical rainforest

• pine forest

Answer explanation

The tropical rainforest has the most diverse climate, with warm temperatures and high rainfall, supporting a vast number of species of plants and animals. This biodiversity is unmatched by other biomes like tundra, desert, or pine forest.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What biome is this?

• Taiga

• Desert

• Tundra

• grassland

Answer explanation

The grassland biome is characterized by open spaces with grasses and few trees, often found in regions with moderate rainfall. This distinguishes it from taiga, desert, and tundra, making grassland the correct choice.

What biome is this

• tundra

• deciduous forest

• desert

• grassland

Answer explanation

The desert biome is characterized by low precipitation, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation. Unlike tundra, deciduous forest, or grassland, deserts have arid conditions, making 'desert' the correct answer.

An area of forest that experiences very little change in species composition is a

• Climax community

• Primary succession

• secondary succession

• ecological succession

Answer explanation

A climax community is a stable ecosystem where species composition remains relatively unchanged over time, indicating a mature forest. In contrast, primary and secondary succession involve changes in species over time.

Which is a place you most likely would find pioneer species growing?

• Climax forest

• Coral reef

• Disturbed grassland

• Newly formed volcano

Answer explanation

Pioneer species are the first to colonize barren environments. A newly formed volcano provides a fresh substrate with little to no soil, making it an ideal location for these species to establish themselves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Which statement describes the first changes in a forest that would follow a forest fire?

• A climax community is established

• New plants grow from seeds that the wind carries to the area

• New soil forms

• Pioneer species are established

Answer explanation

After a forest fire, the first changes include new plants growing from seeds carried by the wind. This process is crucial for recovery, while pioneer species, which are often the first to colonize, may also emerge but are not specifically mentioned in the answer.

Ponds and lakes are

• flowing-water ecosystems.

• wetlands.

• standing-water ecosystems.

• estuaries.

Answer explanation

Ponds and lakes are classified as standing-water ecosystems because they contain still water, unlike flowing-water ecosystems such as rivers. This makes 'standing-water ecosystems' the correct choice.