Ecosystems (Vocab)

Which of these is a nonliving part of an ecosystem?

• Tree

• Soil

• Bird

• Mushroom

Answer explanation

Soil is a nonliving part of an ecosystem, providing nutrients and support for living organisms. In contrast, a tree, bird, and mushroom are all living components.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is a group of the same species living in the same area called?

• Predator

• Community

• Population

• Habitat

Answer explanation

A group of the same species living in the same area is called a population. This term specifically refers to individuals of one species that interact and breed within a defined geographic area.

Which of these is an example of a biotic factor?

• Temperature

• Water

• Air

• Plant

Answer explanation

A biotic factor refers to living components of an ecosystem. Among the options, 'Plant' is a living organism, while temperature, water, and air are abiotic factors, which are non-living elements.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

Which of the following is a producer in an ecosystem?

• Deer

• Grass

• Hawk

• Worm

Answer explanation

Grass is a producer in an ecosystem because it performs photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy. In contrast, deer, hawks, and worms are consumers that rely on producers for food.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What does a decomposer do in an ecosystem?

• Eats plants

• Breaks down dead material

• Makes food using sunlight

• Hunts other animals

Answer explanation

A decomposer breaks down dead material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. This process is essential for soil health and supports plant growth, unlike the other options which describe different roles in the ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of these relationships helps both organisms?

• Parasitism

• Competition

• Predation

• Mutualism

Answer explanation

Mutualism is a relationship where both organisms benefit from each other, unlike parasitism (one benefits, one harmed), competition (both harmed), and predation (one benefits, one harmed). Thus, mutualism is the correct choice.

What is the role of a predator in an ecosystem?

• Grow food

• Break down nutrients

• Hunt and eat other organisms

• Pollinate flowers

Answer explanation

Predators play a crucial role in ecosystems by hunting and eating other organisms. This helps control prey populations, maintain balance, and promote biodiversity, making 'Hunt and eat other organisms' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

What is the main source of energy for most ecosystems?

• Water

• Sunlight

• Soil

• Air

Answer explanation

The main source of energy for most ecosystems is sunlight. It drives photosynthesis in plants, which are the foundation of food chains, providing energy for all other organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

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What kind of organism eats both plants and animals?

• Herbivore

• Carnivore

• Omnivore

• Producer

Answer explanation

An omnivore is an organism that consumes both plants and animals, making it distinct from herbivores, which eat only plants, and carnivores, which eat only animals. Therefore, the correct answer is omnivore.

Which is a limiting factor in an ecosystem?

• A game animals play

• An unlimited amount of water

• A shortage of food or space

• All organisms being the same

Answer explanation

A shortage of food or space limits the growth and survival of organisms in an ecosystem, making it a key limiting factor. In contrast, unlimited water or uniformity among organisms does not impose such restrictions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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