Living Systems Investigation

An area is covered by soil.  It contains no living things.  What can you conclude about succession in this area?

• It is undergoing secondary succession, because it is covered by soil.
• It has just completed primary succession, because it is rocky and bare.
• It cannot undergo succession, because it does not contain living things.
• It is in the last stages of succession, because it will soon be covered by grass.

Which of the following natural events would most likely be associated with heavy rainfall or potential flooding?

• tornado
• thunderstorm
• earthquake
• volcanic eruption

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

A drought has resulted in less available grass for grazing animals.  Which of the following is NOT a likely response for the animal population?

• to find another food source
• to eat rabbits and other small animals
• to move to a different location
• to begin to die off

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which of the following is the most biologically diverse land biome on Earth?

• a temperate diciduous forest
• a tropical rainforest
• a savanna
• a desert

Which of the following actions poses a danger to biodiversity?

• protecting individual species
• protecting forests and wetlands
• preventing industrial wastes from being dumped in the ocean
• polluting a stream with used motor oil

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What process is occurring when a forest recovers from a natural disaster such as a fire or flood?

• primary succession
• combustion
• decomposition
• secondary succession

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

How do pioneer species prepare an area for other living things?

• by replacing existing species
• by starting the process of succession
• by protecting other species from disease
• by stopping the process of succession

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

An ecosystem experiences a volcanic eruption that covers the area with lava.  Which of the following organisms is most likely to be a pioneer species in this ecosystem?

• a tall tree
• moss
• a shrub
• a mouse

Which is the primary consumer?

• krill
• algae
• cod
• leopard seal

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

The table shows data about organisms in different biomes. What conclusion can you draw from the data?

• Taigas are highly sustainable ecosystems.
• Deserts and tundras experience similar temperatures.
• Tropical rain forests have high biodiversity.
• Temperate biomes experience the same rates of precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1