Science Mastery Connect

Which would have the greatest impact on energy flow within an ecosystem?

• decreasing available sunlight

• decreasing the number of carnivores

• increasing the amount of minerals

• increasing the number of herbivores

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Viruses are simple particles that contain either DNA or RNA protected by a protein coat. Which statement best suggests why viruses must have host cells to replicate their genetic material & build new particles?

• They lack the ability to enter host cells.

• They lack enzymes necessary to carry out metabolic reactions.

• They lack protection around their genetic materials.

• They lack nucleic acids necessary to pass on traits.

Bacteria are decomposers that live in soil & water. They feed on dead plants & animals & break them down into simpler elements.

How does the work of decomposers help the ecosystem?

• by recycling nutrients

• by retaining soil moisture

• by synthesizing energy molecules

• by increasing air spaces in the soil

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The chart lists a few structural characteristics of viruses.

• characteristic 1

• characteristic 2

• characteristic 3

• characteristic 4

What organisms are primarily responsible for decomposing waste materials in an ecosystem?

• algae

• autotrophs

• bacteria

• plants

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Plants use several abiotic factors for the formation of leaves, stems, flowers, & fruits. How are the abiotic factors utilized by a plant eventually returned to the environment?

• Plant parts are eaten by animals to form energy molecules.

• Dead parts of the plant fall to the ground and are decomposed.

• Plants release heat & light through tiny pores in their leaves.

• Plant roots grow deep into the soil to absorb nutrients & water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Several gases in the atmosphere help to trap & hold in some of the heat from the Sun helping to maintain the Earth's temperature. This is the natural phenomenon called the greenhouse effect.

Which gas varies in concentration based on plant & ocean coverage?

• carbon dioxide

• methane

• nitrous oxide

• water

On Earth, the plants & the oceans store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. What results when a factor, such as the clear-cutting of large strands of forest, disrupts this process?

• global warming

• overpopulation

• ozone depletion

• soil erosion

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Carbon is an element that is found in all living organisms, so the cycling of carbon through these organisms is essential to sustaining all life. Which process is one way that a living organism is involved in the movement of carbon around the Earth?

• combustion

• decomposition

• denitrification

• transpiration

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Fungi obtain their food by breaking down organic material. What does this suggest about fungi?

• They are autotrophs because they can make their own food through photosynthesis.

• They are heterotrophs because they contain chloroplasts.

• They are decomposers, which is a type of autotroph.

• They are decomposers, which is a type of heterotroph.