Living Systems

Acorn barnacles are seashore animals found on rocks. They live 1 to 2 meters above low-tide level. These rocks are the acorn barnacles’ —

• ecosystem
• community
• food web
• habitat

The great horned owl has a sharp beak and claws used for catching prey and tearing meat. It has good eyesight to see in low light. Which of these most likely describes the niche of the great horned owl?

• Hunts small animals at night 
• Grazes on grass during the day
• Comes out at dusk to sweep the sky for insects
• Comes out at dawn to get worms from the ground

Which of these human activities in a forest has a positive effect on the ecosystem?

• Clearing the land to build new homes
• Planting new trees where old ones were cut down
• Building a new highway through the area
• Cutting down trees to make farmland

All of the populations of species in an area make up a —

• region
• niche
• family
• community

In this food web, which two organisms could be harmed if the mouse population were to decline?

• Deer and caterpillar
• Wolf and snake
• Oak and grass
• Hawk and songbird

Which of these is a difference between tadpoles and adult frogs?

• Only tadpoles can swim.
• Only tadpoles can lay eggs.
• Only frogs are eaten by predators
• Only frogs can survive on land.

Which of these would best describe the tube worms shown?

• Mammals
• Vertebrates
• Amphibians
• Invertebrates

Which of these animals is least likely a member of the pond community?

• A
• B
• C
• D

Which describes energy through this food web?

• Salamanders get energy from snakes and mice.
• Acorns get energy from insects and pine trees
• Mice get energy from salamanders and insects
• Snakes get energy from salamanders and mice.

Which of these is a way the people of Virginia can help restore a natural ecosystem?

• Burn their trash
• Plant native plants
• Feed leftover meals to deer
• Drain automobile oil into the grass