Texas

The Couch’s spadefoot lives in Texas and has the characteristics listed below.

The Couch’s spadefoot is adapted to a certain type of environment. Which of these resources is most likely scarce in this environment?

• Soil

• Sunlight

• Water

• Oxygen

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which types of native organisms do feral hogs most likely compete with for food sources?

• Carnivores and producers

• Herbivores and carnivores

• Producers and decomposers

• Decomposers and herbivores

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Giant salvinia is an aquatic plant that floats on water and reproduces rapidly. When these plants die, decomposition by bacteria affects oxygen levels in the water. As more plants die, less oxygen is available in the water. Students observe a pond covered by giant salvinia.

Which statement is the best prediction the students can make about the immediate future of the pond?

• The depth of the water in the pond will increase.

• Fish populations in the pond will begin to decrease.

• The amount of bacteria in the pond will suddenly decrease.

• The number of different types of plants around the pond will increase.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A scientist added bacteria and a nutrient medium that could support the growth of the bacteria to a sterilized petri dish. No other materials were added. The graph models growth of the bacteria over time. Which of these most likely explains why the bacterial population stopped growing?

• The bacteria competed for nutrients and died after all the nutrients were consumed.

• The bacteria did not reproduce in the system, and eventually each individual died at the end of its life cycle.

• The bacteria mutated from photosynthetic to carnivorous organisms and consumed one another until all the individuals were dead.

• The bacteria became diseased and were unable to survive in the closed system.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

After researching the diets of several birds inhabiting a nearby pond, a student goes on a field investigation to observe the feeding habits of the birds. The student records information from research and observations in the table. The student observes a great blue heron catching fish near the edge of the pond. Based on the information the student collected, which bird will compete with the great blue heron for the same hunting spots and similar prey?

• The mallard, because it hunts for fish while wading near the edge of the pond

• The pied-billed grebe, because it dives in open water to get crayfish on the bottom of the pond

• The great egret, because it hunts in water near the edge of the pond for fish and other prey

• None of these

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

The Prairies Region and the Cross Timbers are located in north-central Texas. The graph below shows information about eating habits of white-tailed deer in these regions. A Cross Timbers rancher is concerned about competition between the ranch animals and the deer. Based on the graph, which ranch animals compete for the most food with white-tailed deer?

• Cattle that eat grass and feed

• Goats that eat weeds and shrubs

• Turkeys that eat seeds and fruit

• Hogs that eat fruit, seeds, and feed

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Fish in a lake have to compete for space. Different fish have different optimal temperature ranges. The graph below shows the temperature ranges of four fish species. At which temperature range will there be the most competition for space among these fish species?

• 5°C to 10°C

• 10°C to 15°C

• 15°C to 20°C

• 25°C to 30°C

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which organisms in the food web shown above compete for the same food source in this environment?

• Grasshoppers and snakes

• Hawks and frogs

• Frogs and snakes

• Decomposers and grasses

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What is the primary geological feature of the Texas Hill Country?

• Mountains

• Plains

• Plateaus

• Hills

Which of the following ecosystems is most prevalent in Texas?

• Tropical Rainforest

• Desert

• Grassland

• Tundra