DOL: 2/6/25 Interdependence in Ecosystems Quiz

In an ecosystem, how might the removal of a top predator affect the population dynamics of its prey and the overall food web?

• The prey population will decrease, leading to a more stable ecosystem.

• The prey population will increase, potentially causing overgrazing and affecting other species.

• The prey population will remain unchanged, as other predators will fill the gap.

• The prey population will increase, but it will have no impact on the food web.

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Consider a forest ecosystem where deer and rabbits compete for the same food resources. If a disease significantly reduces the rabbit population, what strategic reasoning can be used to predict the impact on the deer population?

• The deer population will decrease due to increased competition.

• The deer population will increase due to reduced competition for food.

• The deer population will remain stable as they do not rely on the same resources.

• The deer population will decrease due to a lack of predators.

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Analyze the following scenario: In a marine ecosystem, a sudden increase in the population of small fish is observed. What could be a strategic explanation for this change, considering predator-prey relationships?

• A decrease in the population of their predators, such as larger fish or birds.

• An increase in the availability of their prey, such as plankton.

• A decrease in the water temperature, affecting predator metabolism.

• An increase in human fishing activities targeting small fish.

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In a grassland ecosystem, how might the introduction of a new herbivore species affect the existing herbivore populations and the plant community?

• The new species will have no impact as ecosystems are self-regulating.

• The new species will compete for resources, potentially leading to a decline in existing herbivore populations.

• The new species will increase plant diversity by promoting different growth patterns.

• The new species will cause an increase in predator populations, balancing the ecosystem.

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Evaluate the impact of a prolonged drought on a terrestrial food web, focusing on resource competition and ecosystem interactions.

• Increased plant growth due to reduced water availability.

• Decreased competition among herbivores due to abundant resources.

• Increased competition among herbivores for limited plant resources, affecting the entire food web.

• No significant impact as ecosystems are resilient to changes.

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Based on the graph, what happens to the amount of kelp as sea otter numbers decrease?

• As the sea otter population decreases, kelp increases.

• As the sea otter population decreases, kelp decreases.

• As the sea otter population decreases, kelp doesn't change.

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This interaction occurs when lions, cheetahs, and leopards all need the same food source.

• Intraspecific Competition

• Interspecific Competition

• Predation

• Mutualism

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Which interaction type is it when different male lions strive to find territories?

• Intraspecific Competition

• Interspecific Competition

• Commensalism

• Mutualism

When two or more organisms use or consume the same resource, it is what type of relationship? (hint: look at the snake and the eagle, what are they consuming in common?)

• Parasitism

• Mutualisms

• Commensalism

• Competition

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Which of the following would increase competition in an ecosystem?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Competing for limited resources like water and food would lead to an increase in competition.

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