Ecosystem Dynamics and Population Factors

What is the term for the maximum population size that can be supported by the available resources in an environment?

• Biodiversity index

  
  

• Carrying capacity

  
  

• Population density

  
  

• Resource threshold

  
  

In a food web, which organisms are considered primary producers?

• Herbivores

  
  

• Carnivores

  
  

• Photosynthetic organisms

  
  

• Decomposers

  
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

How do abiotic factors differ from biotic factors in an ecosystem?

• Abiotic factors are living, while biotic factors are non-living

  
  

• Abiotic factors are non-living, while biotic factors are living

  
  

• Abiotic factors only affect plants

  
  

• Biotic factors only affect animals

  
  

 What typically happens to a predator population when prey population decreases?

• Predator population increases

  
  

• Predator population stays the same

  
  

• Predator population decreases

  
  

• Predators switch to eating plants

  
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which relationship best describes competition between organisms?

• Both organisms benefit

  
  

• One organism benefits while the other is unaffected

  
  

• Both organisms are harmed

  
  

• One organism benefits while the other is harmed

  
  

What is biodiversity?

• The study of living organisms

  
  

• The variety of life in an ecosystem

  
  

• The number of predators in an area

  
  

• The amount of available resources

  
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

In an energy pyramid, what percentage of energy is typically transferred to the next trophic level?

• 100%

• 50%

• 10%

• 1%

Which factor would NOT affect an ecosystem's carrying capacity?

• Available water

  
  

• Food supply

  
  

• The color of animals

  
  

• Living space

  
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What happens when two species compete for the same limited resource?

•  Both species always die out

  
  

• One species may be displaced or adapt

  
  

• The species merge into one

  
  

•  Competition always benefits both species

  
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

How do decomposers contribute to energy flow in an ecosystem?

• They produce their own food

  
  

• They eat only plants

• They break down dead organisms

  
  

• They compete with predators

  
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3