Balance of Nature: Unit Review

When studying fossils, scientists can learn about past organisms and environments. Scientists can infer how past organisms moved, what they ate, what body covering they had, and/or leaf shape. Analyze the images of fossils and match them with what a scientist can infer about the organism.

• what they ate

• what body covering they had

• leaf shape

• movement

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Which observation demonstrates an organism interacting with abiotic factors in its environment?

• Observation 1

  Plants trampled by kids

• Observation 2

  grasshopper jumped off blade of grass

• Observation 3

  walking stick was camouflaged on a tree branch

• Observation 4

  pill bug crawling through soil

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Describe ONE example of how matter is cycled within this ecosystem and ONE example of the flow of energy in the forest food web in the image above.

• Matter is cycled through decomposition and energy flows from producers to consumers.

• Matter is cycled through photosynthesis and energy flows from consumers to producers.

• Matter is cycled through respiration and energy flows from decomposers to producers.

• Matter is cycled through evaporation and energy flows from producers to decomposers.

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SC 5.12B predict how changes in the ecosystem affect the cycling of matter and flow of energy in a food web. Imagine a forest ecosystem where a new species of fox is introduced. This fox species eats the same animals as the native fox population. How might this change affect the flow of energy in the food web?

• The population of hawks will decrease.

• The frog population will increase.

• The rabbit population will decrease.

• The mouse population will increase.

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What is a key characteristic of a healthy ecosystem?

• High levels of pollution

• A diverse range of organisms

• A single dominant species

• Limited resources

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Which TWO statements best describe structures that allow them to survive in this environment?

• a. a thick layer of fat to insulate from the cold

• b. hibernation during the harsh winter months

• c. light-colored to blend in with the snowy environment

• d. black noses to smell the snow

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which of the following is an example of a structure that helps plants survive in the rainforest?

• a. thin, small leaves to collect water

• b. round flat leaves to float on top of the water

• c. wide, large leaves to capture sunlight

• d. thick leaves to create shade and reflect sunlight

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Which of these is a behavior that a platypus most likely learns from its parent?

• Laying eggs in a burrowed tunnel

• Drinking milk from their mothers

• Growling softly when disturbed

• Releasing venom when threatened

Which of the following is most likely an instinctual behavior for this animal?

• Being nocturnal

• Knowing where to find fruits

• Hissing when scared

• Identifying safe areas to hide

Which TWO of the following statements provide evidence that:

monarch butterflies interact with other biotic (LIVING) factors in their environment?

• Monarch butterflies lay eggs on milkweed plants, which provide food for caterpillars.

• Monarch butterflies migrate to the north and back using an internal “compass.”

• Monarch butterflies communicate with scents and colors.

• Monarch butterflies feed on nectar while pollinating wildflowers.

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