Population Changes in an Ecosystem

The graph represents the populations of two different species in an ecosystem over a period of several years. Which statement is the best possible explanation for the changes shown?

• Species Y is a parasite that has benefited Species X.

• Species Y is better adapted to this environment.

• Species X is better adapted to this environment.

• Species X is a predator of Species Y.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Plethodontidae are a family of salamanders that lack lungs. A plethodontid salamander breathes moist air through its skin and the mucous membrane in its mouth and throat. Which type of environment are plethodontid salamanders better adapted to than salamanders with lungs?

• Tropical environments

• Tundra environments

• Desert environments

• Grassland environments

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

There are many different species of rat snakes in the United States. Three species are described in the table. Species | Color | Habitats ---|---|--- Texas rat snake | Brown, gray, yellow; Green splotches on body | Forests, Grasslands, Suburbs, Urban areas Yellow rat snake | Bright yellow; Brownish or black stripes on body | Pine flatlands, Shrubs, Forests, Cypress swamps, Citrus groves Black rat snake | Black; Some white on belly and mouth | Fields, Woodlands, Farmlands, Suburbs These species are similar but have different color patterns. Which statement BEST explains these differences in color?

• A. Each snake population adapted to a different environment over time.

• B. Each snake population moved to a different environment to reproduce.

• C. Each individual snake changed its color to match its environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which of the following is the best evidence of a biodiversity crisis according to ecological scientists?

• Increasing pollution levels

• Climate change

• The incursion of a non-native species

• High rate of extinction

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

The picture below shows two ecosystems, J and K. Based on the picture, which ecosystem is most likely to sustain itself better than the other?

• Ecosystem J, because the types of plants in that environment are not edible for other animals

• Ecosystem J, because each type of organism gets the resources it needs to live in different ways

• Ecosystem K, because having only one species of plant will prevent invasive plants from destroying the environment

• Ecosystem K, because most of the water found in soil will stay close to the surface because the plants there have small root systems

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which of the following is the best measure of an ecosystem's sustainability?

• Location on Earth

• Amount of organisms

• Type of climate

• Level of biodiversity

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

How might an ecosystem with a large amount of biodiversity respond to a natural disaster like a flood?

• The ecosystem is likely to collapse at first, but over time new organisms will move into the environment.

• The ecosystem is likely to collapse, because the lack of resources will not be able to support so many species.

• The ecosystem is likely to sustain itself, with many organisms surviving to rebuild the environment.

• The ecosystem is likely to sustain itself at first, but over time the organisms will not adapt to the changes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The picture below shows the food webs of two different ecosystems. Which ecosystem is more likely to sustain itself for a longer period of time?

• Ecosystem X, because there are more plants than animals, so resources are unlimited

• Ecosystem Y, because there are more animals than plants, so the land will last longer

• Ecosystem X, because there are less species for the ecosystem to support

• Ecosystem Y, because greater biodiversity provides the organisms with a wide variety of food options

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The graph below shows a trend between species extinction and a changing human population. It can be inferred that –

• an increasing human population will have little effect on the stability of ecosystems.

• an increasing human population will cause extinction in ecosystems to decrease.

• areas affected by heavy human contact will have ecosystems with increased sustainability.

• areas affected by heavy human contact will have ecosystems with decreased sustainability.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Based on how biodiversity affects an ecosystem's sustainability, which graph most likely represents the trend of species types during the Phanerozoic eon?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1