Exploring Aquatic Life and Ecosystems

A marine biologist is studying a coral reef ecosystem. Which of the following abiotic factors would most likely influence the distribution of coral species in this ecosystem?

• The number of fish species

• The salinity of the water

• The presence of sea turtles

• The diversity of algae

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A population of deer in a forest is observed to be decreasing over time. Which of the following factors could be a limiting factor affecting the carrying capacity of the deer population?

• An increase in the number of predators

• A decrease in the number of trees

• An increase in the birth rate

• A decrease in the emigration rate

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

In a swamp ecosystem, the population size of a certain frog species is determined by several factors. Which of the following is an abiotic factor that could limit the population size of the frogs?

• The availability of insects as food

• The presence of birds of prey

• The temperature of the environment

• The competition with other frog species

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

In a marine system, which of the following is considered an abiotic component?

• The coral reefs

• The ocean currents

• The fish populations

• The seaweed

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

In a terrestrial ecosystem, which of the following is a biotic component that could affect the ecosystem's health?

• The soil composition

• The amount of rainfall

• The presence of herbivores

• The temperature range

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Consider a food web in an estuary ecosystem. Which of the following organisms is most likely to be a producer?

• A black tip shark

• A mosquito

• A mangrove tree

• A rosate spoonbill

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

In a food web, which of the following best describes the role of decomposers?

• They produce energy through photosynthesis.

• They consume primary producers.

• They break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients.

• They are at the top of the food chain.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following statements best explains the reduction of available energy at successive trophic levels in a food web?

• Energy is created at each trophic level.

• Energy is lost as heat at each trophic level.

• Energy is stored indefinitely at each trophic level.

• Energy is transferred without any loss at each trophic level.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following is a consequence of the loss of biodiversity due to human activity?

• Increased stability of ecosystems

• Decreased resilience to environmental changes

• Enhanced genetic diversity

• Improved ecosystem services

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

How might the introduction of an invasive, non-native species affect the biodiversity of an ecosystem?

• It could increase the native species population.

• It could lead to the extinction of native species.

• It could have no impact on the ecosystem.

• It could enhance the genetic diversity of native species.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-5