Ecosystem Dynamics Quiz

Emily is studying a pond ecosystem and notices that a new species of fish has been introduced. This fish eats the same food as the native fish. What is the most likely impact of this invasive species on the native fish population?

• The native fish population will increase.

• The native fish population will decrease.

• The native fish population will remain the same.

• The native fish population will become more diverse.

In a forest ecosystem, wolves are the top predators. If the wolf population suddenly decreases, what is the most likely effect on the deer population, which is their primary prey?

• The deer population will decrease.

• The deer population will increase.

• The deer population will remain the same.

• The deer population will become extinct.

A new plant species is introduced to a grassland ecosystem. This plant grows rapidly and covers large areas, preventing sunlight from reaching native plants. What is the most likely effect on the ecosystem?

• The native plant species will thrive.

• The native plant species will decline.

• The native plant species will remain unaffected.

• The native plant species will become more diverse.

In a marine ecosystem, sharks are removed due to overfishing. What is the most likely impact on the population of smaller fish that sharks usually prey on?

• The population of smaller fish will decrease.

• The population of smaller fish will increase.

• The population of smaller fish will remain the same.

• The population of smaller fish will become extinct.

A wetland is being restored after a period of drought. Which of the following actions would most likely help restore the balance of the ecosystem?

• Introducing a new predator species.

• Planting native vegetation.

• Removing all animal species.

• Draining the remaining water.

In a desert ecosystem, a new species of herbivorous insect is introduced. This insect feeds on the same plants as the native herbivores. What is the most likely effect on the native herbivore population?

• The native herbivore population will increase.

• The native herbivore population will decrease.

• The native herbivore population will remain the same.

• The native herbivore population will become more diverse.

A river ecosystem is experiencing an increase in algae due to nutrient pollution. What is the most likely effect on the fish population in this ecosystem?

• The fish population will increase.

• The fish population will decrease.

• The fish population will remain the same.

• The fish population will become more diverse.

In a grassland ecosystem, rabbits are the primary prey for foxes. If a disease reduces the rabbit population, what is the most likely effect on the fox population?

• The fox population will increase.

• The fox population will decrease.

• The fox population will remain the same.

• The fox population will become more diverse.