Ecosystems and Their Characteristics Quiz

Which statement explains why desert ecosystems have fewer plants than tropical rainforests?

• Desert ecosystems receive less rainfall than tropical rainforests.

• Desert ecosystems have higher biodiversity than tropical rainforests.

• Tropical rainforests experience seasonal changes, while deserts do not.

• Tropical rainforests have cooler temperatures than desert ecosystems.

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How are deserts and grasslands similar?

• Both have plants adapted to survive with limited water.

• Both experience high levels of rainfall.

• Both are home to aquatic ecosystems.

• Both have consistently cold temperatures year-round.

How are salt marshes and estuaries similar?

• Both are affected by high and low tides.

• Both contain only salty ocean water.

• Both contain only fresh water from rivers.

• Both are affected by fast-moving water.

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This is a food chain in a forest ecosystem: plants → rabbits → coyotes → mountain lions. A harsh winter kills most of the rabbits. What is most likely to happen?

• The coyote population will increase, and the plant population will decrease.

• The mountain lion population will increase, and the plant population will remain stable.

• The coyote and mountain lion populations will decrease, and the plant population will increase.

• The coyote and mountain lion populations will remain stable, and the plant population will decrease.

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This is a food chain in a small pond ecosystem. sun → plants → small fish → large fish → heron. A disease spreads through the pond ecosystem and kills most of the small fish. What is most likely to happen?

• The large fish population will decrease, and the population of producers in the pond will increase.

• The large fish population will increase, and the population of producers in the pond will decrease.

• The populations of the large fish, the heron, and the producers in the pond will increase.

• The populations of large fish, herons, and the producers in the pond will decrease.

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Land clearing removes all of the plants from a large area. How will animals in the area most likely be affected by this change?

• The number of all types of animals in the area will go up because there is more open space.

• The number of all types of animals will go down because there are no producers in the area.

• The number of animals that eat other animals will not be affected, because they do not eat plants.

• The number of animals that eat other animals will go up because prey animals have nowhere to hide.

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A forest fire sweeps through a wooded area, destroying many homes of animals living there. What is the most likely immediate effect on the animal population?

• The population will increase due to new food sources.

• The population will remain stable.

• The population will decrease due to loss of habitat and potential injuries.

• The population will migrate to a different area permanently.

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A stream running through a forest becomes contaminated with toxic chemicals. What is the most likely effect on the aquatic life in the stream?

• Aquatic life will thrive due to the new chemicals.

• Aquatic life will remain unaffected.

• The aquatic life will be harmed or die due to the toxic chemicals.

• The aquatic life will adapt quickly to the new chemicals.

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What is the most likely effect of land clearing on animals in the affected area?

• Their population will increase due to new food sources.

• They will adapt quickly to the new environment.

• They will lose their habitat and be displaced.

• They will remain unaffected.

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Which model represents the correct sequence of levels of organization in living organisms?

• cell → tissue → organ system → organ

• organ system → organ → tissue → cell

• cell → tissue → organ → organ system

• organ → cell → tissue → organ system

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