Ecosystem Changes and Biodiversity Quiz

Which of the following best describes how removing a top predator, like a wolf, from an ecosystem could affect the populations of other animals?

• All animal populations will decrease.

• Prey populations may increase, leading to overgrazing.

• Only the predator population will change.

• Plant populations will not be affected.

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A new disease wipes out a large portion of the rabbit population in a grassland ecosystem. What is the most likely effect on the fox population that relies on rabbits for food?

• The fox population will increase.

• The fox population will decrease.

• The fox population will stay the same.

• The foxes will become herbivores.

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If a factory pollutes a river, causing a decrease in oxygen levels, which aquatic population is most likely to be affected first?

• Fish that need a lot of oxygen

• Birds that live near the river

• Trees on the riverbank

• Insects that live on land

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Which of the following is an example of a physical change in an ecosystem that could affect animal populations?

• Introduction of a new predator

• A drought that dries up a pond

• A new disease affecting plants

• Migration of birds

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A school wants to help pollinators like bees and butterflies. Which solution would best support biodiversity?

• Planting a variety of native flowering plants

• Spraying pesticides on all plants

• Removing all flowers from the school grounds

• Mowing the grass every day

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To protect a local fish population, which design solution would be most effective?

• Allowing unlimited fishing

• Creating protected areas where fishing is not allowed

• Draining the lake

• Introducing more predators

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A new species of plant is introduced into a wetland ecosystem. How could this affect the populations of native plants and animals?

• The new plant will have no effect on the ecosystem.

• The new plant could outcompete native plants, reducing their populations and affecting animals that depend on them.

• All animal populations will increase.

• Only the new plant will benefit.

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A severe drought reduces the amount of water in a lake. Use reasoning to predict how this change might affect the populations of fish and birds in the area.

• Fish populations will increase, and bird populations will stay the same.

• Fish populations will decrease, leading to fewer birds that eat fish.

• Bird populations will increase because there is less water.

• There will be no effect on either population.

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A chemical spill kills many insects in a grassland. How could this impact the populations of birds that feed on these insects?

• Bird populations will decrease due to less food.

• Bird populations will not be affected.

• Insect populations will increase.

• Bird populations will increase.

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A town is deciding between two waste management solutions: (1) building a landfill or (2) starting a recycling program. Use evidence to evaluate which solution better maintains ecosystem services.

• Building a landfill, because it is cheaper.

• Starting a recycling program, because it reduces pollution and conserves resources.

• Both are equally good for the environment.

• Neither affects ecosystem services.

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