Unit 10 Review Ecology and Relationships in Ecosystems

What is the term for a relationship where both organisms benefit?

• Parasitism

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Predation

Answer explanation

The term for a relationship where both organisms benefit is called mutualism. In mutualism, both species gain advantages, unlike parasitism (one benefits at the other's expense) or commensalism (one benefits without affecting the other).

Which of the following is a limiting factor in an ecosystem?

• Space

• Color

• Shape

• Sound

Answer explanation

Space is a limiting factor in an ecosystem because it determines the area available for organisms to live, find food, and reproduce. Without sufficient space, populations can become overcrowded, leading to competition and resource depletion.

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What do we call the maximum number of individuals an environment can support?

• Population density

• Carrying capacity

• Limiting factor

• Resource availability

Answer explanation

The maximum number of individuals an environment can support is called the carrying capacity. It reflects the balance between resource availability and population growth.

Which of the following is an example of a predator-prey relationship?

• Bee and flower

• Lion and zebra

• Tick and dog

• Remora and shark

Answer explanation

The lion and zebra exemplify a predator-prey relationship, where the lion hunts and feeds on the zebra. In contrast, the other options involve different interactions, such as mutualism or parasitism.

What is an invasive species?

• A native species that helps the ecosystem

• A species introduced to a new area that causes harm

• A species that is endangered

• A species that only eats plants

Answer explanation

An invasive species is defined as a species that is introduced to a new area and causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health. This distinguishes it from native or endangered species.

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Which of the following is NOT a type of symbiotic relationship?

• Mutualism

• Parasitism

• Competition

• Commensalism

Answer explanation

Competition is not a type of symbiotic relationship; it refers to the struggle between organisms for the same resources. In contrast, mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism are all forms of symbiosis.

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Which factor would most likely decrease a population in an ecosystem?

• Increased food supply

• More available water

• More predators

• More shelter

Answer explanation

More predators in an ecosystem can lead to increased predation on prey species, which can decrease their population. In contrast, factors like increased food supply, water, and shelter typically support population growth.

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Which of the following is an example of a limiting factor?

• Amount of sunlight

• Number of colors in the ecosystem

• Shape of leaves

• Type of soil

Answer explanation

The amount of sunlight is a limiting factor because it directly affects photosynthesis and plant growth. Insufficient sunlight can restrict the number of plants in an ecosystem, impacting the entire food web.

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Which of the following best describes commensalism?

• Both organisms benefit

• One benefits, the other is harmed

• One benefits, the other is unaffected

• Both are harmed

Answer explanation

Commensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected. This distinguishes it from mutualism (both benefit) and parasitism (one benefits, the other is harmed).

Which of the following is an example of parasitism?

• Bird eating a worm

• Tick feeding on a dog

• Fish swimming in a school

• Deer eating grass

Answer explanation

Parasitism is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another. A tick feeding on a dog exemplifies this, as the tick derives nourishment while harming the dog, unlike the other options which do not represent parasitism.

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