Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

A scientist observes that meerkats take turns watching for predators while others eat. What evidence does this provide about group living?

• Meerkats like to play together

• Group living helps meerkats stay safe and find food

• Meerkats are always hungry

• Group living makes meerkats tired

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A chart shows that zebras in herds are attacked by predators less often than zebras alone. What conclusion can you draw?

• Zebras are faster in groups

• Predators like groups

• Herds help protect zebras from predators

• Zebras in herds eat less

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In a study, 80% of geese flying in a V formation reach their destination, while only 50% flying alone do. What does this tell you?

• Geese fly faster alone

• Geese get lost in groups

• Geese eat more in groups

• Flying in groups helps more geese survive

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In an experiment, scientists record that fish in schools change direction quickly when a predator approaches, but single fish react more slowly. What does this suggest about group behavior?

• Fish in groups are slower

• Fish in groups are confused

• Group behavior allows faster communication and response

• Single fish are stronger

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Which of the following is the most scientifically accurate statement about animal group behavior?

• All animals do better in groups

• Group living can provide survival benefits, but may also increase competition for resources

• Animals in groups never face dangers

• Animals in groups always eat more

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In a grassland habitat, scientists observe that antelope populations thrive, rabbits survive in small numbers, and polar bears do not survive at all. Which claim is best supported by this evidence?

• Some organisms are better suited to certain habitats than others

• All animals can survive equally in grasslands

• Polar bears eat grass

• Rabbits are the best survivors everywhere

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Which of the following best explains why some animals, like ants, have specialized roles within their groups?

• To make the group look interesting

• Specialized roles help the group function more efficiently and survive

• Ants do not need roles

• To confuse predators

Which of the following is an example of mutualism in an ecosystem?

• Bees pollinating flowers, where both bees and flowers benefit

• Wolves hunting deer

• A lion chasing a zebra

• A bird eating seeds

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What type of ecosystem interaction occurs when barnacles attach to whales for transportation, but the whale is not affected?

• Parasitism

• Commensalism

• Mutualism

• Competition

Why are decomposers like fungi and bacteria important for ecosystem interrelations?

• They eat only plants

• They recycle nutrients from dead organisms back into the soil

• They compete with predators

• They provide shelter for animals

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