Review - Ecol. Relationships, Biotic/Abiotic Factors; Ecol. Org.

What is a population?

• A group of different species

• A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area

• The total number of organisms in an ecosystem

• A large area characterized by climate

Answer explanation

A population refers specifically to a group of individuals of the same species living in the same area, distinguishing it from other options that describe different ecological concepts.

Which example represents a community?

• A) A town of prairie dogs

• B) Prairie dogs, badgers, and quail in the same area

• C) A forest ecosystem

• D) A biome

Answer explanation

Choice B represents a community as it includes multiple species (prairie dogs, badgers, and quail) interacting in the same area, which defines a biological community. The other options describe different ecological levels.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

An ecosystem includes which of the following?

• Only living organisms

• Only nonliving components

• Living organisms and their physical environment

• Only animals and plants

Answer explanation

An ecosystem consists of both living organisms and their physical environment, including nonliving components like soil, water, and climate. This interaction is essential for sustaining life, making the correct choice 'Living organisms and their physical environment'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What characterizes a biome?

• It contains multiple ecosystems

• It is defined by its climate, plants, and animals

• It includes only one species

• It is a small area of land

Answer explanation

A biome is characterized by its climate, plants, and animals, which define the environment and the types of ecosystems present. The other options are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the broader concept of a biome.

What type of relationship is a predator-prey interaction?

• Mutualism

• Parasitism

• Competition

• Community interaction

Answer explanation

A predator-prey interaction is a type of community interaction, where one organism (the predator) feeds on another (the prey). This relationship affects population dynamics and ecosystem balance.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What are biotic factors?

• Nonliving components of an ecosystem

• Living components of an ecosystem

Answer explanation

Biotic factors refer to the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. They interact with each other and their environment, influencing the ecosystem's structure and function.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Which of the following is an abiotic factor?

• A) Animals

• B) Fungi

• C) Water

• D) Plants

Answer explanation

Water is an abiotic factor, meaning it is a non-living component of the environment. In contrast, animals, fungi, and plants are all biotic factors, as they are living organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

How do biotic and abiotic factors interact?

• They do not interact

• They can only impact one another in extreme conditions

• They interact to support life

• They are completely separate

Answer explanation

Biotic factors, like plants and animals, interact with abiotic factors, such as water and sunlight, to create a balanced ecosystem. This interaction is essential for supporting life, making the correct answer "They interact to support life."

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What happens to biodiversity as you move toward the equator?

• It decreases

• It stays the same

• It increases

• It becomes uniform

Answer explanation

Biodiversity tends to increase as you move toward the equator due to warmer temperatures and more stable climates, which support a greater variety of species. This makes "It increases" the correct answer.

Which biome has very low biodiversity?

• Tropical rainforest

• Desert

• Tundra

• Temperate forest

Answer explanation

The tundra biome has very low biodiversity due to its harsh climate, short growing seasons, and limited vegetation. In contrast, tropical rainforests, deserts, and temperate forests support a wider variety of species.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5