Watersheds and Ecosystems Quiz

What is a watershed?

• An area of land where all water drains into the same place

• A type of underground water storage

• A type of wetland

• A type of pollution

Answer explanation

A watershed is defined as an area of land where all water drains into the same place, such as a river or lake. This makes the first choice the correct answer, as it accurately describes the concept of a watershed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which of the following is an example of surface water?

• River

• Aquifer

• Groundwater

• Glacier

Answer explanation

A river is a natural flowing watercourse, making it a clear example of surface water. In contrast, an aquifer and groundwater are found underground, while a glacier is solid ice, not liquid water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is groundwater?

• Water stored in underground rock layers called aquifers

• Water found only in rivers

• Water that evaporates into the air

• Water used for irrigation only

Answer explanation

Groundwater is defined as water stored in underground rock layers called aquifers. This distinguishes it from water found in rivers, evaporated water, or water used solely for irrigation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Which human activity helps hold soil in place and prevents erosion?

• Planting trees, grass, and shrubs

• Cutting down trees

• Building parking lots

• Overusing groundwater

Answer explanation

Planting trees, grass, and shrubs helps hold soil in place with their roots, reducing erosion. In contrast, cutting down trees, building parking lots, and overusing groundwater can lead to increased soil erosion.

How do wetlands and retention ponds benefit watersheds?

• They act as natural filters and slow down stormwater

• They increase pollution

• They reduce biodiversity

• They cause erosion

Answer explanation

Wetlands and retention ponds benefit watersheds by acting as natural filters that remove pollutants and by slowing down stormwater, which helps prevent flooding and erosion.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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What is biodiversity?

• The variety of life within an ecosystem

• The amount of water in a watershed

• The number of rivers in an area

• The amount of pollution in a river

Answer explanation

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life within an ecosystem, encompassing different species, genetic variations, and ecological processes. This diversity is crucial for ecosystem health and resilience.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

How do producers support ecosystems?

• They capture energy from the sun

• They eat other animals

• They recycle nutrients

• They pollute water

Answer explanation

Producers, like plants, capture energy from the sun through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain and supporting ecosystems by providing energy for other organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

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What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

• They recycle nutrients back into the soil

• They produce oxygen

• They cause erosion

• They increase runoff

Answer explanation

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning essential nutrients to the soil. This process enriches the soil, promoting plant growth and maintaining ecosystem balance, making 'They recycle nutrients back into the soil' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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What is one harmful effect of deforestation in a watershed?

• More erosion and muddy rivers

• Cleaner water

• Increased biodiversity

• More groundwater

Answer explanation

Deforestation removes trees that stabilize soil, leading to increased erosion. This results in muddy rivers, which can harm aquatic life and reduce water quality, making 'more erosion and muddy rivers' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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Why is it important to protect watersheds for both humans and ecosystems?

• Both depend on clean water for survival

• Only humans need clean water

• Only plants need clean water

• Watersheds do not affect ecosystems

Answer explanation

Protecting watersheds is crucial because both humans and ecosystems rely on clean water for survival. Healthy watersheds ensure a sustainable water supply, supporting biodiversity and human health.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4