Ecosystem Energy Flow & Matter Cycling

Which statement best describes the movement of energy through a food chain?

• Each level gains energy from the one below but loses some as heat.

• Every trophic level receives equal energy from the sun.

• Energy increases with each higher trophic level.

• Decomposers recycle all the energy used by organisms.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Over the last several decades, the population of butterflies that pollinate wildflowers has dropped sharply. Which long-term effect is most likely?

• The number of flowering plant species may decrease.

• All plants in the ecosystem will become extinct.

• New predators will start eating butterflies.

• The number of herbivores will immediately increase.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

The kudzu vine, an invasive plant, grows rapidly and blocks sunlight from reaching native plants. What is the most likely environmental impact?

• Native plants will thrive due to added shade.

• Native plant populations will decrease over time.

• Soil nutrients will increase.

• Herbivore numbers will rise sharply.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Why is having many different species important to the health of an ecosystem?

• It helps the ecosystem resist disturbances and recover faster.

• It ensures one species can take over all available resources.

• It decreases competition for food and space.

• It increases the number of predators.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

A farmer uses the same pesticide for several years to control beetles. What outcome is most likely?

• More beetles become resistant to that pesticide.

• Beetle populations disappear completely.

• Pesticides begin to affect only plants.

• Beetles evolve weaker immune systems.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

In an energy pyramid, which level contains the smallest amount of energy?

• Producers

• Primary consumers

• Secondary consumers

• Top predators

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which type of ecosystem is likely to be most sustainable?

• One with many interacting species and balanced food webs

• One with a single dominant predator

• One with very few producers

• One with mostly decomposers

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What happens to most of the energy that is not passed to the next trophic level?

• It is lost to the environment as heat.

• It is stored permanently in dead organisms.

• It is converted into sunlight.

• It is recycled back to the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which environmental change would likely have long-term effects on an entire ecosystem?

• Long-term drought that reduces water supply

• A one-day thunderstorm

• A brief cold front

• A single animal migration event

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which process provides the main energy input for most ecosystems?

• Photosynthesis

• Condensation

• Decomposition

• Erosion

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6